Toshirō Mifune

Born:April 1, 1920

Place of Birth:Qingdao, China

Died:December 24, 1997

Known For:Acting

Biography

Toshirō Mifune, a legendary Japanese actor born on April 1, 1920, in Qingdao, China, left an indelible mark on the history of Japanese cinema. Raised in Japan, Mifune's illustrious career spanned over five decades, defining a new standard of excellence in acting. Collaborating extensively with the visionary director Akira Kurosawa, he created a cinematic legacy that continues to inspire audiences worldwide.

Mifune's magnetic presence on screen, coupled with his intense portrayals of characters, set him apart as a versatile and compelling actor. His collaborations with Kurosawa produced timeless classics such as "Rashomon" (1950), "Seven Samurai" (1954), and "Yojimbo" (1961), where he brought to life strong, dynamic, and often rebellious figures with unparalleled authenticity.

Beyond his iconic roles in samurai films, Mifune showcased his acting range by delving into diverse genres, including dramas, comedies, and war films. His performances in movies like "The Throne of Blood" (1957), "High and Low" (1963), and "Red Beard" (1965) demonstrated his ability to embody complex characters with depth and nuance, captivating audiences with each portrayal.

Mifune's impact extended far beyond Japanese cinema, earning him international acclaim and accolades for his exceptional contributions to the art of acting. His ability to convey a wide range of emotions with subtlety and power earned him a revered place in the pantheon of film greats. Recognized with prestigious awards at festivals like the Venice Film Festival and a lifetime achievement award from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Mifune's legacy endures as a testament to his unparalleled talent.

Despite his passing on December 24, 1997, Toshirō Mifune's influence continues to resonate in the world of cinema, inspiring generations of actors and filmmakers. His collaborations with Akira Kurosawa remain timeless masterpieces, celebrated for their innovation, depth, and enduring impact on storytelling. Mifune's dedication to his craft, coupled with his magnetic on-screen presence, solidifies his status as one of the greatest actors in the history of Japanese and world cinema.

Images

Filmography

Acting

Seven Samurai

Kikuchiyo

1954

A samurai answers a village's request for protection after he falls on hard times. The town needs protection from bandits, so the samurai gathers six others to help him teach the people how to defend themselves, and the villagers provide the soldiers with food.

Rashomon

Tajômaru

1950

Brimming with action while incisively examining the nature of truth, "Rashomon" is perhaps the finest film ever to investigate the philosophy of justice. Through an ingenious use of camera and flashbacks, Kurosawa reveals the complexities of human nature as four people recount different versions of the story of a man's murder and the rape of his wife.

High and Low

Kingo Gondo

1963

In the midst of an attempt to take over his company, a powerhouse executive is hit with a huge ransom demand when his chauffeur's son is kidnapped by mistake.

Yojimbo

Sanjuro Kuwabatake / The Samurai

1961

A nameless ronin, or samurai with no master, enters a small village in feudal Japan where two rival businessmen are struggling for control of the local gambling trade. Taking the name Sanjuro Kuwabatake, the ronin convinces both silk merchant Tazaemon and sake merchant Tokuemon to hire him as a personal bodyguard, then artfully sets in motion a full-scale gang war between the two ambitious and unscrupulous men.

Throne of Blood

Taketoki Washizu

1957

Returning to their lord's castle, samurai warriors Washizu and Miki are waylaid by a spirit who predicts their futures. When the first part of the spirit's prophecy comes true, Washizu's scheming wife, Asaji, presses him to speed up the rest of the spirit's prophecy by murdering his lord and usurping his place. Director Akira Kurosawa's resetting of William Shakespeare's "Macbeth" in feudal Japan is one of his most acclaimed films.

1941

Cmdr. Akiro Mitamura

1979

In the days after the attack on Pearl Harbor, panic grips California, where a military officer leads a mob chasing a Japanese sub.

Red Beard

Dr. Kyojio Niide ("Red Beard")

1965

Aspiring to an easy job as personal physician to a wealthy family, Noboru Yasumoto is disappointed when his first post after medical school takes him to a small country clinic under the gruff doctor Red Beard. Yasumoto rebels in numerous ways, but Red Beard proves a wise and patient teacher. He gradually introduces his student to the unglamorous side of the profession, ultimately assigning him to care for a prostitute rescued from a local brothel.

The Hidden Fortress

General Rokurota Makabe

1958

In feudal Japan, during a bloody war between clans, two cowardly and greedy peasants, soldiers of a defeated army, stumble upon a mysterious man who guides them to a fortress hidden in the mountains.

Stray Dog

Det. Murakami

1949

A bad day gets worse for young detective Murakami when a pickpocket steals his gun on a hot, crowded bus. Desperate to right the wrong, he goes undercover, scavenging Tokyo’s sweltering streets for the stray dog whose desperation has led him to a life of crime. With each step, cop and criminal’s lives become more intertwined and the investigation becomes an examination of Murakami’s own dark side.