Mifune: The Last Samurai

“A lot of people try to imitate Mifune, but nobody can.”—Steven Spielberg

One of world cinema’s biggest stars, Toshiro Mifune is best known for the 16 remarkable films he made with the director Akira Kurosawa during the Golden Age of Japanese cinema, including Rashomon, The Seven Samurai, and Yojimbo. Academy Award–winning filmmaker Steven Okazaki’s excellent documentary explores Mifune’s movie career—one he entered into almost by accident—and the direct inspiration he’s had on actors and filmmakers alike, including directors Martin Scorsese and Steven Spielberg, who both appear in the film. Narrated by Keanu Reeves. (80 mins., DCP)