This is Father Geek reporting a sad, uncool bit of news. Akira Kurosawa one of Japan's "Living Legends", one of the world's true treasures is dead. This is the type of news we here at AICN hate to report, but have to. Kurosawa was an icon in a business full of giants and demi-gods. I have known and loved the man/legend for 40 years, there is now a hole in my soul that will be very difficult to patch. Sure the films still are there for us, and he was 88 and retired, but just knowing his genius was there somewhere gave strength to struggling film makers the world over. I first became aware of the father of Shichinin No Samurai while in film school. I had seen his work before, but had failed to note the name. I could, and will never forget his work. Throne of Blood, Drunken Angel, Stray Dog, The Lower Depths, and of course his more famous and often imitated Seven Samurai, Yojimbo, and Rashomon will live in my mind's eye forever. Here's the AP wire release...

Japanese Film Director Kurosawa Dies

TOKYO (AP) -- Akira Kurosawa, Japan's most famous film director, died at his home today at the age of 88, Kyodo news agency reported. The cause of death was not immediately known. Kurosawa's films included epics such as ``The Seven Samurai'' and ``Rashomon.'' ``Ran,'' which Kurosawa called his ``life's work,'' was named best picture of the year by the National Society of Film Critics in 1985.

Kurosawa was one of the few Japanese directors to find fame on international screens. Critics found his innovative style -- celebrated for its elaborate detail and sweeping camera movements -- influencing films from George Lucas' ``Star Wars'' to Brian DePalma's ``Scarface.''