What is the main idea of "RAN" directed by Akira Kurosawa?

[包龙星]

Yesterday,I watched this film that was directed by the famous Akira Kurosawa...
It is very long ..It has grand scenes..
But I just can not catch its main idea,and I still cannot understand those Japan-style phylosophy in this film...
Why the Lord Hidetora Ichimonji changes from a man of hero to a cowardly guy..Why he cannot realize which son is really good and the one he chose is not a good man.....
I know this film is changed from William Shakespeare's tragedy,but I think it's full
of japanese-style phylosophy.....

:genji::halloween

 

[nice gaijin]

If i recall correctly, Ran is Shakespeare's King Lear in a Japanese setting. Looking up info on the play (as well as reviews of the film itself) might prove englightening.

 

[Mikawa Ossan]

Here is what wikipedia has to say about it:

Ran (film) - Wikipedia