"Actor: Mifune"

• Throne of Blood (DVD) | DVD | (17/04/2019) from £15.85   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £N/A

  A champion of illumination and experimental shading, Kurosawa brings his unerring eye for indelible images to Shakespeare in this 1957 adaptation of Macbeth. By changing the locale from Birnam Wood to 16th-century Japan, Kurosawa makes an oddball argument for the trans-historicity of Shakespeare's narrative; and indeed, stripped to the bare mechanics of the plot, the tale of cut-throat ambition rewarded (and thwarted) feels infinitely adaptable. What's lost in the translation, of course, is the force and beauty of the language--much of the script of Throne of Blood is maddeningly repetitive or superfluous--but striking visual images (including the surreal Cobweb Forest and some extremely artful gore) replace the sublime poetry. Toshiro Mifune is theatrically intense as Washizu, the samurai fated to betray his friend and master in exchange for the prestige of nobility; he portrays the ill-fated warrior with a passion bordering on violence, and a barely concealed conviviality. Somewhat less successful is Isuzu Yamada as Washizu's scheming wife; her poise and creepy impassivity, chilling at first, soon grows tedious. Kurosawa himself is the star of the show, though, and his masterful use of black-and-white contrast--not to mention his steady, dramatic hand with a battle scene--keeps the proceedings thrilling. A must-see for fans of Japanese cinema, as well as all you devotees of samurai weapons and armour. --Miles Bethany

• Red Beard (Blu-ray) | Blu Ray | (11/05/2026) from £16.99   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £N/A

• Akira Kurosawa - The Samurai Collection | DVD | (07/06/2010) from £35.19   |  Saving you £4.80 (13.64%)   |  RRP £39.99

  Akira Kurosawa: The Samurai Collection (5 Discs)

• The Battle Of Midway | Blu Ray | (05/02/2018) from £20.00   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £N/A

  An all-star dramatization of the Japanese attack on the island of Midway in 1942, which saw US forces finally wresting control of the waves and staving off the threat of its West Coast being invaded. Henry Fonda heads the cast as Pacific Fleet Commander Chester W. Nimitz.

• Seven Samurai (60th Anniversary Edition) (DVD) | DVD | (21/04/2014) from £18.75   |  Saving you £1.24 (6.61%)   |  RRP £19.99

  One of the greatest films ever made Akira Kurosawa's Seven Samurai has influenced the work of directors from George Lucas to Steven Spielberg, and spawned remakes, such as John Sturges' acclaimed The Magnificent Seven. With their village raided every year by vicious bandits, a group of peasants hire seven warriors to protect them. Initially met with suspicion, the warriors eventually gain the trust of the peasants and they join forces to face the bandits. Newly re-mastered on DVD, this 60th anniversary special edition includes alternative presentations of the film, a new and exclusive interview with Asian cinema expert Tony Rayns, and the film's original Japanese trailer. Endlessly copied but never surpassed, Seven Samurai is a truly timeless classic Newly re-mastered High Definition transfer Play with or without original intermission Original Japanese theatrical trailer The Art of Akira Kurosawa (2013, 48 mins): Asian cinema expert Tony Rayns discusses Kurosawa'a career and influence Fully illustrated booklet with essays and credits

• Seven Samurai - Limited Edition 4K UHD | Blu Ray | (18/11/2024) from £29.05   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £N/A

  One of the greatest films of all time, Akira Kurosawa's Seven Samurai has influenced the work of directors from George Lucas to Steven Spielberg, and spawned remakes, most notably John Sturges' acclaimed The Magnificent Seven. When 16th-century farmers whose village is repeatedly attacked by merciless bandits ask an elderly, masterless samurai (Takashi Shimura) for help, offering nothing but food in return, he hesitantly agrees and assembles a band of warriors to defend and train the villagers. Boasting terrific performances (with Shimura and Toshiro Mifune as a peasant masquerading as a samurai particularly memorable), superb camerawork, and expertly mounted battle sequences, Seven Samurai is undoubtedly one of the greatest action movies ever made. Newly restored by Toho in 4K, the BFI is delighted to release this all-time classic on UHD for the first time. Available as a limited edition 2-disc set with a book, a set of four postcards and a double-sided poster.Extras- 4K (2160p) UHD Blu-ray presentation in Dolby Vision (HDR10 compatible)- Newly recorded audio commentary by film critic Adrian Martin- Akira Kurosawa: It is Wonderful to Create Seven Samurai (2002, 50 mins)- The Art of Akira Kurosawa (2013, 49 mins): Asian-cinema expert Tony Rayns discusses Kurosawa's career and influence- Original trailer- BFI rerelease trailer- Double-sided poster featuring artwork by Matt Needle and the BFI's poster designed for the film's rerelease- A set of four postcards featuring iconic scenes from the film- Perfect-bound book featuring new and archival writing on the film- Updated and improved English subtitles - Other extras TBC

• Shogun | DVD | (05/04/2004) from £46.99   |  Saving you £-9.00 (N/A%)   |  RRP £37.99

  From the golden age of the miniseries comes Shogun, the 10-hour, Golden Globe-winning saga based on James Clavell's bestselling epic novel. In his award-winning performance, Richard Chamberlain stars as John Blackthorne, the 17th-century English navigator on a Dutch trading ship. A storm runs the ship aground off the coast of Japan, a "torn and cruelly divided country" locked in a power struggle between Toranaga (the venerable Toshiro Mifune) and Ishido, two warlords who would be Shogun. Blackthorne gets over his initial culture shock ("I piss on you and your country", he defiantly proclaims to his samurai captors, which to his humiliation turns out to be an unfortunate choice of words) to become a trusted ally of Toranaga and the lover of the beautiful interpreter Lady Mariko (Yoko Shimada). Their forbidden, ill-fated romance--and Blackthorne's total assimilation into Japanese culture--is set against political intrigue as Toranaga prepares for the inevitable showdown with Ishido, and Blackthorne's growing influence threatens the local Jesuits who had built up a lucrative trade monopoly. Shogun was a production blessed with good karma, and it remains an awesome achievement from a bygone era when the miniseries was king. --Donald Liebenson

• High and Low (Blu-ray) | Blu Ray | (27/01/2025) from £14.98   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £N/A

  Based on an Ed McBain novel, High and Low is a gripping police thriller starring Toshiro Mifune. Wealthy industrialist Kingo Gondo (Mifune) faces an agonising choice when a ruthless kidnapper, aiming to snatch his young son, takes the chauffeur's boy by mistake but still demands the ransom, leaving Gondo facing ruin if he pays up.An anatomy of the inequalities in modern Japanese society, High and Low is a complex film noir, where the intense police hunt for the kidnapper is accompanied by penetrating insight into the kidnapper's state of mind. Kurosawa's virtuoso direction provides no easy answers, and in short, the police and the criminal as equally brutal, but nonetheless human.Extras¢ Presented in High Definition¢ Newly recorded audio commentary by Japanese film expert Jasper Sharp¢ Akira Kurosawa: It is Wonderful to Create High and Low (2002, 38 mins): the director discusses how High and Low came to exist, and how specific sequences were filmed. Also features interviews with actors Tatsuya Nakadai, Kyoko Kagawa, Takeshi Kato, and Tatsuya Mihashi, as well as cameraman Takao Saito and Masaharu Ueda and script supervisor Teruyo Nogami¢ **FIRST PRESSING ONLY** Illustrated booklet with new essay on the film by Alex Barrett, archive essay by Philip Kemp and an original review from Monthly Film Bulletin

• Stray Dog (Blu-ray) | Blu Ray | (27/01/2025) from £18.89   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £N/A

  A masterful mix of film noir and police thriller set on the sweltering mean streets of occupied Tokyo.When rookie detective Murakami (Toshiro Mifune) has his pistol stolen from his pocket while on a bus, his frantic attempts to track down the thief lead him to an illegal weapons market in the Tokyo underworld. But the gun has already passed from the pickpocket to a young gangster, and Murakami's gun is identified as the weapon in the shooting of a woman. Murakami, overwhelmed with remorse, turns for help to his older and more experienced senior, Sato (a superb performance by Takashi Shimura). The race is on to find the shooter before he can strike again Extras¢ Presented in High Definition¢ Newly recorded interview with Japanese film expert Jasper Sharp¢ Newly recorded audio commentary by Kenta McGrath¢ Akira Kurosawa: It is Wonderful to Create Stray Dog (2002, 32 mins)¢ **FIRST PRESSING ONLY** Illustrated booklet with new writing on the film by Barry Forshaw, archive essay by Philip Kemp and original review

• Midway (Limited Edition) | Blu Ray | (25/10/2021) from £17.98   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £N/A

  Recreating the famous sea battle between the American fleet and the Imperial Japanese Navy, Midway finds director Jack Smight (Airport 1975) confidently handling epic battle scenes and a stellar cast which includes Charlton Heston, Henry Fonda, James Coburn, Glenn Ford, Hal Holbrook, Toshiro Mifune, Robert Mitchum, and Robert Wagner. Midway is presented here with a wealth of extras. Special Features: High Definition remaster Original mono and 2.1 Sensurround audio tracks Audio commentary with film historians Steve Mitchell and Steven Jay Rubin (2021) The Guardian Interview with Robert Wagner (1983): archival audio recording of the film and TV star in conversation with Joan Bakewell at the National Film Theatre, London They Were There! (1976): Charlton Heston presents this archival documentary featuring interviews with three combatants who survived the battle The Making of ˜Midway' (2001): documentary short looking at the film's production Sensurround: The Sounds of ˜Midway' (2001): a look at the film's use of the Sensurround audio system The Score of ˜Midway' (2001): film composer John Williams discusses his work on the film Selected scenes from the extended TV version The Battle of ˜Midway' (1942): Oscar-winning documentary directed by John Ford relaying the battle with footage shot by Navy cameramen New video essay by film historian Tag Gallagher on John Ford's acclaimed documentary Super 8 version: original cut-down home-cinema presentation Original theatrical trailer TV spots Radio spot Image gallery: promotional and publicity material New and improved English subtitles for the deaf and hard-of-hearing Limited edition exclusive booklet with a new essay by Lee Pfeiffer and Dave Worrall, archival articles on the film and the events that inspired it, an overview of critical responses, and film credits Limited edition of 3,000 copies All extras subject to change

• SHOGUN MB - MOVIE | DVD | (07/03/2013) from £12.50   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £N/A

• Grand Prix (2 Disc Special Edition) | DVD | (02/10/2006) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £16.99

  All the glamour and greatness of the world's most exciting drama of speed and spectacle! Nine races. One champion. James Garner Yves Montand Brian Bedford and Antonio Sabato portray Formula 1 drivers competing to be the best in this slam-you-into-the-driver's seat tale of speed spectacle and intertwined personal lives. Eva Marie Saint and Toshiro Mifune also star. John Frankenheimer (who 32 years later would again stomp the pedal to the metal for the car chases of Ronin) directs this winner of 3 Academy Awards crafting split-screen images to capture the overlapping drama and orchestrating you-are-there POV camerawork to intensify the hard-driving thrills. Nearly 30 top drivers take part in the excitement so buckle up movie fans. Race with the best to the head of the pack.

• Throne of Blood (Blu-ray) | Blu Ray | (19/05/2025) from £16.49   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £N/A

  New restoration of Akira Kurosawa's astonishing film that's considered to be one of the great adaptations of Shakespeare's Macbeth. A truly remarkable film, Throne of Blood manages to combine beauty and terror to produce a mood of truly haunting power. Starring the irrepressible Toshiro Mifune as the doomed warlord Washizu and a wonderfully creepy turn by Isuzu Yamada as the Lady Macbeth-inspired Asaji, the film shows Kurosawa's familiar mastery of atmosphere and action combined with the savagery of war.ExtrasNewly restored in 4K and presented in High DefinitionAudio commentary by Japanese film expert Michael JeckOther extras tbc

• Yojimbo | DVD | (06/11/2000) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £19.99

  This semi-comic 1961 film by legendary director Akira Kurosawa (Rashomon, Ran) was inspired by the American Western genre. Kurosawa mainstay Toshirô Mifune (Seven Samurai) is cast as a drifting samurai for hire who plays both ends against the middle with two warring factions, surviving on his wits and his ability to outrun his own bad luck. Eventually the samurai seeks to eliminate both sides for his own gain and to define his own sense of honour. Yojimbo is striking for its unorthodox treatment of violence and morality, reserving judgment on the actions of its main character and instead presenting an entertaining tale with humour and much visual excitement. One of the inspirations for the "spaghetti westerns" of director Sergio Leone and later surfacing as a remake as Last Man Standing with Bruce Willis, this film offers insight into a director who influenced American films even as he was influenced by them. --Robert Lane, Amazon.com

• 1941 | DVD | (01/03/2009) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £14.99

  An utterly wild comedy epic directed by Steven Spielberg and nominated for three Academy Awards. Lavish effects sequences highlight this hilarious all star extravaganza set in Los Angeles just days after the attack on Pearl Harbor when fear of a Japanese Invasion threw the city into a state of Pandemonium. Screwball characters run wild on Hollywood Boulevard as manic servicemen zealous store owners teary-eyed girls and bickering Nazis are thrown together in this fast-rising comic souffl that even features a sendup of Spielberg's own Jaws opening.

• The Hidden Fortress (Blu-ray) | Blu Ray | (18/08/2025) from £18.98   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £N/A

  New restoration of Kurosawa's much-loved classic. A story of rival clans, hidden gold and a princess in distress, The Hidden Fortress is a thrilling mix of fairy story and samurai action movie. It was Kurosawa's first film shot in the widescreen process of Tohoscope, and he exploited this to the full in the film's rich variety of landscape locations, including the slopes of Mount Fuji. The Hidden Fortress became Kurosawa's biggest box office hit to date and won several awards, including the Golden Bear at the 1959 Berlin Film Festival. Some twenty years on, the film's influence would have even greater impact on the world's box office, when George Lucas borrowed elements of its plot for the first of his Star Wars series. Extras Newly restored in 4K and presented in High Definition Newly recorded audio commentary by Japanese-cinema expert Tony Rayns Akira Kurosawa: It is Wonderful to Create Hidden Fortress (2002) Interview with George Lucas (2001, 8 mins) Original trailer **FIRST PRESSING ONLY** Illustrated booklet with a new essay on the film by Kenta McGrath

• Kurosawa: Classic Collection | DVD | (24/10/2011) from £38.99   |  Saving you £11.00 (28.21%)   |  RRP £49.99

  Akira Kurosawa, one of the cinema's greatest auteurs, has wowed audiences and inspired filmmakers as diverse as George Lucas and Sergio Leone. This essential 5-disc box set brings together five of his most profound masterpieces exploring the many complexities of life. Included here is the beautifully nuanced Ikiru (1952); the nuclear threat themed drama I Live in Fear (1949); the humane masterpiece Red Beard (1965); the acclaimed Maxim Gorky adaptation The Lower Depths (1957); and Kurosawa's acclaimed first colour film Dodes Ka-den (1970).

• Yojimbo & Sanjuro (2 Blu-ray Set) | Blu Ray | (17/03/2025) from £26.98   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £N/A

  YojimboLike Seven Samurai (1954), Yojimbo was Kurosawa's tribute to the widescreen action Westerns of John Ford and was itself remade as a Western by Sergio Leone as A Fistful of Dollars (1964). Played by the great Toshiro Mifune, the film's enigmatic samurai is a scruffy and itinerant warrior who wanders into a strange town and right into the middle of a war between two clans. Showing his skills with the sword within minutes of his arrival, he soon has the town's rival factions competing for his services.Kurosawa's genius for storytelling combines with thrilling swordplay, a healthy dose of black humour, a soundtrack every bit as atmospheric and amusing as Ennio Morricone's, and a towering performance from Mifune, to make Yojimbo an irresistible widescreen action adventure.SanjuroIn response to the huge critical and commercial success of Yojimbo, Kurosawa and Mifune re-teamed a year later to make Sanjuro, a hilarious comedy of manners altogether more light-hearted than its predecessor.The story has Sanjuro (Mifune) running lazy rings around nine naïve and clean-cut samurai and two genteel ladies, whilst also cleaning up a spot of corruption in local government. Whilst Kurosawa plays most of it for laughs, expertly parodying the conventions of Japanese period action films, he stages a startling switch of mood with an intense finale which may well be the briefest, and most breathtaking duel in all cinema.Extras¢ Newly restored in 4K and presented in High Definition¢ Newly recorded interview with Jasper Sharp (2024)¢ Audio commentary on Yojimbo by film critic Philip Kemp¢ Introduction to Sanjuro by filmmaker Alex Cox (2003, 5 mins)¢ Interview with filmmaker Alex Cox (2003, 9 mins)¢ Original trailers for both films¢ **FIRST PRESSING ONLY** Illustrated booklet featuring new and archival essays on both films, original reviews and full film credits¢ Other extras TBC

• The Hidden Fortress (DVD) | DVD | (12/06/2017) from £6.99   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £N/A

  In one of the many classic collaborations between director Akira Kurosawa and his leading man Toshirô Mifune, this 1958 film tells the story of a warrior and a princess trying against all odds to return to their homeland with their fortune. Along the way, they are simultaneously assisted and thwarted by two itinerant and not-too-bright farmers with their own designs on the treasure, giving the story a subtle comic bent. Acknowledged by George Lucas as the inspiration for Star Wars (note the similarities, especially the comic duo who are the models for R2D2 and C3PO), Hidden Fortress combines an epic tale of struggle and honour with modern comic sensibilities, creating a masterful addition to world cinema. --Robert Lane, Amazon.com

• Seven Samurai - Limited Edition Blu-ray | Blu Ray | (18/11/2024) from £25.65   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £N/A

  One of the greatest films of all time, Akira Kurosawa's Seven Samurai has influenced the work of directors from George Lucas to Steven Spielberg, and spawned remakes, most notably John Sturges' acclaimed The Magnificent Seven. When 16th-century farmers whose village is repeatedly attacked by merciless bandits ask an elderly, masterless samurai (Takashi Shimura) for help, offering nothing but food in return, he hesitantly agrees and assembles a band of warriors to defend and train the villagers. Boasting terrific performances (with Shimura and Toshiro Mifune as a peasant masquerading as a samurai particularly memorable), superb camerawork, and expertly mounted battle sequences, Seven Samurai is undoubtedly one of the greatest action movies ever made. Newly restored in 4K by Toho, the BFI is delighted to be able to rerelease this all-time classic on Blu-ray in a limited edition 2-disc set with a book, a set of four postcards and a double-sided poster.Extras- Newly restored in 4K by Toho and presented in High Definition- Newly recorded audio commentary by film critic Adrian Martin- Akira Kurosawa: It is Wonderful to Create Seven Samurai (2002, 50 mins)- The Art of Akira Kurosawa (2013, 49 mins): Asian-cinema expert Tony Rayns discusses Kurosawa's career and influence- Original trailer- BFI rerelease trailer- Double-sided poster featuring artwork by Matt Needle and the BFI's poster designed for the film's rerelease- A set of four postcards featuring iconic scenes from the film- Perfect-bound book featuring new and archival writing on the film- Updated and improved English subtitles - Other extras TBC