Alex and Jonathan reach for the stars in the final part of the samurai series as we look at Akira Kurosawa’s The Hidden Fortress (1958), and George Lucas’ Star Wars (1977). We discuss the difference between adaptation and inspiration, the amorphous definition of “original,” and factors that create lasting cultural impact.
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Skip to: The Hidden Fortress (4:55), Star Wars (20:10), Overall (36:46), Coming Attractions (53:36)
Resources referenced in this episode:
- George Lucas on The Hidden Fortress
- Mifune: The Last Samurai
- The Original Star Wars Treatment
- The Hidden Fortress and Star Wars Side-by-Side
- Everything is a Remix
- Alex on Twitter: @AlexGeringer
- Jonathan on Twitter: @JSSatchell
Next week we begin a new ten-week series called the World Tour. We’ll start our journey in Italy:
- Rome, Open City (1945)
- Bicycle Thieves (1948)
- 8 1/2 (1963)
Intro/Outro Music:
Ash by Mike Braudrick
The Filmlings 