MACBETH ON FILM
Akira Kurosawa’s Throne of Blood:
Macbeth as Japanese samurai warrior
Akira Kurosawa’s Throne of Blood is filmed in black and white and appropriates (an appropriation text changed or
transformed into a new text) rather than adapts Shakespeare’s play. The new text has many similarities to the
original but the changes allow us to see the original text in a new way.
Throne of Blood transports Shakespeare’s play to 15th-century feudal Japan, a culture led by the samurai warriors.
This era was one of constant warfare between samurai clans, all vying for power. The samurai operated under a
strict code of conduct called ‘bushido’ or ‘the way of the warrior.’ This code emphasised loyalty to ones master,
self-discipline and respectful, ethical behaviour. While samurai warriors also used spears, bows and arrows, the
sword was their most famous weapon and their symbol.
1.) What similarities do you think Kurosawa saw between Shakespeare’s play and the culture of the samurai?
The similarities that Kurosawa saw between Shakespeare and samurais are the fierceness and bravery
that Macbeth and Samurais have in common. Samurai’s are also very deceiving and sly just like Macbeth
deceived everyone into believing he was an honest man.
2.) Examine the image of Kurosawa’s Macbeth- Washizu.
What kind of character does he appear to be?
Consider costume, body language and facial expression.
Kurosawa’s Macbeth appears to be a strong, powerful man.
The
of high rank.
Costume is very simply but detailed to show how Macbeth was
of high rank and how respected he was.
3.) How does the above image fit with your idea of who Macbeth is?
The image of Macbeth fits a character who is physically strong
in strength and mind.
Sketch your own representation of Macbeth. You might like to
show a modern character. Keep in mind the visual elementscostume, body language and facial expression.
The opening scene of Kurosawa’s Throne of Blood unfolds in this way:

Vision – a dark, misty landscape in a rural mountainous area
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
Sound effects – the heavy footsteps of a group of marching soldiers

Music- the screeching, disharmonious sound of the traditional pipes used in Japanese Noh
(A theatrical form which relies on the use of masks and slow
dance movements to tell stories with the aid of music and song.
A Noh actor aims to portray the essence of the soul of the
character, rather than imitate the characters physical
appearance.)
4.) Explain what kind of mood or atmosphere these techniques
in the opening scene.
The techniques used in the opening scene create an
atmosphere of darkness and evil. The sound effects of the
heavy footsteps of the soldiers suggest that there was a battle
and the outcome was victorious.
5.) How does the portrayal of Asaji (Lady Macbeth) resemble
that of a Noh character? Consider physical appearance, body
language and movement.
Asaji’s eye brows are painted above her real eye brows, her
movement is very slow and gentle and she resembles subtle
power in the way she talks. Her expression shows that she is
below Macbeth however she is able to control his way of
thinking.
6.) The scene where the two samurai become lost in the
forest on their way to Cobweb Castle and meet the
witch uses what techniques to create an ominous and
threatening atmosphere?
The sound of the chant creates tension while the
sound effects of the spindle create suspense.
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7.) How has Kurosawa used costumes and facial expressions to convey a sense of power about Washizu?
How is this achieved? Write your comments around the frame and refer to any other elements of
composition.
Washizu’s jawline is sharp and the eyebrows are very angular to display his strength. The heavy armor
and weapons also convey his sense of power. His body language is very upright and straight to
demonstrate his confidence.
8.) The following frame depicts Washizu (Macbeth) just before
he murders Lord Tsuzuki (Duncan). What does the composition
of the frame suggest about the following?
a) Washizu’s state of mind? His facial expression shows
that his mind in a battle between if he should go along
with the murder of lord Tsuzuki.
b) The role of Asaji (Lady Macbeth) in the murder?
She seems calm as though she is comforting Washizu
to continue with the plan.
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9.) Many viewers have commented on the similarities between Asaji and the witch in the forest.
What point do you think Kurosawa was making by comparing the two characters?
Kurosawa wanted to show how both the characters had the abilities to control Macbeth’s mind. In a
way, keeping the identity of the witch anonymous, portrays how a women can manipulate a man.
Towards the end of the play, Angus reflects on the depths to which Macbeth has sunk:
Now does he feel
His secret murders sticking on his hands;
Now minutely revolts upbraid his faith-breach.
Those he commands move only in command,
Nothing in love. Now does he feel his title
Hang loose about him, like a giants robe
Upon a dwarfish thief.
10.) How does the above frame (Washizu shot by his own soldiers) highlight the view of Macbeth that is
presented in Angus’s speech? How has Macbeth been weakened? Consider the body language, camera
angle, shot size, lighting and the relationship of Macbeth to the surrounding soldiers.
Washizu’s soldiers turning on him relates to Angus’s speech in ‘those he commands move only in
command, nothing in love’ in the way that his soldiers were not loyal subjects; they only followed
orders until they had realized that an army was going to kill him. They used that opportunity to take
Washizu down. The long shot used in the image shows how Washizu is no longer powerful but in fact
very insignificant.
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