Daisuke Ryū

Born:February 14, 1957

Place of Birth:Tokyo, Japan

Died:April 11, 2021

Known For:Acting

Biography

Daisuke Ryu, a talented Japanese actor, was born on February 14, 1957, in the bustling city of Tokyo, Japan. Renowned for his captivating performances on the silver screen, Ryu's portrayal of historical figures and legendary warriors left a lasting impact on audiences worldwide. His dedication to his craft and his ability to embody complex characters set him apart in the world of cinema.

One of Ryu's most notable achievements was winning the prestigious Japanese "best new actor" Blue Ribbon Award for his compelling portrayal of the legendary warrior Oda Nobunaga in Akira Kurosawa's masterpiece, "Kagemusha" (The Shadow Warrior). His portrayal of Saburo Ichimonji in Kurosawa's epic "Ran" further solidified his reputation as a versatile and talented actor who could command the screen with his presence.

In addition to his collaborations with Kurosawa, Ryu showcased his acting prowess in Sogo Ishii's critically acclaimed film "Gojoe" (Gojō reisenki or The Spirit War Chronicle), where he brought the legendary warrior monk Benkei to life with depth and authenticity. His ability to inhabit such diverse roles with nuance and skill earned him the admiration of critics and audiences alike.

Beyond the silver screen, Ryu's talent extended to television, where he starred opposite Samantha Bond in the captivating 1989 television serial "The Ginger Tree." In this role, he portrayed Count Kentaro Kurihama, captivating viewers with his nuanced performance set against the backdrop of Japan at the turn of the century. The series, based on the novel by Oswald Wynd, showcased Ryu's ability to immerse himself in rich historical narratives and bring them to life with his acting prowess.

Throughout his career, Ryu's dedication to his craft and his commitment to portraying characters with depth and authenticity set him apart as a formidable talent in the world of acting. His legacy as a versatile and skilled actor continues to resonate with audiences, leaving an indelible mark on the world of cinema. Daisuke Ryu's contributions to film and television have solidified his status as a revered figure in Japanese cinema and beyond.

Images

Filmography

Acting

Ran

Saburo Naotora Ichimonji

1985

With Ran, legendary director Akira Kurosawa reimagines Shakespeare's King Lear as a singular historical epic set in sixteenth-century Japan. Majestic in scope, the film is Kurosawa's late-life masterpiece, a profound examination of the folly of war and the crumbling of one family under the weight of betrayal, greed, and the insatiable thirst for power.

Kagemusha

Nobunaga Oda

1980

Akira Kurosawa's lauded feudal epic presents the tale of a petty thief who is recruited to impersonate Shingen, an aging warlord, in order to avoid attacks by competing clans. When Shingen dies, his generals reluctantly agree to have the impostor take over as the powerful ruler. He soon begins to appreciate life as Shingen, but his commitment to the role is tested when he must lead his troops into battle against the forces of a rival warlord.

Metropolis

Special Voice Appearance (voice)

2001

In the midst of societal conflict in the futuristic city of Metropolis, Kenichi and his uncle Shunsaku Ban set out to uncover the mystery behind the first human-like robot, Tima.