
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 |
