Kagemusha

In Kagemusha there is an interesting use of colors especially near the end of the film when Kagemusha begins dreaming.

There is a direct connection between the dream that Kagemusha has, the clouds during the war and the colors of the warriors uniforms.

The colors are not only representative of war but also representative of the change that has occurred in Kagemusha. He when from being a small time thief to being the leader in a large scale war over the entire military. It was a very big step in his role as the Kings secret replacement.

The colors first are displayed when Kagemusha is having a nightmare about being chased by the old king, possibly to conjure the idea that the old king is pushing him to become a better representative or to prepare him for war and all of the new responsibilities that come with leading a military in to war.

The colors appear also on the uniforms of the soldiers, generals, and even on Kagemusha. This is to help you make the connection that all three of these color instances are not only a transformation forKagemusha but for the nation he leads as well.

The vivid colors depict a sort of abstract and artsy feel to the film making you think beyond just the colors but the symbolism and and finer meaning behind the actions of Kagemusha and the advisers who enlist him to fill this void that only he can fill. Similar to the red depicted on the cover above greens and yellows are also depicted to complete this vibrantly manufacted display of art.