tradition vs. progress

His films consistently pit traditional samurai codes against modernizing Japan, most notably in 'Sanjuro' and 'Ran,' exploring how honor clashes with societal change.

His work juxtaposes natural, timeless human experiences against industrial progress and technological advancement, examining what we gain and lose in modernization.

His films capture the tension between Hong Kong's colonial past and its rapid modernization, using nostalgic visual style to mourn traditions being displaced by progress.