The Criterion Collection
Essays
Jul 21, 1998 — Samurai III, Duel at Ganryu Island, is the last and best part of Hiroshi Inagaki’s Trilogy. In contrast to the earlier, more action-oriented Samurai I and II, this final section shows its hero Musashi (Toshiro Mifune) struggling with questions as...
Essays
May 5, 1998 — John Woo’s last film made in Hong Kong before his emigration to the U.S. reflects the city's anxieties and state of crisis throughout the decade.
Nov 19, 1992 — In Hieronymous Karl Friedrich, Baron von Munchausen, the greatest liar in history outside of politics, director Terry Gilliam has found perhaps his closest fictional counterpart.
Sneak Peeks
May 25, 2015 — Those are our three reasons. What are yours?
Essays
Apr 29, 2014 — One legendary American director pays tribute to another.
Apr 21, 2014 — A real-life prison uprising inspired this two-fisted tale directed by Don Siegel, who would go on to make many more films about men in extreme situations.
The director of Oldboy and Decision to Leave talks about the influence of Ingmar Bergman, his complicated feelings about The Makioka Sisters, the way Mike Leigh works with actors, and his admiration for Don Siegel’s films.
The Daily
Aug 21, 2026 — Touring David Lynch’s LA, listening to screenwriter Samy Burch, and deciphering Adam Curtis.
The Daily
Jul 20, 2026 — The tenth-anniversary edition of Bristol’s festival offers restorations, walks, workshops, games, and a free interactive exhibition.