This week in “awesome film happenings you don’t see everyday,” the 1958 Akira Kurosawa epic The Hidden Fortress is being screened at The Frida Cinema, as part of this month’s hat tip to the influential Japanese director.
Credited as one of the films responsible for inspiring George Lucas’ Star Wars, reigning Kurosawa collaborator Toshiro Mifune stars as a soldier who smuggles a princess of his clan and some smuggled treasure across enemy borders with the help of some clueless peasants unaware of the princess’ identity.
Filmed in crisp black and white with brilliant dramatic performances and action scenes, this elegant masterpiece will simply reinforce Kurosawa’s legacy as one of the best auteurs of all time.
The Hidden Fortress at The Frida Cinema, 305 E. 4th St. #100, Santa Ana, (714) 285-9422; www.thefridacinema.org. Mon.-Tues., July 16-17, 3:30, 6 and 8:30 p.m. $$7-10.
Aimee Murillo is calendar editor and frequently covers film and previously contributed to the OCW’s long-running fashion column, Trendzilla. Don’t ask her what her favorite movie is unless you want to hear her lengthy defense of Showgirls.