Ran15

Directed by Akira Kurosawa | Japan | 1985 | 2h 41m | Japanese w/ English subtitles | Starring Tatsuya Nakadai, Akira Terao, Jinpachi Nezu, Daisuke Ryû, Mieko Harada

Warlord Hidetora Ichimonji decides to step down, dividing his kingdom among his three sons. But instead of peace, his decision unleashes a storm of greed, betrayal, and violence that tears his family and legacy apart. Legendary director Akira Kurosawa reimagines Shakespeare’s King Lear as a sweeping historical epic set in sixteenth-century Japan. Back in cinemas for its 40th anniversary, this late-career masterpiece is a visually breathtaking meditation on the brutality of war and the tragic collapse of a family consumed by ambition and power.

Classic Season: Samurai Summer

Reviews

‘A magisterial achievement.’
★★★★★
Jonathan Romney, The Observer

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We showed Ran between August 3, 2025 and August 7, 2025.

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Today (Tuesday 26th May)
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17:45

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£6 for Members + short film
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20:00

Us 15
1h 56m
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Tomorrow (Wednesday 27th May)
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15:30

The Magic Faraway Tree U
1h 50m
The Thompson children discover a magical tree leading to fantastical lands. Facing quirky inhabitants and wondrous adventures, they reconnect and grow closer. Enid Blyton’s beloved classic comes to life in this enchanting adaptation starring Andrew Garfield, Nicola Coughlan, and Claire Foy.

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18:00

The Barnabáš Kos Case 12A
1h 32m | Slovak w/ English subtitles
Director's Cuts: Peter Strickland
A timid triangle player is unexpectedly promoted to Musical Director, but soon becomes corrupted by power. Peter Solan’s darkly comic satire exposes absurd hierarchies, sharply skewering state bureaucracy and the fragile egos behind positions of authority.

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20:15

Rose of Nevada 15
1h 54m
When a long-lost fishing boat returns to a Cornish village, hope rises for renewal. Nick and newcomer Liam join a voyage, but return transformed and caught in a haunting time loop. Shot on grainy 16mm, Mark Jenkin (Bait) delivers a haunting, mind-bending folktale.

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Our beautiful art deco inspired auditorium can be found just off East Oxford's Cowley Road.We are open 7 days a week. We open the cinema and box office 30 minutes before the scheduled start time of each film, and the Box Office then closes 10 minutes after the film starts. We only show a few adverts – less than most cinemas – and we only play a couple of trailers, so please don’t be late as the film itself starts very close to the advertised time!

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