Masao Shimizu

In this 1961 film directed by Akira Kurosawa, a wandering and scruffy samurai, played by Toshiro Mifune, finds himself entangled in a local clan’s power struggle. The samurai, known for…

Directed by Kenji Mizoguchi, this 1954 Japanese film is a poignant tale set in the Heian period, exploring themes of family, social injustice, and the resilience of the human spirit….

A samurai performs a heroic act by rescuing the lovely Kesa during a violent uprising. The warrior falls in love with her, but becomes distraught when he finds out that she is already married.

Mr. Watanabe suddenly finds that he has terminal cancer. He vows to make his final days meaningful. His attempts to communicate his anguish to his son and daughter-in-law lead only to heartbreak. Finally, inspired by an unselfish co-worker, he turns his efforts to bringing happiness to others by building a playground in a dreary slum neighborhood. When the park is finally completed, he is able to face death with peaceful acceptance.

Set in post-war Japan, this film follows the tumultuous relationship between a disillusioned alcoholic doctor and a young gangster suffering from tuberculosis. The doctor, played by Takashi Shimura, becomes determined…