Perhaps best known as “the film that inspired Star Wars,” Akira Kurosawa’s The Hidden Fortress was among the director’s favorites of his own films. All of his hallmarks are here: an epic scope, unforgettable battle sequences, a Shakespearean vision of Japanese history, plenty of humor, and, of course, Toshiro Mifune. His beloved actor stars as a general who must defend a secret princess as they cross enemy territory. Shot in Tohoscope.