The Hidden Fortress | Samurai Film Review [Reupload]

[This is a reupload of my review for "The Hidden Fortress" which was claimed and blocked by Toho even after dispute. This version of the review will unfortunately just show pictures instead of footage from the film.]
In this classic Samurai film review, we examine yet another Akira Kurosawa classic, "The Hidden Fortress". A film that showcases a clear tonal shift for Kurosawa and would also go on to influence none other than George Lucas.
"The Hidden Fortress" is the property of Toho.
Music: Namaste by Audionautix
Namaste by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (creativecommon...)
Artist: audionautix.com/
Social Media:
Facebook: / theshogunateyoutube
Twitter: / shogunatethe
#Samurai #Film #Review

[@koroba01]

Yes, saw Hidden Fortress ages ago, really enjoyed it. I re-watched it after Star Wars Episode lll came out to see the similarities. Another Kurosawa classic. Actually I just realized it deserves another viewing.

[@kapitan19969838]

Never submit, keep reuploading my lad! I fully support You, WE fully support You!

[@TheShogunate]

Thank you!

[@SSGTStryker]

It’s incredibly ignorant on their part considering it’s essentially free advertising. Although most of us who study the history of the Samurai and are also Kurosawa fans, are very familiar with his work. There’s plenty of newer viewers who are not. This is an incredible opportunity for Toho to gain new viewers and the last time I checked, they’re not advertising to American audiences.

[@TheShogunate]

I know right??

[@anasevi9456]

​ @The Shogunate Japanese companies always seem to hire the most on track minded law firms to protect their IP. Their heads would explode before they would comprehend fair use or why exposure is good. Meanwhile I can pretty much watch any chinese historical epic on youtube in full length and be sure it will still be up in a decade XD

[@hotrod3395]

I am willing to pay a significant sum on money to have reliable, convenient access to the various NHK Taigas from over the decades. I have looked and looked and looked, the only way to get them outside of stealing them is buying the DvDs (for $1000's by the way) and then adding subtitles yourself, if desired. Come on, now. If you make your stuff available and people steal it to stream anyway, I can understand the reaction, but when it's not even commercially available to the people looking for it? That's just throwing money away.

[@creed22solar123]

@@anasevi9456 Same as Samurai once, seems japanese companies are not keeping up with the ever changing world xD Don't get me wrong I love everything samurai and japanese, but it's just a fair observation. So their heads would most likely indeed explode haha

[@archerkayson7892]

you probably dont care but does anyone know a trick to log back into an Instagram account..? I was stupid lost the login password. I would love any tricks you can give me.

[@cosmoflanker]

I have heard of this happening before where Japanese corporations just don't "get" the concept of a review and the fact that it's basically free advertising. In fact after seeing your original review I decided it was finally time to go watch Hidden Fortress and found it on Amazon where I could rent it (yes I was going to actually PAY for it). Was waiting for when I had the time to watch the whole thing at once, when I saw your notice about the copyright claim. Right put me off of watching it and thus PAYING for it. Guess I just won't watch it after all. Good Job Toho!

[@melissamarsh2219]

Somehow I’d like to imagine what Toshiro Mifune would be like as Obi-Wan Kenobi

[@patrickcannady2066]

He would be a badass, like he always was.

[@tommyfoley]

I understand your critique of the over all music. But I love the fire festival song. So I have to give the music a thumbs up 👍.

[@bobschenkel7921]

The Hidden Fortress is one of many Akira Kurosawa films in my DVD collection, Blu-Ray. One little side note, there is a quick repeat character in this film from Seven Samurai. When the farmers are scouting in the larger town for samurai, one samurai with a big ornate mustache walks by for a couple of seconds. The same actor appears in Hidden Fortress in a similar scene when he walks past as the four main characters arrive in their first town. The actor walks straight at the camera and out, but it is the same guy, no doubt.

[@TheShogunate]

Oooo I think I know exactly who you are talking about, that's awesome!

[@rexremedy1733]

Using pictures is perfectly fine and does not hurt the quality of the video whatsoever.

[@masterofmagic99]

Gotta love the hypocrisy of copyright laws. Will be re-watching as i did with previous re-upload to help support the channel!

[@dark_lord_0169]

I don't really know why your video was blocked, I think still think it falls under fair use.

[@TheShogunate]

It does 100%

[@A_Toastonawhiteplate]

Started watching the movie yesterday and I agree with the dragging start of the movie

[@treasey8655]

I personally did not expect it to be this comedic and the more emotional scenes did not hit for me. But all in all I still enjoyed it as an adventure movie and the two friends I found quite funny and charming to watch.

[@scullycasey]

Thank you for your critiques of many of my favorite Samurai films. I hope that you will consider posting a review of a film I use to introduce friends to the Samurai genre: Masaki Kobayashi's 1962 masterpiece, Harakiri. I feel that this film is not nearly as well known in the U.S. as it should be, if for no other reason than for its nested narrative structure.

[@jesseowenvillamor6348]

You have great taste, my friend. It is one of the best samurai films

[@samspencer582]

This is a great movie and Kurosawa is my favorite director and guess what, Mifune is my favorite actor. The picture at 1:45 I have framed on my wall.

[@masoodvoon8999]

Ya although I saw it maybe 20 years ago I do remember that first act slump. Any idea why Kurosawa and Mifune later grew apart?

[@AJDraws]

This film made me lose so much respect for George Lucas. Here I learnt how little originality Star Wars actually had. I have since shifted my stance against Lucas, as I have, as I got older realized that nothing in media is truly original. But the impact it had on me was the first realization that no idea is truly an original creation.

[@epeeypen]

yo.. so i just watched this movie first time.. went online to see what other people say and ran into this video.. I have to disagree that the character development for the two Peasants is shown in their trust for each other and willingness to let the other one hold the gold. I know its a bit shallow but with that long one of a run time its acceptable. just my opinion tho

[@jomon723]

Living in Japan, That is pretty standard here now. ... Too Bad' Can't think outside the box now, but there are good parts too, The new Toho, the old Toho would welcome it Reply

[@t-7777]

Is the film action packed

[@lakshmanmardi9667]

Samurai rebellion review too please

[@samspencer582]

Tahei and Matashichi makes this movie great and funny. Without them this movie would not be so good. They are the main characters and Mifune is almost a third character. Kurosawa can make use of a Widescreen that most directors can´t at least directors of today.

[@MastemaJack]

Thats some serious BS that Toho claimed your video. No need for spoilers basically everyone has seen Star Wars.

[@carbonado2432]

Do a Nemuri Kyoshiro movie, i like movie 2 3 4 and 7

[@mikotagayuna8494]

Free advertising like this for timeless films is especially valuable because most of the people who worked on this film are now dead. Japanese history and culture does not belong exclusively to the Japanese as one would guard a treasure trove.

[@BeachTypeZaku]

Screw them, I smashed my VHS of this movie over it. I'm tired of these pretenders and companies, doing this just to get a dime out of me. Forget it, you lost a fan in me, toho.

[@matthewct8167]

Toho is getting ridiculous