7.9
Where can I stream Kagemusha legally?
You can rent or buy it from Apple TV, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and YouTube. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
Kagemusha
1980·Movie
·3h 0min·PG·
Kagemusha fingerprint
High energy, immersive world, light on feelings.
Energy
Epic and violent
- Spectacle9
- Violence8
- Tension7
Heart
Moving and wondrous
- Pathos8
- Wonder7
- Melancholy6
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay4
- Dark Humor2
- Situational Comedy1
World
History, war, and politics
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
- World Immersion10
- Rewatchability8
- Novelty7
Craft
Standout direction, performances, and storytelling
- Direction10
- Acting10
- Narrative Structure9
Style
Standout cinematography, editing, and score
A distinctive visual signature.
- Cinematography10
- Editing9
- Music Composition8
Energy
HighEpic and violent
Kagemusha is epic, violent, and tense.
All energy traits
- Spectacle9Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Violence8Physical conflict and intensity.
- Tension7Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Adrenaline6High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
- Scare2Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Warfare9Battles, strategy, and conflict.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
- Grotesque5Macabre, distorted imagery.
Heart
LowMoving and wondrous
Emotionally, it's moving and wondrous.
All heart traits
- Pathos8Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Wonder7Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Melancholy6Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Catharsis6Emotional release and payoff.
- Family Dynamics4Relationships and generational ties.
- Hopefulness3Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Nostalgia3Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Romance2Love stories and emotional connections.
- Coming of Age2Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Wholesome1Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
Related traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
- Philosophical7Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
LowA little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect a little humor.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay4Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Dark Humor2Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor0Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor0Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody0Sharp critique and playful imitation.
World
HighHistory, war, and politics
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
Its world is built around history, war, and politics. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in. It holds up on a rewatch.
All world traits
- World Immersion10Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Rewatchability8Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Dialogue Centrality6Stories driven by conversation.
- Ambiguity5Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Historical10Period settings and real events.
- Warfare9Battles, strategy, and conflict.
- Politics8Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
- Psychological8Inner worlds and mind games.
- Social Commentary6Perspectives on society and norms.
- Class & Capitalism5Wealth, power, and inequality.
Craft
HighStandout direction, performances, and storytelling
The direction, performances, and storytelling stand out.
All craft traits
- Direction10Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting10Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure9Story architecture and form.
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Intrigue8Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative1Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Philosophical7Ideas about life and existence.
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
Style
HighStandout cinematography, editing, and score
A distinctive visual signature.
Look and sound: the cinematography, editing, and score stand out.
All style traits
- Cinematography10Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing9Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition8Score and musical identity.
- Visual Stylization8Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Centrality7Songs central to storytelling.
- Sound Centrality7Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Spectacle9Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Dialogue Centrality6Stories driven by conversation.
- Grotesque5Macabre, distorted imagery.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightPartner WatchSolo WatchTeensThought-Provoking
Skip it if
Graphic violence bothers you
Find more like it
Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.
About
The Shadow of a man can never stand up and walk on its own.
Akira Kurosawa's lauded feudal epic presents the tale of a petty thief who is recruited to impersonate Shingen, an aging warlord, in order to avoid attacks by competing clans. When Shingen dies, his generals reluctantly agree to have the impostor take over as the powerful ruler. He soon begins to appreciate life as Shingen, but his commitment to the role is tested when he must lead his troops into battle against the forces of a rival warlord.
Feudal EpicSamurai War DramaMasterful DirectionIdentity & ImpersonationPolitical IntrigueVisually StunningPsychological DepthGrand SpectacleLegacy & PowerBleak & Realistic
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
Related Movies and Shows
Overall: Similar vibe.
Movies
Shows
Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Loading video…
Questions about Kagemusha
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Kagemusha worth watching?
78
GreatGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 79/100 (IMDb 7.9, Rotten Tomatoes 89%, and Metacritic 100). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Kagemusha rated?
PGViolenceDisturbing imagery
It's rated PG in the United States. Content advisories: violence and disturbing imagery.
How long is Kagemusha?
3 h 0 min
Kagemusha runs 3 h 0 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on Kagemusha?
Critics95
Audiences84
Not quite. Critics rate Kagemusha higher (95) than audiences (84). It may be more rewarding than it is crowd-pleasing.
Was Kagemusha a box office hit?
Budget$6 million
Box office$4 million
No. It cost about $6 million to make and earned $4 million worldwide, 67% of its budget.
What language is Kagemusha in?
Japanese
It was made in Japanese. Produced in Japan, United States.
In how many countries can I watch Kagemusha?
29
+15
+15GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Kagemusha in 29 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does Kagemusha use?
No Name GivenThe StoicRule of Symbolism"Not So Different" RemarkAnyone Can DieNinjaGray Rain of DepressionAlways Someone BetterThe Hero DiesIdentical StrangerChekhov's GunTruth in Televisionand 37 more
TV Tropes lists 49 storytelling tropes for Kagemusha, including No Name Given, The Stoic, Rule of Symbolism.