A trailer for the British Film Institute's upcoming season of Akira Kurosawa films, including Seven Samarai, Throne of Blood and Rashomon, which runs January - February 2023.

‘The term “giant” is used too often to describe artists. But in the case of Akira Kurosawa, we have one of the rare instances where the term fits.’
– Martin Scorsese

Like a gathering storm, much of Kurosawa’s cinema begins with a portent of the turbulence to come. But within his work lay a poetry – both in his visual style and the depth of his characters – and a fascinating exploration of Japanese culture past and present. And throughout, from his startlingly assured first feature Sanshiro Sugata (1943) to the ruminative and often humorous tone of his last, Mâdadayo (1993), the thoughts and actions of his characters, and the changes unfolding in the societies they live in, were reflected in the elements. The climate plays a key role within all of Kurosawa’s work. But there are also a variety of themes that run through his dramas. Rather than journey through his work chronologically, this season breaks up his filmography into six themes. All are indivisible, but by focussing on specific elements within each film it is hoped that Kurosawa’s brilliance will shine even brighter.

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