Philosophy: Throne of Blood 12A

Kurosawa’s Throne of Blood is a vivid, visceral adaptation of Shakespeare’s Macbeth. Reimagined in Japan, it tells the story of a warrior who assassinates his sovereign at the encouragement of his ambitious wife.

Fusing classical Western tragedy with stylistic elements drawn from Noh theatre, Throne of Blood is the definitive tale of ambition and narcissism. As an adaptation, the film uses its source material as a guide, but its variation allows Shakespeare’s classic story to be viewed through a new lens. In particular, Kurosawa’s conclusion of the film is one of the most dramatic and exciting moments in Japanese cinema. Infused with a particularly Japanese sensibility, Throne of Blood is often considered one of the finest Shakespearean adaptations committed to cinema.

Philosophy at the Showroom is a series of screenings that probe the philosophical questions raised by some of cinema’s most intriguing films. Each film will be introduced by a philosopher from the University of Sheffield and will be followed by a group discussion of the philosophical problems it confronts.