The Top 10 Movies of Hiroyuki Sanada, Ranked

Hiroyuki Sanada may not be a household name, but he has showcased his acting skills in a wide range of movies. Known for his role as Lord Toranaga in Shogun, Sanada has been in the acting industry since the late 1960s and early 1970s. He has received numerous awards in Japan and is gaining recognition in Western cinema too.

Sanada first gained fame for his roles in Japanese Samurai and Hong Kong action films, making him a natural fit for movies with intense fight scenes. Despite being 63 years old, he has also starred in prestigious TV shows like Lost and Westworld. Nowadays, Hollywood often turns to Sanada when looking to cast an older Japanese character in their blockbuster films.

The Railway Man (2013)

Played: Takashi Nagase

Army Of The Dead (2021)

Not the most action-packed or thrilling film in Sanada's filmography, Army Of The Dead provides a glimpse into the actor's more subdued and contemplative side. Despite its slow pace and lack of excitement, the story of relentless revenge and eventual reconciliation is truly heartwarming, thanks to the on-screen chemistry between Sanada and Colin Firth. Both actors deliver strong performances, but the film falls short of being a standout in Sanada's career due to its inconsistent pacing and lack of excitement.

Bly Tanaka: Portrayed in "Army of the Dead"

In Zack Snyder's film "Army of the Dead," Bly Tanaka is brought to life by actor Hiroyuki Sanada. Tanaka, a cunning casino owner, is a key character with mysterious intentions related to the zombie apocalypse. Despite being a mindless action flick, the movie successfully blends zombie horror with heist excitement, delivering a thrilling and unforgettable experience for viewers through its fast-paced and gory action sequences.

Bullet Train (2022)

Played: The Elder

Set in Japan, Bullet Train features the thrilling action sequences that would not be complete without Sanada. Known as "The Elder," Sanada engages in an impressive one-on-one fight in the film, showcasing his skill in samurai dueling. His role as a formidable opponent adds to the fast-paced and colorful excitement of the movie, despite receiving mixed reviews from critics.

Currently, there is a 22% gap between the ratings given by critics and audiences for Bullet Train on Rotten Tomatoes.

The Last Samurai (2003)

Played: Ujio

Sanada has been somewhat typecast as a Samurai since his breakout role in The Last Samurai in 2003. In the film, he showcases his skills as a master swordsman, delivering one of the greatest sword fights in martial arts movie history during a training session with Tom Cruise's character, Algren. Despite criticisms of the movie's portrayal of historical Samurai, it remains a compelling fish-out-of-water story with high production values, elevated by Sanada's performance.

Minamata (2020)

Played: Mitsuo Yamazaki

The movie Minamata is based on a true story and follows the experiences of real-life photojournalist W. Eugene Smith, portrayed by Johnny Depp. In the film, Smith meets Mitsuo Yamazaki, played by Sanada, while documenting a disease outbreak in a coastal town. While the movie may shift between being an informative biopic and an environmental disaster film, the heartfelt performances and intense drama help Minamata stand out in Sanada's filmography.

Tender performances and reviving drama keeps Minamata on the higher echelon of Sanada's filmography.

Mr. Holmes (2015)

Portrayed: Tamiki Umezaki

In Mr. Holmes, a different take on the iconic detective, Sherlock Holmes is portrayed as an elderly retired man whose once great reputation has faded. In the film, Sanada takes on the role of Tamiki Umezaki, a man who holds Holmes responsible for his father's disappearance. While Mr. Holmes may not follow the typical Sherlock mystery formula, it offers a fascinating character study that continues to stand out even five years later, thanks to the exceptional performances of Ian McKellan and Sanada.

Sunshine (2007)

Played: Kaneda

John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023)

A thrilling science fiction movie directed by the talented Danny Boyle, Sunshine offers a unique twist as Sanada takes on the role of the captain of the Icarus II. This role allows him to showcase his versatility and break away from his usual typecasting. Despite being in only his second English-speaking role, Sanada delivers a standout performance alongside well-known actors like Chris Evans and Cillian Murphy in this gripping psychological drama. The tension and importance of the crew's mission are palpable throughout the film, although some viewers may find the sudden shift to a slasher movie genre towards the end a bit jarring.

Shimazu Koji in John Wick: Chapter 4

In the action-packed John Wick franchise, Hiroyuki Sanada plays the role of Shimazu Koji, a rare ally of Keanu Reeves' skilled assassin character. Critics praised Sanada's heroic character work in the movie, which helped to keep the film tense and engaging. John Wick: Chapter 4 is considered the best pure-action film that Sanada has starred in, serving as the thrilling conclusion to John Wick's story.

Ringu (1998)

Played: Ryūji Takayama

Sanada's most significant early break came unexpectedly in the form of a supernatural horror story, a genre he hasn't explored much since then. Portraying the eerily-clairvoyant Ryūji Takayama, Sanada brought the sadistic Reiko's story to life in a live-action adaptation for the first time. His role in the atmospheric spine-chiller forever left a mark on horror movies, blending paranormal terror with the anxieties of modern technology. This impact led to a series of Ringu sequels and remakes.

The Twilight Samurai (2002)

Portrayed: Seibei Iguchi

The Twilight Samurai may sound like it's all about intense sword fights, but it's actually a deep character-driven story led by Sanada's strong performance. Set in 19th century Japan, the film follows the life of Seibei Iguchi, a low-ranking Samurai, shedding light on the struggles of the warrior class in a subtle and moving way. While there are sword battles in the film, they're not the main focus - instead, the tension builds up over days leading to each confrontation.

Hiroyuki Sanada's masterpiece is "The Twilight Samurai." The film delves into the financial challenges that real Samurai could have faced, shedding light on how even members of the elite warrior class struggled like common Japanese citizens. Despite the presence of talented actors in the cast, especially those portraying Iguchi's family, it is Sanada's dedicated performance that truly shines. "The Twilight Samurai" won an impressive 12 Japanese Academy Awards upon its release, solidifying its status as Hiroyuki Sanada's greatest achievement.

Editor's P/S:

This comprehensive article offers an insightful exploration of Hiroyuki Sanada's illustrious career, highlighting his remarkable versatility and the diverse roles he has portrayed. From his early days in Japanese Samurai and Hong Kong action films to his recent appearances in Hollywood blockbusters, Sanada has consistently showcased his exceptional talent and charisma. The article effectively captures the essence of his performances, providing a nuanced analysis of his characters and the impact they have had on audiences worldwide.

I am particularly impressed by Sanada's ability to transcend cultural boundaries, effortlessly transitioning between Japanese and Western cinema. His performances in prestigious TV shows like "Lost" and "Westworld" demonstrate his versatility and his ability to connect with audiences across cultures. The article also sheds light on the challenges Sanada has faced, including typecasting and the limitations of being an Asian actor in Hollywood. Despite these obstacles, he has persevered, establishing himself as a respected and sought-after actor. Hiroyuki Sanada's journey serves as an inspiration, showcasing the power of talent, determination, and the ability to adapt to the ever-changing landscape of the entertainment industry.