Mifune

Mifune is a 1999 Danish film directed by Søren Kragh-Jacobsen and starring Iben Hjejle, Anders W. Berthelsen, and Jesper Asholt. The film is a tribute to the Japanese actor Toshiro Mifune and his role in the work of legendary filmmaker Akira Kurosawa.

The story follows Kresten (Anders W. Berthelsen), a successful businessman in Copenhagen, who is forced to return to his small hometown in rural Denmark to take care of his mentally disabled brother, Rud (Jesper Asholt), after the sudden death of their father. Kresten is unhappy about this turn of events, as he has left his past behind and built a new life for himself in the city, complete with a beautiful fiancée, Claire (Iben Hjejle).

However, upon his return, Kresten finds himself drawn back into the fold of his dysfunctional family, including his aloof mother and despotic uncle. In this environment, he begins to reconnect with his inner child and reevaluate his priorities in life, including his relationship with Claire and his own perceptions of success.

At the same time, Kresten hires a sexually liberated housekeeper named Liva (Emilie Francois) to take care of Rud. Liva's carefree attitude and unconventional lifestyle clash with Kresten's staid worldview, but they eventually come to an understanding and even develop a romantic connection.

All the while, Kresten struggles with the burden of caring for his mentally challenged brother and the guilt he feels for abandoning him in the first place. As the film progresses, Kresten's sense of responsibility and connection to his family and Rud grow deeper, and he begins to question his own values and the validity of his successful career.

Mifune is a beautifully shot and introspective film that deals with themes of family, responsibility, and personal growth. The performances of the cast are exceptional, with Anders W. Berthelsen delivering a moving and nuanced portrayal of Kresten's journey. The cinematography captures the lush countryside of Denmark and the muted tones of Kresten's urban existence with equal skill, creating a stark contrast between the two worlds.

In addition, the film pays homage to the legacy of Toshiro Mifune and his collaborations with Akira Kurosawa. The character of Liva is even named after Mifune's character in Seven Samurai. The film also draws on Kurosawa's themes of honor, obligation, and redemption, creating an evocative and poignant tribute to these cinematic masters.

Overall, Mifune is a thoughtful and moving film that manages to balance its themes of personal growth and family with moments of humor and romance. It is a testament to the power of filmmaking to explore deeper truths about humanity and the human experience.