Kagemusha

In this Kurosawa epic, the balance of power between three warring clans in feudal Japan is threatened when one warlord is killed by an assassin.

To protect their land, the warlord's inner circle keeps his death a secret, recruiting a look-a-like to play the fallen leader. Though the story has all of the elements of classical tragedy, Kurosawa emphasizes visual spectacle throughout, especially in breathtaking battle scenes featuring scores of attacking warriors adorned in colorful uniforms. (162 mins., 35mm)