A retelling of Macbeth, set in feudal Japan, as phantom visions overtake a samurai warrior (Toshiro Mifune), instructing him that he will soon be king of Spider Web's Castle, while igniting his wife's (Isuzu Yamada) ruthless ambition. Superb visuals (the spectral forest scene is a highlight) and the exceptionally controlled madness of Mifune (including his phenomenal, balletic unhingement during the dinner scene) dominate this superb Kurosawa adaptation. Yamada also bears a striking power in her performance and the finale is nothing short of breathtaking.
**** out of ****
