The Hidden Fortress

Star Wars fans may be intrigued to know that George Lucas has cited the two peasant characters of this movie as his inspiration for C3PO and R2D2. There are other subtle parallels to Star Wars as well. Hidden fortress is the story of a princess who is fleeing hostile forces from an invading country. Aided by the general of her kingdom's army (Toshiro Mifune), they must figure out a way to escape with a load of gold bars which they've hidden in twigs and sticks. Thus, dressed as peasants, with the princess posing as a deaf mute, and with the reluctant help of their two conscripted peasant companions, they must cross enemy territory to revive their fallen kingdom in the allied territory across the border.

This is another classic from master filmmaker Akira Kurosawa.