Preview: Japanese Cinema @ The Barbican

Toshiro Mifune in Akira Kurosawa's Throne Of Blood.

Nipponophile cineastes will be delighted by a pair of director seasons at the Barbican, which draws one contemporary and one classic Japanese filmmaker together as part of Aspects of Japanese Cinema.On 14th - 15th November, the Barb presents a quick-fire Directorspective on Takeshi 'Beat' Kitano. As well known for his work in front of the camera as behind it — Kitano usually stars in his own work, with a good deal more success than, say, Quentin Tarantino — the series includes Hana-Bi and Zatoichi, both essential viewing.Then, from December 3rd - 19th, the focus switches to Japan's most important filmmaker, and indeed one of the most influential in cinema history: Akira Kurosawa. The curators have gone for a 'greatest hits' approach, with a line-up including The Seven Samurai, Rashomon, and Throne Of Blood, the epic re-staging of Macbeth in medieval Japan. Tickets for each film £8.50 online / £10.50 in person. Buy three or more and the price drops to £6.50.