Takashi Shimura

Considered one of the finest performers in world cinema, Japanese actor Takashi Shimura (19051982) appeared in more than 300 stage, film and television roles during his five-decade career. He is best known for his frequent collaborations with Akira Kurosawa, including major roles in the landmark classics Rashmon (1950), Ikiru (1952) and Seven Samurai (1954), and for his memorable characterizations in Ishir Hondas Godzilla (1954) and several Kaij sequels. This is the first complete English-language account of Shimuras work. In addition to historical and critical coverage of Shimuras life and career, it includes an extensive filmography.