I am sure that someone will correct me if I am wrong, but Star Wars
was a film of (I think) 1977 or 1978. It is possible that Lucas
was influenced by Secret Fortress or Seven Samurai or Throne of
Blood, but among Kurosawa's undeniably great films, both Ran and
Dreams were produced years later than Lucas's film--Ran was about
1984 or 85 and Dreams was not earlier than 1989, possibly 90--I
don't have the relevant reference books handy.
There are a number of interesting problems to address on medievalism,
archetypal stories, and the attraction of sf, and I will try to
find time for them without sending any spoilers, but I am afraid
the Kurosawa connection (other than the natural admiration any
director would have for his greatness and the sheer beauty and
brilliance of his films) is pretty tenuous.
Tom Dilingham ([log in to unmask])
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