Akira Kurosawa's intimate, episodic epic follows the socially ambitious young doctor (Yuzo Kayama) as he arrives at a rural clinic in 19th-century Japan to study alongside the commanding yet caring Dr Kyojio Niide aka 'Red Beard' (Toshiro Mifune). 

Kurosawa's final black and white film, this poignant tale of humanity and the meaning of responsibility features a powerhouse performance by Mifune in his final collaboration with Kurosawa, marking the end of one of the most remarkable actor-director relationships in the history of cinema.

Extras

· Restored in 2K by Toho Co., Ltd and presented in High Definition

· Newly recorded audio commentary by Kenta McGrath

· Akira Kurosawa: It is Wonderful to Create – Red Beard (2002)

· Alex Cox on Red Beard (2003, 14 mins): archive piece recorded for the BFI’s original DVD release

· Original trailer

**FIRST PRESSING ONLY** Booklet featuring new writing on the film

‘A masterpiece’The New Yorker

‘The best of Kurosawa’s films are a challenge to look into our greatest fears and at our most terrible afflictions, whether personal or systemic, without turning away. Arguably the best Kurosawa film, Red Beard does not turn away’ - Slant Magazine

· Kurosawa’s last film collaboration with Mifune

· First time on Blu-ray in the UK

· Nominated of Golden Globe (Best Foreign Language Film), 1966

Toshiro Mifune – nominated for Best Actor at the Venice Film Festival