This CD is subtitled "Highlights From The Original Soundtrack".
Although this movie doesn't exactly fit in with Japanese monsters
and sci-fi, I am including it because I have also included the 5 CD
Akira Kurosawa box set on another page on this site. I think the
music in this film will appeal to some of us into these various
Japanese films.
Track 1 runs 17:51 and is a haunting, minimalist tune comprised
mostly of flute music with drums and sticks. We also get some sections
with stringed instruments. I have seen this movie and the music fits
it very well. Listening to this CD I was instantly reminded of the
scenes the music is from. The music and film compliment each other
and are tightly woven together. The last 3rd of this track has a
very sad and haunting melody.
Track 2, running at 15:21, is very similar to the first track with
a good mix of fuller orchestration. The music is mostly suspenseful
punctuated with slower,haunting passages. There is also a section of
this suite that sounds like a dark, stormy night with winds swirling
and howling.
I really enjoyed both the film and the music. The music is OK as
stand alone music but takes some getting used to, sort of like the
music in "Planet Of The Apes". However the music & film work together
extremely well. If you get a chance to see this movie on video, don't
hesitate. It is one of Akira Kurosawa's better known works and is based
somewhat on Shakespeare’s "King Lear".
