The Hidden Fortress, directed by Akira Kurosawa, is renowned for its profound influence on George Lucas’s Star Wars. Paul Hoppe, widely recognized as ZenMadman, joins me to explore how this classic film’s narrative of peasants and samurai in feudal Japan resonated with and helped shape the Star Wars universe.
Discover more about Paul Christopher Hoppe, the ZenMadman, an eclectic writer, teacher, and lifelong student of poker, chess, language, and more:
A millennial, Gen Z’er, and Gen X’er walk into a cantina …
Each of us came into Star Wars in our own way, at our own time, and there is so much we can learn from each other when those differences fuel conversation, not conflict. Join Erin, Matthew, and Alex as we share our love for the galaxy far, far away on the Star Wars Generations Podcast!
SPONSOR: Level Up Sabers
Take Your Weapon…
Ever imagined yourself in a lightsaber duel? Alan has—since he was a kid swinging wrapping paper tubes. A lifelong martial artist and Star Wars fan, he helped create
Level Up Sabers to put real lightsaber training at your fingertips. With drills, exercises, and a full curriculum, you’ll learn the geometry of combat while crafting a style that’s truly your own. Start anywhere, train your way, and level up your saber skills today.
