Mifune: The Last Samurai – Brief Notes

 

– Mifune embodied steadfastness, integrity and samurai spirit.

– You have to root for the one who is outnumbered by the enemy but stands up to them anyway. 

– The Ronin acts out his rage and frustration, knowing that in the end it’s hopeless.  He knows that death is inevitable.  He fights for his own sense of justice. 

– Mifune’s eldest son:  it was his compassion that made him rebellious.

– On Snow Trail – Akira Kurosawa recognised Toshiro Mifune’s raw talent, and created increasingly challenging roles for him. 

–  Kurosawa had made pictures supporting the war – later he regretted it – and said he would never bow to authority again. So he created characters who spoke their mind, rebellious, and Toshiro Mifune was the actor who could pull it off for him. Kurosawa instinctively saw that Toshiro Mifune was unique, that he had something other actors did not. The ability to express anger or joy physically.

– Seven Samurai: Kurosawa expected the cast to follow his instructions precisely – but with Toshiro Mifune he said ‘do what you want with it’.

– Mifune was strict and disciplined with himself –  but if you hold everything inside –  it has to come out somehow, he liked to drink.

– Toshiro Mifune made 16 films over 18 years with Kurosawa.

 

RELATED

The Actor As Spiritual Warrior – Lee Marvin

The Top 10 Bearded Performances