Kagemusha (1980, Akira Kurosawa) with Michael Repsch - Criterion Collection Spine #267

"Is our identity predetermined or something we can create?"In this episode of Why This Film?, I'm joined by Michael Repsch, President of Dark Star Pictures, to explore Kagemusha - Akira Kurosawa's sweeping historical epic and Criterion Collection Spine #267.Released in 1980, Kagemusha follows a thief who is spared execution because of his uncanny resemblance to the powerful warlord Takeda Shingen. When Shingen dies, the thief is forced to assume his identity, and the fate of the entire clan depends on if the illusion can be sustained.Michael brings his perspective as a longtime film distributor who has helped release over 200 films and now leads Dark Star Pictures. He discusses what makes Kagemusha endure not only as a viewer, but as someone who understands how films are preserved and passed on to new audiences.Together, we move through the film scene by scene and discuss:Akira Kurosawa's style and use of color, shadow, and movementHow Kagemusha differs from the traditional samurai epicThemes of identity, power, and successionWhy the film rewards repeated viewingsWhy Kagemusha remains one of the most visually stunning, thought-provoking, and essential films in the Criterion CollectionSend us Fan MailHollywood ManeStays - Not a pin, not a clip. Just Better. Support the showFollow the Podcast:WhyThisFilm.comInstagramYouTube