Toshirō Mifune
Biography
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.
Acting (163 movies)
The Hidden Fortress
1958
Rashomon
1950
Throne of Blood
1957
Red Beard
1965
Grand Prix
1966
Incident at Blood Pass
1970
Stray Dog
1949
1941
1979
I Live in Fear
1955
Samurai I: Musashi Miyamoto
1954
Samurai II: Duel at Ichijoji Temple
1955
Samurai III: Duel at Ganryu Island
1956
Midway
1976
Sanjuro
1962
The Bad Sleep Well
1960
Red Sun
1971
The Idiot
1951
Hell in the Pacific
1968
Yojimbo
1961
The Lower Depths
1957
Drunken Angel
1948
Scandal
1950
Samurai Rebellion
1967
Death of a Tea Master
1989
High and Low
1963
Winter Kills
1979
Zatoichi Meets Yojimbo
1970
The Rickshaw Man
1958
The Life of Oharu
1952
The Quiet Duel
1949
Chûshingura
1962
Shinsengumi: Assassins of Honor
1969
Japan's Longest Day
1967
The Challenge
1982
Shadow of the Wolf
1992
Samurai Pirate
1963
Samurai Banners
1969
Home-Brewed Tatsu
1962
The Sword of Doom
1966
The Fall of Ako Castle
1978
Attack Squadron
1963
Princess from the Moon
1987
Adventure in Kigan Castle
1966
Samurai Assassin
1965
Yaji and Kita on the Road
1958
Vendetta of a Samurai
1952
cf Girl
1989
Red Lion
1969
Desperado Outpost
1959
Paper Tiger
1975
Battle of the Japan Sea
1969
Snow Trail
1947
Yagyu Secret Scrolls
1957
The Important Man
1961
The Bushido Blade
1981
Inchon
1981
Yagyu Secret Scrolls: Ninjitsu - Part II
1958
Fort Graveyard
1965
The Sands of Kurobe
1968
The Last Gunfight
1960
Samurai Saga
1959
Whirlwind
1964
Lowly Ronin
1981
Lowly Ronin 2: The Spray of Blood
1982
The Three Treasures
1959
Wedding Ring
1950
Daredevil in the Castle
1961
All About Marriage
1958
Love and Faith
1978
The Ambitious
1970
Rebels on the High Sea
1956
The Mad Atlantic
1966
A Man in the Storm
1957
Settlement of Love
1956
A Dangerous Hero
1957
The Masterless 47
1960
All is Well
1955
All is Well 2
1955
Three Gentlemen Return from Hong Kong
1962
Proof of the Man
1977
Holiday in Tokyo
1958
Journey of Honor
1991
Shogun's Samurai
1978
Escape from Prison
1950
Safari 5000
1969
Sasaki Kojiro
1951
Secret of the Forbidden Valley
1983
Admiral Yamamoto
1968
A Wife's Heart
1956
Rise Against the Sword
1966
The Retired Samurai
1987
Deep River
1995
Picture Bride
1995
The Demon Comes in Spring
1989
Port Arthur
1980
Shag
1978
The Storm of the Pacific
1960
Lowly Ronin 4: Living Hell
1983
The Eagle of the Pacific
1953
Battle Anthem
1983
Directing (1 movie)
| Title | Year | Job |
|---|---|---|
| The Mad Atlantic | 1966 | Executive Producer |
| Samurai Rebellion | 1967 | Producer |
| Samurai Banners | 1969 | Producer |
| Red Lion | 1969 | Producer |
| Shinsengumi: Assassins of Honor | 1969 | Producer |
| Incident at Blood Pass | 1970 | Producer |
| Morning for Two | 1971 | Producer |
| Shag | 1978 | Executive Producer |