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Kagemusha

Kagemusha (1980)

October. 10,1980
|
7.9
|
PG
| Drama Action History War

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 battle against the forces of a rival warlord.

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FeistyUpper
1980/10/10

If you don't like this, we can't be friends.

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Acensbart
1980/10/11

Excellent but underrated film

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Hayden Kane
1980/10/12

There is, somehow, an interesting story here, as well as some good acting. There are also some good scenes

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Mandeep Tyson
1980/10/13

The acting in this movie is really good.

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gavin6942
1980/10/14

A petty thief with an utter resemblance to a samurai warlord is hired as the lord's double. When the warlord later dies the thief is forced to take up arms in his place.George Lucas and Francis Ford Coppola are credited at the end of the film as executive producers in the international version. This is because they convinced 20th Century Fox to make up a shortfall in the film's budget when the original producers, Toho Studios, could not afford to complete the film. In return, 20th Century Fox received the international distribution rights to the film.According to Lucas, Kurosawa used 5000 extras for the final battle sequence, filming for a whole day, then he cut it down to 90 seconds in the final release. Many beautiful special effects, and a number of scenes that filled holes in the story, landed on the "cutting-room floor." The version I watched was edited for international distribution. Now, if there is an even longer version than the Japanese version, this is one heck of a samurai epic. That would be what, four hours? And definitely among the best -- if not the very best -- of Kurosawa's later work. Holy moley, those colors! Again, the version I saw seemed to be in standard definition. If Criterion released this in 4K, it would blow minds. (Maybe they have, I don't know.) An absolute must-see for Kurosawa fans or fans of the samurai film (two groups that I presume have plenty of overlap).

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fullheadofsteam
1980/10/15

This movie is, far beyond just a mystically entertainment experience, truly a study in brilliant film making and resultant audience enthrallment. Everything is lavishly displayed and brilliantly portrayed here -- the magnificence of the cinematography and costuming elevate the film far above and beyond the absolutely brilliant character portrayals. To say that this film is a visual feast is understatement, because visually it should emotionally move any true film devotee and big-screen, epic movie fan. Other reviews which you can read here at IMDb spell out the plot, so simple enough here to state that the plot is about territory and rival power in 16th Century Japan, and better to focus on the masterful art of the film. Sumptuous, gorgeous, captivating, with character interest enhanced greatly, but accentuated rather than overwhelmed by, a big screen canvas masterwork, this is a must-see, if not must-own, film to be dined on, cinematically and metaphorically speaking, in the richest sense of fine dining; it is a delightful aperitif, followed with a mouth-watering starter, then a beautiful entree, and finished with dessert of choice accompanied by a perfect accompanying liqueur. You are completely satiated by the finish of the film, having dined finely on a cinematic feast.

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Sabre_Wolf
1980/10/16

Well I watched this movie years ago, it even compelled me to read up on Shingen Takeda and my goodness he was one of the most interesting characters of the Sengoku period! Also he was known for the 'Fu-Rin-Ka-Zan' motto emblazoned on his war banners.This is interesting take on how things went after the death of Shingen and how the Kagemusha was able to impersonate Shingen but the way the story is told is incredible! Tatsuya gives memorable performances as both the real Shingen and the Kagemusha also the actors who play the Takeda generals performances are also nothing to be sneezed at.This is as we can expect from not just a great director like Akira Kurosawa but also him as a descendant of samurai.Definitely recommended for those interested in the Sengoku Jidai (Age of the Country at War) or for fans of samurai films in general.

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sboom2009
1980/10/17

Another samurai epic by the master of the genre Akira Kurosawa; which, I find to be a mostly fulfilling attempt.The film follows the life of a peasant thief named Kagemusha who happens to look like the warlord of the Takeda clan Shingen. He is found by Shingen's brother Nobukado where he is trained to be Shingen's third body double in case of emergency. Of course this fate is realized when a assassin's sniper rifle finds Lord Shingen during a battle. Shengin remains alive for a while to let his men know that he wanted to be alive three more years for it was his goal to capture Kyoto and if he should die he would want it kept a secret so his clan would not go into disarray. Unfortunately Shingen passes from his wound and it is decided by the his cabinet that Kagemusha must pretend to be Shingen for three years (this secret is even kept from Shingen's family).It is important for his double to keep his persona for if his enemies were to suspect lord Shigen dead then they wouldn't have fear of attacking, but knowing that he may still be living made them second guess their attacks and kept the clan safe. It also helped to protect the clan from itself for the warlords replacement was a mere boy and a son who is blanketed by his father's shadow who is trying desperately to find himself(which is a major theme of the film).Their are many themes in this film of which to talk about but the most important one is finding ones self. Shingen's son Katsuyori is very lost even before his father's death. His son is the next in line to become leader of the clan ,which; brings him much embarrassment for he has felt his father was not fairing of him making him want to distance himself from Shingen's lore. These feelings later in the film become cataclysmic as certain discoveries are made. Kagemusha himself is lost between loyalty to his master and still knowing himself ,which; he is not able to be under the circumstances. There is a point in the film when he takes the persona too far it has dire consequences, but it puts things back in perspective for him where he finds what he truly loves.The first two hours of the film are phenomenal, but the battle sequences once began got a little confusing at times especially a scene at night where you're not sure who the friends or enemies are. I didn't fully understand the sequence until it had ended and I felt it was the weakest part of the film lasting I believe between 15-20 minutes. I wasn't a big fan of the ending also it felt a little rushed to me for Kurosawa ,which; I find to be out of character for him, but I will say the films final shot was magnificent.To Conclude I would say that despite the weak final act the rest of the film was very entertaining with an interesting premise and strong characters. If you are a Kurosawa fan you will love it as I did, however; it is definitely not in the category of Seven Samurai, or Roshomon. Visually astounding(the nightmare sequence was my favorite) at times and maybe a little confusing at others in the end it is to good of a film to pass up on even if it has its flaws.

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