Kagemusha

Kagemusha

Year: 1980

Runtime: 180 min

Language: Japanese

Director: Akira Kurosawa

DramaHistoryWar

During a time of war, a petty criminal’s uncanny resemblance to a deceased powerful warlord leads him to be recruited to impersonate the man. As the Kagemusha, or "shadow warrior," he’s tasked with deceiving enemies and maintaining the illusion of the warlord’s continued presence. However, he soon finds himself entangled in genuine political intrigue and must grapple with the immense responsibility and danger of his deception, all while fearing exposure and the consequences it would bring.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Kagemusha (1980)

Trace every key event in Kagemusha (1980) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Takeda Shingen Meets the Thief

In 1571, during the Sengoku period, the powerful daimyō Takeda Shingen encounters a thief whose life had recently been spared from crucifixion by Shingen's brother, Nobukado. Captivated by the thief's remarkable resemblance to him, Shingen considers using the thief as a *kagemusha*, or political decoy.

1571
2

Engagement in Siege Against Tokugawa

The Takeda army engages in a military siege against a castle governed by Tokugawa Ieyasu. As the battle intensifies, Shingen remains focused on his strategic goals, but his life is about to take a tragic turn.

Tokugawa's Castle
3

Shingen's Fatal Injury

During the siege, Shingen is unexpectedly shot while captivated by the haunting sound of a flute from the enemy camp. The injury proves fatal, prompting him to order a retreat and conceal his death for three years.

4

The Concealment of Shingen's Death

Shingen's order for his generals to conceal his death for three years sets a complex plan into motion. As rivals including Oda Nobunaga and Tokugawa Ieyasu speculate on the implications of Shingen's withdrawal, they remain unaware that he has already succumbed to his injuries.

5

Introducing the Thief to the Generals

Nobukado introduces the thief to Shingen’s generals, advocating for the idea of the thief impersonating Shingen. Initially, the generals are skeptical but accept the plan as a necessary strategy to maintain their advantage.

6

Discovery of Shingen's Body

In a fateful moment, the thief mistakenly discovers Shingen's preserved body encased in a jar, believing it to be treasure. This surreal encounter leaves the thief shocked, as he realizes the gravity of the situation he has entered.

7

The Incident at Lake Suwa

As tensions mount, the jar containing Shingen's body is accidentally dropped into Lake Suwa, witnessed by spies from Tokugawa and Oda. This incident ignites suspicion among rival forces regarding Shingen's fate.

Lake Suwa
8

Kagemusha's Offer to Continue Impersonation

Overhearing the spies, the clever thief offers to continue serving as *kagemusha* to the Takeda army. His quick decision solidifies his position in the clan, while the Takeda spin a story about a ritual honoring the lake's god to assuage suspicions.

9

Kagemusha's First Clan Meeting

Now at the Takeda stronghold, the kagemusha begins to emulate Shingen’s mannerisms to deceive his retinue. He is strategically advised by Nobukado to remain silent during council meetings until a consensus is reached, showcasing his adaptability.

10

Katsuyori's Challenge to the Kagemusha

In a crucial moment, Katsuyori challenges the kagemusha's capabilities during a clan meeting, testing his knowledge as Shingen's son grows increasingly frustrated. Despite the pressure, the kagemusha rises to the occasion and impresses the generals.

11

Nobunaga's Campaign Against Azai

By 1573, Nobunaga intensifies his efforts against Azai Nagamasa, continuing his campaign to secure Kyoto against rising opposition. This sets off a chain of events that impacts the already fragile Takeda clan.

1573
12

Battle of Takatenjin

In a bold move, Katsuyori disregards the counsel of his generals and leads a counter-attack against enemy forces in the Battle of Takatenjin. The kagemusha steps up to lead the troops, leveraging his newfound confidence to inspire a victorious rally.

13

Kagemusha's Unmasking

Despite a victorious battle, the kagemusha's overconfidence leads him to ride Shingen’s unpredictable horse and he is unceremoniously thrown off. Observers notice he lacks Shingen's battle scars, ultimately revealing his identity as the impostor.

14

Katsuyori Takes Command

Following the kagemusha’s unmasking, Katsuyori seizes the opportunity to assert his leadership over the Takeda clan. This shift contributes to the clan's instability as rival forces sense a weakness to exploit.

15

The Tragic End of the Kagemusha

In 1575, during a desperate counterattack against Nobunaga at Nagashino, the kagemusha, now fully aware of the stakes, charges bravely into battle. Mortally wounded, he struggles to recover the clan's fūrinkazan banner, ultimately succumbing to injuries as his body is swept away in a turbulent river.

1575 Nagashino

Last Updated: November 16, 2024 at 18:01

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Kagemusha

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