Kagemusha (1980)
Kernel Score: 88% · 719 ratings · Rated PG
Genres: Action, Drama, History, War
Released: 1980-04-26
Runtime: 180 minutes
Where to watch Kagemusha
- Rent: Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
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.
Kagemusha parents' guide: ages 11+
Parents need to know that this Kurosawa historical epic about feudal Japan includes battle sequences and warfare themes typical of a PG-rated historical war film.
- Violence & scariness: Moderate — Depicts feudal-era battles and army warfare between rival warlords' forces.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Kagemusha
If you liked Kagemusha, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- The Hidden Fortress (1958) — 89%
- Throne of Blood (1957) — 89%
- Samurai Rebellion (1967) — 90%
- Sanjuro (1962) — 89%
- Ugetsu (1953) — 88%
- Harakiri (1962) — 90%
- Samurai I: Musashi Miyamoto (1954) — 80%
- Lone Wolf and Cub: Sword of Vengeance (1972) — 83%
Director
Cast
- Tatsuya Nakadai as Shingen Takeda / Kagemusha
- Tsutomu Yamazaki as Nobukado Takeda
- Kenichi Hagiwara as Katsuyori Takeda
- Jinpachi Nezu as Sohachiro Tsuchiya
- Hideji Ōtaki as Masakage Yamagata
- Daisuke Ryū as Nobunaga Oda
- Masayuki Yui as Ieyasu Tokugawa
- Kaori Momoi as Otsuyanokata
- Mitsuko Baisho as Oyunokata
- Hideo Murota as Nobufusa Baba
Kagemusha FAQ
Is Kagemusha good?
Kagemusha has an 88% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 719 audience ratings.
Where can I watch Kagemusha?
In the US you can rent it from Google Play and YouTube.
Is Kagemusha OK for kids?
Kagemusha is rated PG. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that this Kurosawa historical epic about feudal Japan includes battle sequences and warfare themes typical of a PG-rated historical war film.
What movies are like Kagemusha?
If you liked Kagemusha, try The Hidden Fortress, Throne of Blood, Samurai Rebellion and Sanjuro.