The Hidden Fortress (1958)

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

1. Escape through the mountains
   • Watch Scene on YouTube
   • Breakdown: This scene uses foreshadowing and symbolism, with the rugged terrain representing the harsh journey ahead and the characters’ determination.
2. Princess Yuki reveals her identity
   • Watch Scene on YouTube
   • Breakdown: A powerful use of irony and metaphor, this scene highlights the princess’s strength and the unexpected twists of her disguise.
3. Battle at the Hidden Fortress
   • Watch Scene on YouTube
   • Breakdown: This climactic battle uses hyperbole and juxtaposition to showcase the epic scale of conflict and the bravery of the characters.

Conclusion

Interactive Quiz

1. Which device is used when Princess Yuki disguises herself as a peasant?
   • A) Simile
   • B) Metaphor
   • C) Irony
   • D) Foreshadowing
2. What theme is highlighted through the repeated emphasis on gold?
   • A) Honor
   • B) Identity
   • C) Survival and Greed
   • D) Courage
3. Which cinematic technique is used to complement the metaphor of the hidden fortress?
   • A) Sound cues
   • B) Visual framing
   • C) Editing cuts
   • D) Music