Tsutomu Yamazaki

As Shingen, a powerful warlord, lies dying from his battle wounds, he orders his clan to find a double to replace him -- to keep his death secret so his enemies won't attack. The man chosen for this role turns out to be a petty criminal who must somehow transform into a great leader of samurai warriors. It is a milestone in Akira Kurosawa's career.

Featuring Toshiro Mifune's last role for Akira Kurosawa, Red Beard chronicles the tumultuous relationship between an arrogant young doctor and a compassionate clinic director.

Katsu (internationally acclaimed actor Kôji Yakusho from Shall We Dance and 13 Assassins) plays a 60 year-old lumberjack who lives in a small, tranquil village in the mountains. When a film crew suddenly arrives to shoot a zombie movie, Katsu finds himself unwittingly roped into assisting the production and is increasing frustrated by the pushy crew, especially the young, seemingly spineless director Koichi (Shun Oguri, the star of Crows 0, Sukiyaki Western Django and Space Brothers). However, an improbable friendship soon develops between Katsu and Koichi, as Katsu comes to see joy in the filmmaking process, and gradually helps Koichi to recover his sense of self. Soon, their bond inspires an unusual collaboration between the villagers and the film crew.