Ran Review (1985) — 91% Celluloid Score
Directed by Akira Kurosawa · 1985 ·
Is Ran worth watching?
Yes. Ran (1985) earns a 91% Celluloid Score. That makes it a Celluloid Pick, our highest tier. Critics (96%) were notably more enthusiastic than audiences (89%). See the 4 inputs.
4-input transparent breakdown
Also known as 乱 란 亂 ศึกบัลลังก์เลือด Loạn
🏆 2 award wins — Won Picture of the Year, Japan Academy Film Prize 1986
Toho Where to watch
- BFI Player
Where to watch Ran by country
| Country | Streaming on |
|---|---|
| Japan | Hulu, U-NEXT |
| United Kingdom | StudioCanal Presents |
| United States | BFI Player |
Subscription availability, refreshed from TMDB. Rental and purchase options may differ.
Why this score?
- Celluloid's editorial rating is exceptional (96/100).
- General viewers mostly liked it (89%).
- Metascore signals universal acclaim (96/100).
- Letterboxd diarists rate it highly (4.4/5).
- IMDb users score it 8.2/10.
Best for
- Viewers who want a well-regarded action, drama pick
- Epic-length viewers who want a big-screen experience
Not ideal for
Scores reflect data indexed at build time. Component sources are shown on this page; Celluloid Score is our composite, not a third-party trademark. Scoring policy
Streaming availability, artwork and title metadata courtesy of TMDB. This product uses the TMDB API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDB.
Is Ran worth watching?
Yes — Ran earns a 91% Celluloid Score. That makes it a Celluloid Pick, our highest tier. It suits viewers who want a well-regarded action, drama pick. Read our full review (4.5/5).
Celluloid verdict
Kurosawa's King Lear adaptation is among the most visually overwhelming war films ever made.
Kaiser Khan, Founder & Editor
Critics (96%) were notably more enthusiastic than audiences (89%).
What is Ran about?
An aging warlord divides his kingdom among three sons, unleashing betrayal, madness, and color-coded carnage across the plains.
Watch the Trailer
Critic Reviews
Ran (1985) Review: Kurosawa's King Lear in Flames
★★★★½
Ran is Akira Kurosawa's King Lear transplanted to feudal Japan, a vast, colour-drenched tragedy of a warlord and his sons that ranks among the great war films.
Yes. It is late Kurosawa at full power, essential for lovers of epic cinema and Shakespeare, provided you can commit to nearly three hours of grim, stately tragedy.
Ran stills
Official production imagery supplied through TMDB, kept with the movie instead of split into a thin gallery page.
Images courtesy of TMDB. TMDB does not endorse or certify Celluloid.
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Ran: frequently asked questions
Is Ran worth watching?
Yes. Ran (1985) has a Celluloid Score of 91%, averaged from the available Celluloid editorial, Metascore, Letterboxd and IMDb ratings. That is a Celluloid Pick, our highest tier. Audience sentiment is shown separately and does not change the score.
Where can I watch Ran?
In the United States, Ran streams on BFI Player with a subscription. Elsewhere: Hulu, U-NEXT in Japan; StudioCanal Presents in the United Kingdom. Availability changes; the where-to-watch table on this page is refreshed from TMDB.
How long is Ran?
Ran runs 2 hours 40 minutes (160 minutes).
What is Ran rated?
Ran is rated R in the United States, 15 in the UK, M in Australia, 15 in South Korea and G in Japan. These are the official classifications as recorded on TMDB; check your local classification board for content advice.
Who stars in Ran?
Ran is directed by Akira Kurosawa and stars Tatsuya Nakadai, Akira Terao, Jinpachi Nezu.
What is the Metascore for Ran?
Metacritic's Metascore for Ran is 96 out of 100. It is one of the inputs to the Celluloid Score.
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