Ken Takakura (1931-2014)

[Rowdy Roddy McDowall]

.

 

[ManOnTheWave]

Sad to see him go. He was a good actor, and good in two languages which apparently is harder than it looks. Fun fact, Katsu Shintaro of Zatoichi fame had been considered for Takakura's role in Black Rain, and Takakura even thought he'd be better suited to the part. However, Katsu wasn't confident acting in English, and Ridley Scott really wanted Takakura.

 

[Saul]

There's a really great film Directed by Yoji Yamada called 'The Yellow Handkerchief' starring Takura Ken. Check it out if you have time.