← Back to Cinema Atlas
Discover great cinema and the connections that made it possible.
Kagemusha
JAPAN · 1980

Kagemusha

Akira Kurosawa
identity and deception feudal warfare power and leadership social transformation mortality and legacy
Watch on MUBI → ▶ Trailer

Synopsis

Akira Kurosawa's lauded feudal epic presents the tale of a petty thief who is recruited to impersonate Shingen, an aging warlord, in order to avoid attacks by competing clans. When Shingen dies, his generals reluctantly agree to have the impostor take over as the powerful ruler. He soon begins to appreciate life as Shingen, but his commitment to the role is tested when he must lead his troops into

Cinema Atlas Connection
I've stolen from this movie countless times, obviously, in the way that I block frames, the way that I try to stage battle scenes or crowd scenes, the way that I try to use elements to define character.
Explore the full connection → See all connections for Kagemusha →

More from Akira Kurosawa

Japan · Japanese Golden Age
Seven Samurai
1954 • Japan
View →
Rashomon
1950 • Japan
View →
High and Low
1963 • Japan
View →