Have you ever wondered what Japanese movie is similar to Star Wars? If you’re a fan of the epic space opera franchise, you might be interested in experiencing some Japanese films that share some similarities with Star Wars. In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the Japanese movies that share elements with Star Wars.
1. The Hidden Fortress
One of the most famous Japanese movies that inspired George Lucas’s vision for Star Wars is “The Hidden Fortress.” Directed by Akira Kurosawa, this movie tells the story of two peasants who are tasked with escorting a princess and her family’s fortune through enemy territory. Along the way, they encounter various obstacles and have to use their wit and cunning to survive.
The Hidden Fortress shares several similarities with Star Wars, including the use of two bickering sidekicks (like R2-D2 and C-3PO), a princess in need of rescue, and a climactic battle sequence.
2. Battle Royale
While not sharing many plot similarities with Star Wars, Battle Royale is another Japanese movie that has influenced modern cinema as much as George Lucas. This action-packed thriller takes place in an alternate version of Japan where high school students are forced to fight to the death on a deserted island. The movie features intense action sequences and explores themes of survival and morality.
While it may not be as family-friendly as Star Wars, Battle Royale shares its penchant for thrilling action scenes set against an otherworldly backdrop.
3. Princess Mononoke
Another classic Japanese movie that shares some elements with Star Wars is Princess Mononoke. This animated feature from Studio Ghibli tells the story of Ashitaka, a young warrior who becomes embroiled in a conflict between the human inhabitants of his village and the forest spirits who live nearby.
Like Star Wars, Princess Mononoke features a wide cast of memorable characters and explores themes of good vs. evil and the balance between nature and technology.
4. Akira
Finally, we have Akira, one of the most influential animated movies ever made. Set in a dystopian version of Tokyo in the year 2019, this movie follows a young biker named Kaneda as he tries to save his friend Tetsuo from a secret government project that has given him immense psychic powers.
While Akira doesn’t share many plot elements with Star Wars, it does feature incredible action sequences and explores themes of power, friendship, and betrayal.
Conclusion
While there is no one Japanese movie that perfectly captures the magic of Star Wars, there are several films that share some similarities with George Lucas’s iconic franchise. Whether you’re looking for thrilling action sequences or thought-provoking themes, these movies offer plenty to enjoy. So why not give them a try?
