Known for: Acting
Born: 1920-04-01 · Qingdao, China
Died: 1997-12-24

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People

Toshirō Mifune

Acting · follow into films and chains

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.

Notable films

Where to start

Highlights from credits and KinoChain journeys.

Seven Samurai

Appears in a KinoChain journey

Throne of Blood

Appears in a KinoChain journey

Rashomon

As Tajômaru

Drunken Angel

As Matsunaga

1941

As Cmdr. Akiro Mitamura

The Hidden Fortress

As General Rokurota Makabe

Samurai III: Duel at Ganryu Island

As Musashi Miyamoto a.k.a. Takezo

Stray Dog

As Det. Murakami

Chains

KinoChain journeys

Public chains that pass through their films — or name them as a bridge.

Browse all chains

The Discs That Changed How Britain Watched

When DVD landed in Britain in 1997 it promised cinema in your living room. The discs that followed rewired what collectors expected from a film at home.

10 films

The Verse Will Outlive the Stage

Eight films that take Shakespeare's words into new weather, new cities and new blood, proving the plays were never meant to stay indoors.

8 films

Topics