Akira Kurosawa is one of the defining filmmakers of the twentieth century. This book analyses some of his more celebrated films, including 'Kagemusha' (1980,) 'Rashomon' (1950,) 'Seven Samurai' (1954,) and 'Yojimbo' (1961,) whilst also analyzing a selection of his other movies such as 'Rhapsody in August' (1991.) Specific emphasis is placed on Akira Kurosawa's representation of women;- his rendition of samurai culture, and his perspectives on war in his motion pictures. This dissertation also cross-references his films with various, popular mainstream films.