Hidden Fortress is the film that inspired George Lucas' Star Wars. Lucas cites Kurosawa as a main influence and helped him later on in his career. If one pays close attention to aspects of this film, they can see them directly in Star Wars. One of the more interesting connections that can be made is between Samurai and Jedi. The clothing of the Jedi bears a striking resemblance to Japanese clothing. Also, only Jedi can carry light sabers, which are great weapons. Samurai were the only people in Japanese society who were allowed to carry swords such as the katana. The fighting with light sabers in Star Wars is very similar to that of samurai in Kurosawa films. Ideas of bushido could also be traced into the model of the Jedi nights. The similarities between just this one aspect of the Star Wars classics are numerous. Further cross reference between Hidden Fortress and Star Wars would produce different types of interesting connections. In this clip, we have Toshiro Mifune playing a powerful general fighting another general with Japanese spears, or yari. This scene showcases this incredible martial art set in a time when it was used for warfare, not just for sport. Mifune and his opponent are allowed to duel without interference because of the respect the other soldiers have for the two fighters. In the end of this clash, Mifune rides away victorious and leaves his vanquished enemy in shame. Honor and respect are fast-moving undercurrents of this clip. The general loses face in front of his troops after his defeat at the hands of Mifune. The importance of this is later illustrated in the film when the defeated general is compelled to defect to Mifune's cause because of the punishment he receives for losing this duel. This treason in defiance of loss of face makes for a controversial move in Japanese society. Kurosawa is making a definite statement by painting this figure in a positive light which is meant to provoke thought in a Japanese audience.