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.
Personal Details
Also Known As
Movies (45)
Mifune: The Last Samurai
as Self - Actor / Various Roles (archive footage)
2016
Final Cut: Ladies and Gentlemen
as (archive footage)
2012
Akira Kurosawa: It Is Wonderful to Create: 'The Hidden Fortress'
as Self
2002
Picture Bride
as The Benshi
1995
Deep River
as Tsukada
1995
Shadow of the Wolf
as Kroomak
1992
Journey of Honor
as Ieyasu Tokugawa
1991
Strawberry Road
as Taoka
1991
Heaven and Earth: Dawn Episode
as Nagao Tamekage
1990
Death of a Tea Master
as Rikyu Sen-no
1989
cf Girl
as Shūichirō Hase
1989
The Demon Comes in Spring
as Kukkune no jî
1989
Princess from the Moon
as Taketori-no-Miyatsuko
1987
The Retired Samurai
as Hikozaemon Ōkubo
1987
Tora-san Goes North
as Junkichi Ueno
1987
The Shatterer
as Murai
1987
The Ballad of the Sea of Genkai
as Kyūbei Matsufuji
1986
No More God, No More Love
as Kōzō Kanzaki
1985
The Miracle of Joe, the Petrel
as Fisherman
1984
Okita Soji: Swordsman of Fire
as Shūsai Kondō
1984
Secret of the Forbidden Valley
1983
The Women of Osaka Castle
as Tokugawa Ieyasu
1983
Lowly Ronin 6: Betrayal at Yatate Pass
as Sûrônin Hinoki Sajûrô
1983
Battle Anthem
as Admiral Heihachiro Togo
1983
Lowly Ronin 5: The Teenage Orphan Girl
as Sûrônin Rakuyôjûrô
1983
Lowly Ronin 4: Living Hell
as Sanjuro Hinoki
1983
Theater Of Life
as Hyōtarō Aonari
1983
Lowly Ronin 2: The Spray of Blood
as Sanjuro Hinoki
1982
Domineering
as Masao Tadokoro
1982
The Challenge
as Toru Yoshida
1982
The Lowly Ronin 3: Duel at Dawn
1982
Ten Duels of Young Shingo: Chapter 2
as Tamon Umei
1982
Lowly Ronin
as Sanjuro Hinoki
1981
The Bushido Blade
as Shogun's Commander
1981
Ten Duels of Young Shingo: Chapter 1
as Tamon Umei
1981
Inchon
as Saito-San
1981
Port Arthur
as Emperor Meiji
1980
1941
as Cmdr. Akiro Mitamura
1979
Onmitsu Doshin: The Edo Secret Police
as Sadanobu Matsudaira
1979
The Adventures of Kosuke Kindaichi
as Kindaichi of 11th Generation in "The Woman in the Eye"
1979
Winter Kills
as Keith
1979
Lord Mito
as Sakuzaemon Okumura
1978
The Fall of Ako Castle
as Tsuchiya Michinao
1978
Japanese Godfather: Conclusion
as Kosuke Oishi
1978
Love and Faith
as Taiko Hideyoshi
1978
