This movie is obviously great for two reasons: is a Shakespeare´s King Lear adaptation, and is directed by Akira Kurosawa. This movie portray perfectly how power struggles can change people and destroy families, so yes is a tragic story about power and human´s desires.
The acting is excellent, and Tatsuya Nadakai as Hidetora Ichimonji is far the best actor here, totally stunning, you can see his transformation, his fall, his descent into madness. I also loved Lady Kaede, a scheming woman is really refreshing after seeing so many Mary Sues in the dramas I tend to watch.
Ran has also beautiful sceneries, costumes and music, you can see the perfection and detail of production.