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Kagemusha

PG Released Oct 6, 1980 2h 59m History Drama List
89% Tomatometer 27 Reviews 92% Popcornmeter 10,000+ Ratings
Akira Kurosawa's lauded feudal epic presents the tale of a petty thief (Tatsuya Nakadai) who is recruited to impersonate Shingen (also Nakadai), 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 battle against the forces of a rival warlord.
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Kagemusha

Kagemusha

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Critics Consensus

Epic in scope and awash with striking color, Kagemusha marks Akira Kurosawa's successful return to the samurai epic.

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Critics Reviews

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Kevin Maher Times (UK) Monumental. Rated: 4/5 Mar 13, 2021 Full Review Gary Arnold Washington Post "Kagemusha" is such a gratifying come-back picture for a justifiably revered filmmaker that one feels churlish harboring certain reservations. May 7, 2017 Full Review Hank Sartin Time Out Rated: 5/5 Nov 18, 2011 Full Review Panos Kotzathanasis Asian Movie Pulse From the symbolic opening to the haunting final battle, “Kagemusha” remains a triumph, a brushstroke on the canvas of cinema's finest. Rated: 8.5 Mar 3, 2024 Full Review Rob Aldam Backseat Mafia An epic tale of smoke and mirrors set in a period rife with political intrigue. Mar 2, 2021 Full Review Jesús Fernández Santos El Pais (Spain) Beyond the exquisite visual effects and battles, what is most interesting about the story is its protagonist: a double who turns into the shadow of the warrior Kagemusha. [Full Review in Spanish] Aug 15, 2019 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Rosana B A palavra Kagemusha significa dublê ou sombra de um guerreiro, aqui temos uma obra japonesa prestigiada e premiada, mas ficcionalizada da morte de Takeda Shingen, em meio a fatos históricos, o que não me agradou muito, curto biografias, mas quase tudo aqui é criacionista. Assisti ao filme alternando e picado, o que o tornou mais longo ainda, e interminável, a criancinha, a netinha do farsante sem dúvida rouba as cenas, apenas ela me cativa… Uma excelente produção entediante e aborrecida. Rated 2 out of 5 stars 08/24/24 Full Review Alan g A great martial movie, grand in scope and acting but how did they get the dates and armor wrong. The movie takes place in 1574 but Shingen died in 1573. Also his armor is incorrect. Other than that is it a good movie. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 08/07/24 Full Review Marcos S Kagemusha stands as a crowning achievement in artistry by the hands of Akira Kurosawa—a sprawling, epic poem elevated by the enchanting and meticulously crafted score of Shin'ichirō Ikebe. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/03/24 Full Review Leaburn O One of my absolute favourite Kurosawa films. This samurai film actually has an interesting plot and the battle scenes are epic in scale. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 05/21/23 Full Review carl h I Love this movie. It is a Classic. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 03/05/23 Full Review Stephen C The greatest true story in 02 hours: and 59 minutes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/25/23 Full Review Read all reviews
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Movie Info

Synopsis Akira Kurosawa's lauded feudal epic presents the tale of a petty thief (Tatsuya Nakadai) who is recruited to impersonate Shingen (also Nakadai), 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 battle against the forces of a rival warlord.
Director
Akira Kurosawa
Producer
Akira Kurosawa
Screenwriter
Masato Ide, Akira Kurosawa
Distributor
20th Century Fox
Production Co
20th Century Fox
Rating
PG
Genre
History, Drama
Original Language
Japanese
Release Date (Theaters)
Oct 6, 1980, Original
Release Date (Streaming)
Sep 17, 2016
Runtime
2h 59m
Sound Mix
Dolby
Aspect Ratio
35mm, Flat (1.85:1)
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