"Kurosawa's version of Shakespeare's Macbeth spares no effort in creating an atmosphere of obsessive madness and supernatural compulsion. Although nominally set in medieval Japan, the action is dislocated in terms of time and place. The contrasting black and white cinematography, use of ubiquitous artificial mist, and employment of certain Noh theatre techniques makes us feel that we are watching a ritualized series of events and responses, totally beyond the reach of rational intervention. As with his other literary adaptations, Kurosawa is faithful to the original text; it is his uncharacteristic detachment that provides a new perspective on the familiar play." Stuart Rosenthal