kurosawa weaves tale cast characters diverse shakespearean drama acting true story star playing role part larger tale touching funny intriguing parts character development near perfect cinematography vivid engaging story draws inbr br i would like say samurai freaks obsessed late th th century dynastic tales japan may snub film kurosawas best work perhaps best even worst kurosawa better many best story based elevating mundane lives ordinary people time great change timeless despite set notsodistant pastbr br i would heartily recommend movie buff especially likely continue read novel film based