The story follows two bumbling peasants, Tahei and Matashichi, who, while fleeing a war-torn region, stumble upon a hidden fortress. There, they meet General Rokurota Makabe (Toshiro Mifune), who is secretly protecting Princess Yuki (Misa Uehara). The general enlists the peasants to help transport the princess and a cache of gold across enemy lines, all while avoiding capture by rival forces. The film uniquely tells the story from the perspective of the peasants, adding elements of comedy and adventure to the otherwise serious samurai epic.

Kurosawa’s use of cinematography and action choreography in The Hidden Fortress was groundbreaking. The film was one of the first to use long focal-length lenses, creating dynamic and immersive battle sequences. The widescreen format (TohoScope) was also utilized masterfully, capturing vast landscapes and epic set pieces that became a hallmark of Kurosawa’s films. Toshiro Mifune’s portrayal of General Makabe is both stoic and commanding, further solidifying his legendary status in Japanese cinema.

The Hidden Fortress was a commercial and critical success in Japan and internationally. Its mix of action, adventure, humor, and strong character dynamics made it one of Kurosawa’s most accessible films. George Lucas openly acknowledged that the structure of Star Wars (1977)—especially the idea of telling a grand adventure from the perspective of two lowly characters—was directly influenced by The Hidden Fortress, cementing its legacy in global cinema history.