FRIDAY
Q&A follows tribute to Toshiro Mifune
Actor Toshiro Mifune made his mark on cinematic history with volcanic performances in at least 170 movies, but he’s best known for his portrayal of samurai in indelible films made with director Akira Kurosawa, including “Rashomon,” “Seven Samurai” and “Yojimbo.”
“Mifune: The Last Samurai,” a new film by Steven Okazaki, explores Mifune’s career and reveals how Kurosawa’s films with Mifune influenced filmmakers worldwide, inspiring classic Westerns such as “The Magnificent Seven” and “A Fistful of Dollars,” along with American standards such as “Star Wars.” Admiring directors offer their comments, including Steven Spielberg, who says, “A lot of people try to imitate Mifune, but nobody can.” Keanu Reeves narrates.
Okazaki, a third-generation Japanese American living in Southern California, specializes in documentary filmmaking, has been nominated for four Academy Awards for his work, and won an Oscar for the documentary short “Days of Waiting: The Life & Art of Estelle Ishigo” — telling the story of a Caucasian artist who went with her Japanese-American husband to a World War II internment camp.
Join other admirers for an exclusive Q&A with Toshiro Mifune’s grandson, Rikiya Mifune, a film producer and president of the company managing his grandfather’s estate, today following the 7:30 p.m. showing. With a film in preproduction about Japan’s first marathon, Mifune is in Hawaii to run in the Honolulu Marathon, “to experience the toughness of running a marathon myself.”
Rikiya Mifune was just 9 in 1997 when Toshiro Mifune died at age 77. The actor’s grandson says the film helped him to discover “many things” about his grandfather’s life as an actor.
The famed actor had great affection for Hawaii, his grandson noted, and made it a “routine” to bring his family to the islands to celebrate the new year annually.
“I am very excited to be here in Hawaii for the theatrical opening,” Rikiya Mifune said. “I have heard that there is a very large nikkei (American of Japanese ancestry) Mifune fan base here in Hawaii, so I am glad that the film is able to screen here. … It is great to know that Mifune’s films are still appreciated today, and I thank everybody who supports keeping Mifune’s legacy and samurai spirit alive.”
Where: Consolidated Kahala 8
When: 7:30 p.m. today; more screenings throughout the week
Cost: $12
Info: consolidatedtheatres.com, 733-6243
Turtle Bay bar hosts benefit with the Green
With North Shore surf season in full swing, expect big energy for an appearance by The Green, pictured, today at Surfer the Bar.
Hawaii’s reggae favorites, who’ve attracted a nationwide following, appear as part of the Mana Mele Event Series, along with the Mana Mele Collective All-Stars. Sean Ka‘awa, Mindy McPeek, Fiercely Fly, Dr. Trey and Sarah Hodges are also on the bill. All the proceeds will support Mana Mele Music programs at 10 Hawaiian charter schools.
Where: Surfer the Bar, Turtle Bay Resort
When: 8:30 p.m. today
Cost: $50, $45 presale at manamele.org; ages 21+
Info: manamele.org or 293-6000
Part Deux
