Hanshiro Iwai

Birth : 1927-08-08, Tokyo, Japan

Death : 2011-12-25

Movies

Shinran: Path to Purity
In the 12th century, Buddhism was still a relatively new religion in Japan. At that time, one school (Shingon) offered extensive training in complex and very demanding practices which might eventually bring about spiritual purification and realization. Various Zen schools offered students a lengthy path, literally composed of a blank wall and unceasing meditation. Yet another school (Tendai) emphasized complex metaphysics and the study of philosophical systems. Basically, all of them were designed to cater to the few who were able to give up everything else in their lives and focus on liberation, such as scholars and noblemen. In this historical and biographical drama, this is the situation that the young Shinran (1173-1263) discovered when he began exploring Buddhism as an alternative to the violence and ceaseless civil wars that racked Japan at the time.
Fighting Against The Incurable Disease Aplastic Anemia – Now You Are In The Light
Film distributed by ATG.
Daredevil in the Castle
Hideyori Toyotomi
During the raging war between the Toyotomi and Tokugawa clans, the swordsman Mohei (whose family has been completely decimated) is recruited by Toyotomi to overcome the seat of power, Osaka Castle. Mohei's daredevil skills will be put to severe tests.
凸凹珍道中
Japanese comedy film.
東海道 弥次喜多珍道中
Muttsuri Umon
Japanese comedy film.
The Sword Knows
In the midst of the warring age, a young samurai Kyonosuke defies his former lord Hojo Ujikatsu in order to avenge his parents’ deaths.
Yagyu Secret Scrolls: Ninjitsu - Part II
Iyemitsu
In the Tokugawa Era, the clan of Lord Yagyu has hidden away three scrolls containing clan secrets which, if revealed, would cause revolution and disaster for the clan. The information is divided among the three scrolls, all of which must be possessed for the secrets to be understood. When Princess Yuhime steals the scrolls, Tasaburo, a samurai with magical powers, and his brother Senshiro are sent to retrieve them. In Part II, the search for the scrolls continues.
The Mansion of Intrigue
A swordsman must foil a minister's sinister plan to assassinate the shogun.
Yagyu Secret Scrolls
Iyemitsu
In the Tokugawa Era, the clan of Lord Yagyu has hidden away three scrolls containing clan secrets which, if revealed, would cause revolution and disaster for the clan. The information is divided among the three scrolls, all of which must be possessed for the secrets to be understood. When Princess Yuhime steals the scrolls, Tasaburo, a samurai with magical powers, and his brother Senshiro are sent to retrieve them.
The Paradise Island Story
Musical-comedy about nine soldiers deserted on an island in South Pacific.
The Men Who Tread on the Tiger's Tail
Yoshitsune
Yoshitsune Minamoto, disguised with his retinue as monks, must make do with a comical porter as their guide through hostile territory en route to safety.
The Waves
Nami (波 Nami) is a Japanese film directed by Noboru Nakamura. It was entered into the 1952 Cannes Film Festival.
Battle of Roses
A Japanese melodrama about three sisters, rival fashion companies, and attempted murder by overheated bathroom.