Kagemusha: The Shadow Warrior (1980)

VHS CASE/ SIDE

Length of film:  180 Minutes (U.S. Cut: 162 Minutes)

Rated: A

Genre: Drama, History, War

Director: Akira Kurosawa

Starring: Tatsuya Nakadai, Tsutomu Yamazaki, Kenichi Hagiwara, Jinpachi Nezu, Hideji Ōtaki, Daisuke Ryu, Masayuki Yui 

IMDB Rank: 7.9 /10 (June, 2026)

Part 1 Time:  91 Minutes (U.S. Cut: N/A Minutes)

Part 2 Time:  89 Minutes (U.S. Cut: N/A Minutes)

Where does the first part end? A battle commences at the Takeda outpost in Suruga, organzied by Oda Nobunaga (Daisuke Ryu) and Tokugawa Ieyasu (Masayuki Yui).

Final line of dialogue on the first part: The final scene depicts the fierce battle with no noticeable dialogue. Thus, the final dialogue takes place in the scene prior between Oda Nobunaga and Tokugawa Ieyasu, where Oda Nobunaga states; “Their reaction will tell us whether Shingen is dead or alive.”

First line of dialogue on the second part: Takeda Katsuyori (Kenichi Hagiwara) discusses with his advisor his future as the possible successor of the Takeda clan.

How jarring is it when the first part ends? Somewhat, as conflict continues between the daimyō’s of Japan, Takeda Shingen’s brother Nobukado (the Kagemusha) has successfully impersonated his late brother, imitating his gestures and convincing both the clan’s generals as well as close family members. With Takeda Shingen deceased, will Nobukado be able to continue the Takeda clan success on the battlefield?

Which part is better? The film is clearly split into two halves, with the first part showcasing the rise of the Kagemusha within the Takeda clan and the second half showing his demise. Although the first half has more subtle acting with a fascinating premise (the Kagemusha successfully conning most members of the Takeda clan), part two nevertheless is a visual spectacle, specifically the scenes during the ‘Battle of Nagashino.’ Overall, the film is considered a masterpiece within the cinephile community due to its stunning visual artistry.

Academy Awards: 1981- Best Art Direction- Set Decoration (Nominated), Best Foreign Language Film (Nominated)

Other Awards: 1981 BAFTA- Best Cinematography (Nominated), Best Costume Design (Winner), Best Direction (Winner), Best Film (Nominated); 1980 Palme d’Or (Winner); 1981 Golden Globes- Best Foreign Film (Nominated)