Details

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 feature 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.

Restored in 2K by Toho Co., Ltd and presented in High Definition, Red Beard is released on Blu-ray 11th May 2026 from Bfi.

Special Features

  • Restored in 2K by Toho Co., Ltd and presented in High Definition
  • Newly recorded audio commentary by Japanese-Australian filmmaker Kenta McGrath
  • Akira Kurosawa: It is Wonderful to Create - Red Beard (2002, 22 mins)
  • Alex Cox on Red Beard (2003, 14 mins): archive piece recorded for the BFI's original DVD release
  • Toshiro Mifune in Conversation (1986, 61 mins, audio only): the legendary Japanese actor discusses his life and career in this interview with critic and writer David Shipman
  • Treasures from the BFI National Archive (1947-1952): a selection of public information films exploring advances in healthcare in rural districts - Mother (1947, 16 mins), Doctor's Dilemma (1948, 1 min), and District Nurse (1952, 27mins)
  • Original trailer
  • Booklet featuring new writing on the film by Hayley Scanlon, on the music and the film's composer by Charlie Brigden, an essay on actor Yûzô Kayama by James-Masaki Ryan and writing on the short films by Yuriko Hamaguchi