Kurosawa’s Samurai Cinema

Akira Kurosawa is well-known for his Samurai jidaigeki (costume drama) films like Seven Samurai, The Hidden Fortress and Yojimbo. Most of these films are revered for their fantastic action choreography and cinematography that showcases the state of the environment and the weather as much as the narrative.

They are also noted for being heavily influenced by Western films, with John Ford’s films being a huge reference point. Particularly, for their focus on individuals standing up against a huge threat. But they also used the important figure of the samurai to comment on issues facing both Japanese and worldwide audiences. Whether it be the inability to tell the full truth is what holds humanity back (Rashomon), the failure of those in power to help others (Seven Samurai), the corrupting nature of power (Throne of Blood), the ferocity of violence etc. Kurosawa’s samurai films were about using figures from the past to highlight problems with the present. 

Samurai and Jedi

Kurosawa’s influence on Star Wars is immediately obvious. Famously the plot of The Hidden Fortress deals with two peasants helping a princess during a war against a much bigger army with an older warrior’s help. Which is strikingly similar to A New Hope’s plot. The two peasants resemble both R2-D2 and C-3P0, in terms of plot function and their constant bickering, and Han Solo and Chewbacca, with their motivation revolving around greed and self-preservation. Additionally, Star Wars, like Hidden Fortress, features a dynamic between two rival warriors fighting to settle an old score. The masterless samurai of Seven Samurai and Yojimbo impacting small villages resemble Obi-Wan’s waltz through Mos Eisley. Additionally, Seven Samurai’s recruitment of a team of archetypes to fight the enemy is also something Star Wars uses. Lucas even reportedly approached actor Toshiro Mifune, Kurosawa’s most well-known collaborator to play Obi-Wan and later Darth Vader.

Stylistically Star Wars also incorporates wipe transitions. There are also landscape shots that demonstrate the character’s apparent insignificance next to the immensity of the environment. These were frequently featured in Kurosawa’s samurai stories. Some writers have also noted how the editing and cinematography during the fight between Obi-Wan and Darth Vader bears similarities to a duel in Hidden Fortress.

Then of course there is a lot of thematic overlap too. Both Kurosawa’s early samurai work and Star Wars use figures of cultural and mythological significance and settings outside of the present to comment on current issues. Star Wars comments on imperialism with the technologically superior Empire fighting against the rag-tag rebel forces. Lucas expressly linked to American interference in Vietnam but also commented on how this repeats throughout history. And they also focus on individuals making a difference by fighting oppressive forces for the oppressed and for future generations.

George Lucas’ Star Wars

It’s easy to see why George Lucas was so attracted to Kurosawa’s samurai tales for inspiration. Lucas’s films frequently dealt with figures of the past commenting on the issues affecting the present and future. Whether it be the hopeful Buck Rodgers serial sharply contrasting the stifling authoritarianism of THX-1138 or American Graffiti, the coming-of-age lament for the generation who by the time of the film’s release were being sent to die for American imperialism in Vietnam. So when looking for inspiration for his sci-fi fantasy that used many mythological and cultural touchstones to comment on imperialism it’s easy to see why Lucas drew inspiration from Akira Kurosawa. He was seen by many as the key samurai filmmaker and he dealt with similar thematic elements that critiqued power. But Lucas turned Kurosawa’s at times pessimistic outlook into one of refreshing optimism.

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Gamera copied Godzilla

Of course, rip-off/copy movies aren’t a new phenomenon, as this entry proves. Gamera was Daiei Studio’s answer to Godzilla and both movies have similar plots. Both are about giant monsters, awakened by atomic devices, attacking Japan while the government tries to find a solution to get rid of the monster. Gamera’s initial outing failed in comparison to Godzilla’s (Gamera (1965) has a critical rating of 20% and an audience score of 32% on Rotten Tomatoes. But Godzilla (1954) has a 93% critical rating and an 89% audience rating). Nonetheless, the giant fire breathing turtle has since found cult success with his own franchise.

Battle Beyond The Stars copied Star Wars and Seven Samurai

Produced by the low-budget film kingpin Roger Corman and written by future Oscar-nominated screenwriter John Sayles, Battle Beyond the Stars has a simple premise. Remake Seven Samurai with Star Wars’ sci-fi fantasy aesthetic. Despite BBTS’ cult following the general impression it left wasn’t favourable (Critics: 45% Audience: 41%) especially compared to the gargantuan success of Star Wars (Critics: 92% Audience: 96%) and Seven Samurai (Critics: 100% Audience: 97%).

Contamination copied Alien

But copies and rip-offs are hardly exclusive to the American and Japanese market. The 1980s Italian film industry produced many films to capitalise on international hits. Contamination was one of several releases produced to capitalise on Ridley Scott’s Alien. Mostly through its use of alien eggs which wreak havoc on the human body.  Needless to say, Contamination was unfavourably received compared to Alien (Contamination- Critics: 40% Audience: 29%. Alien- Critics: 98% Audience: 94%). But Contamination attained its own legacy when it became part of the infamous video nasties list.

Ator: The Fighting Eagle copied Conan the Barbarian

Speaking of Italian copies. Conan The Barbarian (1982) inspired many sword and sorcery films in the 80s and Ator: The Fighting Eagle is incredibly close to Conan in terms of story elements. Focusing on a musclebound sword-wielding hero’s quest for revenge against an animal-themed cult leader who killed his parents and kidnapped a young woman. Although Ator couldn’t copy Conan’s success with audiences (Conan has a 74% audience rating, Ator has 14%), Ator acquired 3 sequels. A lot more than the Conan series.  

Mac and Me copied E.T.

Now we get to one of the weirdest rip-offs on our list. This movie focuses on an alien that comes to Earth and befriends a child while a shadowy organisation pursues him (sound familiar?). What makes this title weird is that it was created to promote McDonald’s and its charities. Predictably this knock-off suffered poorly (Critics: 0% Audience: 38%) in the shadow of the classic movie it copied (Critics: 98% Audience: 72%).

Snakes on a Train copied Snakes on a Plane

Snakes on a Train is very emblematic of most of The Asylum film studio’s output. Their titles are made to lure people in by being as close as they can to other films. Both this and Snakes on a Plane concern snakes coming after people in confined spaces. Snakes on a Plane didn’t receive rave reviews (49% Audience Score on RT). Even so, Snakes on a Train was hated (18% Audience Score).

Ratatoing copied Ratatouille

Video Brinquedo was one of the most shameless modern mockbuster companies. Released to bank off the success of Pixar’s Ratatouille, both movies deal with a rodent obsessed with making food. However, Ratatouille won an Oscar and is loved by audiences (87%) and critics (96%). While everyone dislikes Ratatoing’s ugly style and cheap animation (27% on RT).

Thank you for joining me on this excursion into the land of copies and rip-offs. What rip-offs do you hate? Have you ever mistakenly bought any copycat titles? Conversely, are there any copycats that are better than their inspiration? Please let us know.

Also Read: Online Film Festivals Are Here To Stay

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