Kagemusha (1980) – Expert Review | Official Watch Links
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Kagemusha (1980) Synopsis, Cast, Reviews & Watch Links
Movie Stats
Kagemusha
- Release Date: 1980-04-26
- Genres: Action, Drama, History, War
- Rating: 7.831 (711 votes)
- Runtime: 180 min
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Subtitles:
English, German, Turkish, Italian, French, Mandarin, Spanish, Swedish, Japanese, Hungarian, Portuguese, Dutch, Korean, Hebrew, Greek, Slovenian, Danish, Bulgarian, Russian, Lithuanian, Polish, Finnish, Norwegian, Czech, Georgian, Ukrainian, Thai, Persian
Review & Score: Kagemusha
StreamValid Editorial Review
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. (Auto Summary)
✅ Pros — 2
- Good production quality.
- Solid storyline execution.
✖ Cons — 1
- —
- Neutral point not specified.
- Detailed critic review not available yet.
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 battle against the forces of a rival warlord. Released on April 26, 1980, this film incorporates the essence of , captivating audiences worldwide. With a rating of 7.8/10 from 711 viewers, it's recognized as one of the year's cinematic highlights. From its opening moments, the film establishes a unique atmosphere that sets the tone for what's to come. Whether you're drawn by visual spectacle or thematic depth, this story offers a rewarding experience.
Kagemusha delivers relentless adrenaline and high-stakes battles where every explosion, chase, and combat sequence carries narrative weight. The tension escalates as the protagonist faces physical and moral challenges, balancing vengeance with justice.
Visually, the film is a marvel — every shot meticulously framed to enhance emotion and tone. The cinematography captures the story’s essence, whether through sweeping panoramas or intimate moments. Direction is assured, guiding the audience through the narrative with confident pacing and clear vision. Music and sound design underscore key scenes, elevating tension and enhancing immersion. Every creative element works in unison to produce a memorable and polished experience.
Kagemusha provides more than just entertainment — it delivers resonance. Audiences are drawn into its emotional undercurrents, finding moments of joy, sorrow, and revelation. The storytelling offers layers that reward thoughtful viewing, blending accessible thrills with deeper meaning. From quiet introspections to intense confrontations, it maintains an emotional rhythm that captivates. It’s the kind of film that lingers in memory, inspiring discussion and introspection long after the credits roll.
In the end, Kagemusha stands as a shining example of cinematic craft — a harmonious blend of narrative, performance, and technical achievement. It delivers a satisfying arc, fully realizing the potential of its story and characters. Whether you're a loyal follower of or a curious newcomer, this film offers something truly special. It speaks to the power of film as art, storytelling, and shared experience. Few titles manage to resonate so deeply across so many levels — this is one of them.
If you're interested in more great action films, you might also enjoy: Mad Max: Fury Road, John Wick, Gladiator, The Dark Knight, Die Hard.
Cast & Characters
- Tatsuya Nakadai as Shingen Takeda / Kagemusha
- Tsutomu Yamazaki as Nobukado Takeda
- Kenichi Hagiwara as Katsuyori Takeda
- Jinpachi Nezu as Sohachiro Tsuchiya
- Hideji Ōtaki as Masakage Yamagata
- Daisuke Ryū as Nobunaga Oda
- Masayuki Yui as Ieyasu Tokugawa
- Kaori Momoi as Otsuyanokata
- Mitsuko Baisho as Oyunokata
- Hideo Murota as Nobufusa Baba
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