10252-br720p-subs-kagemusha.mp4

: Kurosawa struggled for years to find funding for this project in Japan. It was eventually produced with the help of Francis Ford Coppola and George Lucas , who were massive fans of his work. Why It Matters

: Set during the Sengoku period of feudal Japan, a petty thief is spared from execution because he bears an uncanny resemblance to the powerful warlord Takeda Shingen . When Shingen dies, the thief is forced to act as his political double (a "shadow warrior" or kagemusha ) to prevent rival clans from attacking. 10252-BR720p-SUBS-KAGEMUSHA.mp4

: The film is a deep meditation on the illusion of power and the blurring lines between reality and performance. : Kurosawa struggled for years to find funding

: The lead role was famously meant for Shintaro Katsu (of Zatoichi fame), but after a falling out with Kurosawa, it went to Tatsuya Nakadai , who delivered a powerhouse dual performance. Viewing Context When Shingen dies, the thief is forced to

: Known for its vibrant use of color and massive, choreographed battle scenes involving thousands of extras.

: It won the Palme d'Or at the 1980 Cannes Film Festival and was Kurosawa’s "dress rehearsal" for his even more ambitious later work, Ran .