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Mifune : The Last Samurai
The on and off-screen character of Toshiro Mifune, Japan’s first international movie star, is explored in this illuminating documentary.
Director: Steven Okazaki
Overview
Toshiro Mifune remains a giant of Japanese cinema. Rich with archive footage and personal reminiscences from family and friends, this Keanu Reeves-narrated documentary shines a light on both the man and the actor, from his childhood to his military service, through to his early years starring in popular ‘chanbara’ action movies and on to his collaborations with legendary filmmaker Akira Kurosawa.
Featuring contributions from Steven Spielberg and Martin Scorsese, Mifune: The Last Samurai reveals him as a formidable and mercurial talent, both on-screen and off, and an influence that still resonates through world cinema.
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