An epic samurai adventure flowing with exhilarating action and sharp humor, told through the eyes of the lowliest characters on a desperate flight through war-torn landscapes.
The Hidden Fortress
隠し砦の三悪人
"What you make of another's kindness is up to you."
Director:
Akira Kurosawa
Cast:
Toshirō Mifune, Minoru Chiaki, Kamatari Fujiwara, Misa Uehara, Susumu Fujita
Drama
Action
Adventure
Box Office:
$57,673
The Hidden Fortress - Easter Eggs & Hidden Details
Easter Eggs
The Influence on "Star Wars"
The most significant "easter egg" is the film's profound influence on George Lucas's Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope. Key parallels include:
- The story being told from the perspective of two bickering, low-status characters (Tahei and Matashichi as the basis for C-3PO and R2-D2).
- A headstrong princess (Yuki/Leia) being escorted to safety by a loyal general (Makabe/Obi-Wan Kenobi).
- The use of wipe transitions between scenes, a stylistic trademark of both films.
- Visual similarities, such as Darth Vader's helmet being modeled on samurai armor.
Reference in "The Phantom Menace"
George Lucas returned to the plot structure of The Hidden Fortress more directly for Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace. In this film, a royal (Queen Amidala) is escorted across enemy territory in disguise by two Jedi protectors, mirroring Princess Yuki's journey with General Makabe.