Yojimbo (1961)

Written and directed by Kurosawa.

Yojimbo is the Japanese word for bodyguard.

The plot of Yojimbo is fairly complex. If you haven't seen it before, it's a good idea to read the plot summary here.

Yojimbo uses many cast members who appear in numerous Kurosawa films. Foremost among them are:

Toshirô Mifune (Sanjuro Kuwabatake) (1920-1997, pictured above): was the original "roving warrior." One of Japan's best known actors, Mifune appeared in almost 170 feature films. He  played in 16 Kurosawa films including Seven Samurai, Throne of Blood, and Rashomon. Appeared in American TV mini-series Shogun. Eventually Mifune became estranged from Kurosawa. Mifune came to movies through a series of publically announced talent search contests. Kurosawa said of Mifune: "The ordinary Japanese actor might need ten feet of film to get across an impression; Mifune needed only three."

Tatsuya Nakadai (Unosuke) (1932-): another of Japan's best known actors. Nakadai appeared frequently in films for both Kurosawa and Masaki Kobayashi, another of Japan's most famous directors. After Mifune and Kurosawa became estranged, Nakadai took roles in Kurosawa films that Mifune might otherwise have taken, including great performances in Kagemusha (1980) and Ran (1985). Nakadai, born in 1932, continues to be active in Japanese movies and TV. In 2017, he starred in Umibi no Ria (Lear on the Shore), a film based partly on his own life. Read a 2016 interview with him here (optional).

Takashi Shimura (Tokuemon) (1905-1982): collaborated with Kurosawa most of his life: from Drunken Angel (1948) to Kagemusha (1980).  Also played the scientist in early Godzilla films.

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