What Japanese Movie Did Star Wars Copy?

Have you ever watched Star Wars and thought to yourself, “This seems familiar”? Well, you’re not alone! Many people have noticed similarities between Star Wars and a Japanese movie called The Hidden Fortress.

The Hidden Fortress is a 1958 movie directed by Akira Kurosawa. It tells the story of two peasants who help a princess and a general escape from their enemies. The movie is known for its use of low-angle shots and its focus on the struggles of ordinary people in the midst of war.

So what exactly did Star Wars copy from The Hidden Fortress? Let’s take a closer look.

The Plot

One of the most obvious similarities between Star Wars and The Hidden Fortress is the plot. Both movies tell the story of a group of rebels fighting against an evil empire. In The Hidden Fortress, two peasants help a princess and a general escape from their enemies, while in Star Wars, Luke Skywalker helps Princess Leia and Han Solo escape from the Empire.

The Characters

Another similarity between the two movies is the characters. In both movies, there are strong female characters who play important roles in the story.

In The Hidden Fortress, Princess Yuki is a brave and intelligent young woman who helps lead her people to safety. In Star Wars, Princess Leia is also brave and intelligent, and she plays a key role in the rebellion against the Empire.

The Influence

It’s clear that George Lucas was influenced by The Hidden Fortress when he created Star Wars. In fact, he has said that he was inspired by Kurosawa’s movies when he was writing the script for Star Wars.

But it’s important to note that Lucas didn’t simply copy The Hidden Fortress. He used it as inspiration to create something new and original. While there are similarities between the two movies, there are also many differences.

The Conclusion

In conclusion, it’s clear that Star Wars was influenced by The Hidden Fortress. Both movies share similarities in their plot and characters, and George Lucas has acknowledged that he was inspired by Kurosawa’s work.

But it’s important to remember that Star Wars is its own unique creation. While it may have borrowed elements from The Hidden Fortress, it also introduced new ideas and characters that have become iconic in their own right.

So the next time you watch Star Wars, take a moment to appreciate the influence of The Hidden Fortress. And if you haven’t seen it already, give it a watch – you might be surprised at how much you enjoy it!

  • Key Takeaways:
  • – Star Wars was influenced by The Hidden Fortress, a 1958 Japanese movie directed by Akira Kurosawa.
  • – Both movies share similarities in their plot and characters, including strong female characters who play important roles.
  • – While Star Wars borrowed elements from The Hidden Fortress, it also introduced new ideas and characters that have become iconic in their own right.