Ran is a 1985 Japanese epic historical drama film directed, edited and co-written by Akira Kurosawa. It is based on the Japanese legend of the Great Lord Hidetora Ichimonji and the story of King Lear. The film stars Tatsuya Nakadai as Hidetora, an aging warlord who decides to abdicate as ruler in favor of his three sons. RAN is widely regarded as one of Kurosawa's greatest masterpieces and is often cited as one of the greatest films ever made.