Movie Review: Mifune: The Last Samurai (2015)

Mifune: The Last Samurai (2015) co-written, edited, and directed by Steven Okazaki

Toshiro Mifune is easily the most famous actor from Japan. After World War II, when the country was in desperate times, Mifune applied for a job as a cameraman's assistant. He was soon swept in front of the camera. His international stardom came from his collaborations with director Akira Kurosawa. Their first film, Rashomon, put Japanese film on the world stage. They had a long string of artistic and box office successes, including Seven Samurai, The Hidden Fortress, and Yojimbo, which respectively inspired The Magnificent Seven, Star Wars (George Lucas even wanted Mifune to play Obi Wan Kenobi!), and A Fistful of Dollars. Mifune had an electrifying presence on screen, with the sort of star power that every actor wishes for.

The movie delves a bit more into Mifune as a person. He would prepare for roles with a great deal of research and thought. He was passionate, dedicated, and fearless in his performances. He behaved the same way in his regular life. He loved cars and alcohol, indulging a bit too much at times. He was considerate of other actors. He worked hard and had a rich career.

Even though many of the interviews for this documentary are with his sons, Mifune's family life is only minimally described. How he was as a father or husband just barely comes across. The focus of the documentary is really on his public and professional persona. The movie does delve into the history of Japanese cinema, starting from the first silent films in the early 1900s through the popularity of chanbara (sword fighting) films and up to the propaganda films of World War II.

Mifune had both great talent and dedication to his task, making him a remarkable actor. His career is fascinating and had a huge impact on cinema everywhere.

Recommended, highly for Mifune or Kurosawa fans.