Brief Intro
Akira Kurosawa’s 1958 classic, The Hidden Fortress , is an adventurous journey through feudal Japan. Following the misadventures of two bumbling peasants and a fierce princess, the film combines action , humor, and drama , influencing generations of filmmakers, including George Lucas for Star Wars .
Literary Devices Used in The Hidden Fortress
Metaphor
Movie Scene Device Example The journey through enemy territory The hidden fortress as a metaphor for inner strength. Princess Yuki’s disguise Her peasant guise as a metaphor for humility and survival
Simile
Movie Scene Device Example Tahei and Matashichi’s relationship Compared to a pair of quarreling children The general’s strategic maneuvers Like a chess player moving pieces on a board
Irony
Movie Scene Device Example Peasants’ ignorance of the gold’s significance Dramatic irony as the audience knows the stakes Princess Yuki’s demeanor Her royal mannerisms clash ironically with her disguise
Foreshadowing
Movie Scene Device Example The early capture of Tahei and Matashichi Foreshadows their crucial role in the princess’s journey Rokurota’s combat readiness Suggests upcoming battles and his military prowess
Symbolism
Movie Scene Device Example The hidden fortress Symbolizes sanctuary and the hope of restoration The gold hidden in sticks Represents hidden value and the cost of rebellion
Allusion
Movie Scene Device Example Rokurota’s honor code Alludes to the samurai Bushido code Princess Yuki’s leadership References legendary warrior queens in Japanese history
Personification
Movie Scene Device Example Nature during the journey The landscape seems alive, reflecting the characters’ emotions The fortress’s defenses Described as having a will of their own, resisting invaders
Juxtaposition
Movie Scene Device Example The peasant duo vs. the noble princess Highlights class differences and mutual dependency Scenes of war vs. moments of peace Contrasts to emphasize the cost of conflict
Hyperbole
Movie Scene Device Example Tahei and Matashichi’s reactions Exaggerated for comedic effect Rokurota’s feats in battle Portrayed with larger-than-life bravado
Motif
Movie Scene Device Example Repeated emphasis on gold Gold as a recurring motif representing greed and survival Disguises and hidden identities Motif of deception and revelation throughout the film
Character Analysis Through Literary Devices
Character Studies
Princess Yuki
Device Explanation Symbolism Her royal blood symbolizes hope and continuity of the kingdom Irony Her fierce leadership contrasts with her disguised appearance
Rokurota Makabe
Device Explanation Allusion Alludes to samurai honor and loyalty Metaphor His unwavering dedication as a metaphor for the ideal samurai
Tahei and Matashichi
Device Explanation Hyperbole Their exaggerated reactions highlight the film’s comedic tone Juxtaposition Their bumbling nature contrasts with the noble characters
Character Dynamics
Princess Yuki and Rokurota : Their relationship showcases loyalty and duty, using irony and allusion to enhance their bond. Despite the difference in their social status, they depend on each other for survival and success.
Tahei and Matashichi’s interactions : Their dynamics provide comic relief and a human touch to the epic narrative , often through hyperbole and juxtaposition . Their greed and foolishness contrast sharply with the nobility of Rokurota and Yuki, yet their journey is integral to the story’s progression.
Thematic Analysis
Courage and Honor
Device Explanation Symbolism Rokurota’s actions symbolize the samurai code of honor Metaphor The hidden fortress as a metaphor for the heart’s resilience
Survival and Greed
Device Explanation Irony Peasants’ greed ironically leads them to aid a noble cause Motif Repeated emphasis on gold highlights themes of greed and survival
Identity and Disguise
Device Explanation Juxtaposition Contrasting royal and peasant identities to explore themes of disguise Foreshadowing Early disguises hint at the characters’ true nature and destinies
Cinematic Techniques That Enhance Literary Devices
Visual and Sound Techniques
Literary Device Technique Explanation Metaphor Visual framing The hidden fortress depicted in shadow, symbolizing secrecy Irony Music and sound cues Comedic music during ironic moments of the peasants’ blunders
Literary Device Technique Explanation Symbolism Lighting and color Use of light and dark to symbolize good vs. evil Foreshadowing Editing and cuts Quick cuts to foreshadow upcoming conflicts and resolutions
Key Scene Analysis
Escape through the mountains
Princess Yuki reveals her identity
Battle at the Hidden Fortress
Conclusion
Interactive Quiz
Which device is used when Princess Yuki disguises herself as a peasant?
What theme is highlighted through the repeated emphasis on gold?
A) Honor
B) Identity
C) Survival and Greed
D) Courage
Which cinematic technique is used to complement the metaphor of the hidden fortress?
A) Sound cues
B) Visual framing
C) Editing cuts
D) Music