Kagemusha
Akira Kurosawa / JP, 1980 / 156 min.
Based on watercolour paintings Kurosawa had been working on for years, this visually stunning war epic marked the beginning of Kurosawa's international acclaim and his first war epic in colour. Kurosawa's dedication to authenticity made Kagemusha one of the most ambitious Japanese films of its time.
Journey into feudal Japan with Kurosawa's masterpiece Kagemusha. Set in the tumultuous Sengoku period, this epic tale follows a lowly thief who is chosen to impersonate a powerful warlord after his untimely demise. As tensions rise and battles loom, the kagemusha (shadow warrior) navigates the complexities of samurai politics, honour, and sacrifice. He must not only maintain the illusion of leadership but also confront the weight of responsibility and the consequences of deception.
Kurosawa's signature blend of vibrant visuals and profound themes come to life in this sweeping historical drama. The film's success marked a significant comeback for Kurosawa, who had faced career setbacks in the years leading up to its release. Winner of the Palme d'Or (1980) and produced by Francis Ford Coppola and George Lucas.
The film will simultaneously be subtitled in Dutch and English.
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Details
Director
Akira Kurosawa
Production year
1980
Country
JP
Original title
Kagemusha
Length
156 min.
Language
Japanese
Subtitles
NLD or ENG
Format
35mm
Part of
Eye Classics
Eye’s collection includes a wealth of classics. With the Eye Classics series, Eye brings film history even closer. Every week, we screen at least three classics from the collection under one recognisable name: Eye Classics.
Why in Eye
Kagemusha's nuanced exploration of power, identity, and deception remains profoundly relevant today, reminding us of the perils of ambition and the enduring allure of leadership.
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