When it comes to the origins of Star Wars, fans have long been curious about the various sources of inspiration and influences that shaped this iconic franchise. One particular question that has come up time and again is – what Japanese movie did George Lucas base Star Wars on? The answer might surprise you.
Hidden Fortress
The movie that served as a major inspiration for George Lucas was a 1958 Japanese film called Hidden Fortress, directed by Akira Kurosawa. In fact, Lucas has acknowledged on multiple occasions that this was a key influence on his vision for Star Wars.
In Hidden Fortress, two bickering peasants find themselves caught up in the midst of a civil war and end up unwittingly helping a general and a princess escape enemy territory. This plot bears some striking similarities to the basic premise of Star Wars – a group of ragtag heroes embarking on an epic journey against all odds to defeat an evil empire and rescue a princess.
Visual Similarities
Beyond just the story, there are also several visual elements in Hidden Fortress that seem to have influenced the look and feel of Star Wars. For example, the design of Darth Vader’s helmet is said to be inspired by the samurai armor worn by one of the characters in Hidden Fortress. Additionally, some scenes in Star Wars – such as Luke Skywalker’s initial introduction on his home planet – are reminiscent of shots from Kurosawa’s film.
The Legacy
While it’s clear that Hidden Fortress played an important role in shaping Lucas’ ideas for Star Wars, it’s worth noting that this wasn’t the only influence at play. Lucas has cited other films and genres as being important to his creative process, including classic westerns and sci-fi serials from the 1930s and 40s.
Regardless, there’s no denying that Hidden Fortress played a significant role in shaping one of the most beloved movie franchises of all time. From the basic plot structure to specific visual cues, this Japanese classic left an indelible mark on Star Wars and helped to cement its place in pop culture history.
- Conclusion
In conclusion, the Japanese movie that George Lucas based Star Wars on was Hidden Fortress. This classic film by Akira Kurosawa provided Lucas with both a narrative blueprint and visual inspiration for his own epic space opera. While there were undoubtedly other influences at play, it’s clear that Hidden Fortress played a crucial role in shaping the world of Star Wars as we know it today.
