Akira Kurosawa combined the conventional Japanese period film with fairy-tale elements to produce an energetic and brilliant farce. Toshiro Mifune manages to be both heroic and self-mocking in his role as a most unorthodox and loyal retainer to a now defeated lord, attempting to escape with his princess charge into safe territory. They are joined by two comical farmers who alternately help and hinder their efforts. (If all this sounds strangely familiar, that may be because George Lucas borrowed heavily from The Hidden Fortress in making Star Wars.) The Hidden Fortress delivers Kurosawa’s trademark deft blend of wry humor, breathtaking action, and compassionate humanity.