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Toshirō Mifune

Apr 01, 1920 - Dec 24, 1997 (77 years old) in Qingdao, China

Toshirō Mifune (April 1, 1920 - December 24, 1997) was a Japanese actor who is widely regarded as one of the greatest actors in the history of Japanese cinema. He was born in Qingdao, China, but was raised in Japan. Mifune's career spanned over 50 years, during which he collaborated extensively with renowned director Akira Kurosawa, creating some of the most iconic films in Japanese cinema.

Mifune gained international recognition for his performances in Kurosawa's films, particularly in samurai films. He portrayed strong, dynamic, and often rebellious characters, bringing a raw intensity to his roles. Some of his notable collaborations with Kurosawa include "Rashomon" (1950), "Seven Samurai" (1954), "Yojimbo" (1961), and "The Hidden Fortress" (1958), which inspired George Lucas's "Star Wars."

Apart from his work with Kurosawa, Mifune appeared in numerous other films, showcasing his versatility as an actor. He played roles in various genres, including dramas, comedies, and war films. Some of his other notable films include "The Throne of Blood" (1957), "High and Low" (1963), and "Red Beard" (1965).

Mifune's charismatic presence, powerful performances, and ability to convey complex emotions made him an iconic figure in Japanese cinema. He received international recognition and awards for his contributions to the film industry, including several honors at the Venice Film Festival and a lifetime achievement award from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

Known For

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Seven Samurai
Kikuchiyo
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Shōgun
Lord Yoshi Toranaga
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Midway
Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto
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High and Low
Kingo Gondo
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Rashomon
Tajômaru
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Yojimbo
Sanjuro Kuwabatake / The Samurai
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Tuesday Suspense Theater
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Red Beard
Dr. Kyojio Niide ("Red Beard")
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Drunken Angel
Matsunaga
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Throne of Blood
Taketoki Washizu

Credits

Images

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