An elderly man with white hair and a long white beard holds a small red dish. He is wearing a robe.

Ran

  • Cinema
  • Playhouse
  • Run time: 162 minutes Subject to change
  • Seating map

Japan | 1983 | Japanese with English Subtitles | Historical Drama | M

Akira Kurosawa is one of cinema’s most vital and enduring directors. His late career masterpiece Ran draws on Shakespeare’s King Lear, transplanting it to feudal sixteenth-century Japan, where Kurosawa dissects the folly of war and the crumbling of one family under the weight of betrayal, greed, and the insatiable thirst for power.

In the 16th century, Lord Hidetora decides to retire and share his territory between his three sons, Taro, Jiro and Saburo. The latter foreseeing difficulties, opposes his decision. He is consequently disinherited. However, the father soon discovers that, mocking his authority, his first two sons begin to fight. Jiro treacherously kills Taro and then Saburo before realising that it is in fact Taro’s widow who is responsible for this confusion since she had sworn to revenge Hidetora’s murder of her family years ago. Now all that is left for Jiro is to die fighting the enemies of the Hidetora dynasty.

Presented by Sydney Opera House

Event details

SPECTACULAR! Among the most thrilling movie experiences a viewer can have!

The New York Times

One of the most exquisite spectacles ever made!

New York Magazine

Cast and credits

Director & Writer Akira Kurosawa
Writer Hideo Oguni
Writer Masato Ide

Lord Hidetora Ichimonji Tatsuya Nakadai
Lady Kaede Mieko Harada
Taro Takatora Ichimonji Akira Terao
Jiro Masatora Ichimonji Jinpachi Nezu

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Plan your visit

Address

Sydney Opera House
Bennelong Point
Sydney NSW 2000
Australia

Getting to the venue

The Opera House is a 7-10 minute walk from Circular Quay, and is easily accessible by car, train, ferry, lightrail, bus, bike and on foot.

Location and access

Playhouse

The Playhouse is located in the north-western corner of Sydney Opera House, best accessed through the Western Foyers.

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