Tatsuya Nakadai

Born:13 Desember 1932

Place of Birth:Tokyo, Japan

Known For:Acting

Biography

Tatsuya Nakadai, born Motohisa Nakadai on December 13, 1932, is a Japanese film actor who rose to stardom in the early 1950s after being discovered by filmmaker Masaki Kobayashi while working as a shop clerk in Tokyo. Known for his versatility and captivating on-screen presence, Nakadai quickly became a favorite leading man of acclaimed director Akira Kurosawa, following a well-publicized rift between Kurosawa and the legendary Toshirō Mifune.

Throughout his career, Nakadai collaborated with some of Japan's most renowned filmmakers, showcasing his talent in a diverse range of roles. His filmography includes works by Hiroshi Teshigahara, Mikio Naruse, Kihachi Okamoto, Hideo Gosha, Shiro Toyoda, and Kon Ichikawa, among others. Notably, his partnership with Masaki Kobayashi spanned over 11 films, including the critically acclaimed "The Human Condition" trilogy, "Harakiri," "Samurai Rebellion," and "Kwaidan."

Nakadai's acting debut in "The Thick-Walled Room" marked the beginning of a prolific career that would see him leave an indelible mark on Japanese cinema. Despite his uncredited appearance in Akira Kurosawa's "Seven Samurai," where he briefly portrayed a wandering samurai, Nakadai's talent and dedication to his craft soon propelled him to leading roles in some of the most iconic films in Japanese cinema history.

Known for his intense performances and ability to embody a wide range of characters, Nakadai's collaborations with directors like Kurosawa and Kobayashi solidified his reputation as one of Japan's most versatile actors. His work in films such as "Kill!," "Sword of Doom," "Goyokin," "Portrait of Hell," "Enjo," and "Odd Obsession" showcased his ability to bring depth and complexity to every role he undertook.

With a career spanning decades, Nakadai's contributions to Japanese cinema have been celebrated both domestically and internationally. His dedication to his craft and his willingness to take on challenging and diverse roles have cemented his status as a true cinematic legend. Tatsuya Nakadai's impact on the world of film continues to be felt, with his performances standing the test of time and inspiring generations of actors and filmmakers alike.

Images

Filmografi

Akting

Seven Samurai

Samurai Wandering through Town (uncredited)

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.

Ran

Lord Hidetora Ichimonji

1985

Shakespeare's King Lear is reimagined as a singular historical epic set in sixteenth-century Japan where an ageing warlord divides his kingdom between his three sons.

Harakiri

Hanshiro Tsugumo

1962

Down-on-his-luck veteran Tsugumo Hanshirō enters the courtyard of the prosperous House of Iyi. Unemployed, and with no family, he hopes to find a place to commit seppuku—and a worthy second to deliver the coup de grâce in his suicide ritual. The senior counselor for the Iyi clan questions the ronin’s resolve and integrity, suspecting Hanshirō of seeking charity rather than an honorable end. What follows is a pair of interlocking stories which lay bare the difference between honor and respect, and promises to examine the legendary foundations of the Samurai code.

The Tale of The Princess Kaguya

Charcoal-maker Old Man (voice)

2013

Found inside a shining stalk of bamboo by an old bamboo cutter and his wife, a tiny girl grows rapidly into an exquisite young lady. The mysterious young princess enthrals all who encounter her. But, ultimately, she must confront her fate.

Kwaidan

Minokichi (segment "The Woman of the Snow")

1965

Taking its title from an archaic Japanese word meaning "ghost story," this anthology adapts four folk tales. A penniless samurai marries for money with tragic results. A man stranded in a blizzard is saved by Yuki the Snow Maiden, but his rescue comes at a cost. Blind musician Hoichi is forced to perform for an audience of ghosts. An author relates the story of a samurai who sees another warrior's reflection in his teacup.

Yojimbo

Unosuke, gunfighter

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.

High and Low

Chief Detective Tokura

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.

Belladonna of Sadness

The Devil (voice)

1973

An evil feudal lord rapes a village girl on her wedding night and proceeds to ruin her and her husband's lives. After she's eventually banished from her village, the girl makes a pact with the devil to gain magical ability and take revenge.

Kagemusha

Shingen Takeda / Kagemusha

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.