Kagemusha
Akira Kurosawa / JP, 1980 / 181 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 masterpieceKagemusha. 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.
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Details
Director
Akira Kurosawa
Production year
1980
Country
JP
Original title
Kagemusha
Length
181 min.
Language
Japanese
Subtitles
ENG
Format
DCP
Part of
Akira Kurosawa
After an absence of more than 30 years, Eye is bringing the films of one of Japan’s greatest filmmakers, Akira Kurosawa, to the big screen again, some in digitally restored versions. In his films, Kurosawa blends Japanese history and culture with literary and cinematic influences from the West.
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