Red Beard (1968): Cast, Ratings, Plot & Where to Watch
Red Beard is a 1968 drama directed by Akira Kurosawa, starring Toshirô Mifune, Akemi Negishi and Tsutomu Yamazaki. It runs 3 hours 5 minutes. It earned 1 award nomination, including Best Foreign Film (Foreign language) at the Golden Globes 1966. Critics gave it 90 on Metacritic. Stream it on Criterion Channel and HBO Max.
- Released
- Runtime
- 3h 5m (185 min)
- Director
- Akira Kurosawa
- Genre
- Drama
- Original language
- Unknown language
- Studio
- Toho Company
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is Red Beard About?
The premise of Red Beard without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
Amidst a crisis of dwindling resources, a principled Japanese doctor and his loyal assistant struggle to maintain hope at their struggling clinic. They are committed to saving the lives of those most in need, facing difficult choices and risking everything as they confront the harsh realities of their situation and fight to preserve their mission.
Where to Watch Red Beard
Stream it on Criterion Channel and HBO Max. US availability and prices from JustWatch.
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Red Beard Cast
Toshirô Mifune leads the cast, with Akemi Negishi and Tsutomu Yamazaki. Directed by Akira Kurosawa; 10 actors are credited in all.
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Director Akira Kurosawa
Also Starring in Red Beard
· 6 moreRed Beard Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave Red Beard 90 on Metacritic.
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Metacritic 90 Metascore
User score 8.1
See on Metacritic
Red Beard Plot Summary
What happens in Red Beard from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
The story follows the young and arrogant doctor Noboru Yasumoto, who pursued his medical education at a Dutch medical school in Nagasaki. He dreams of achieving the esteemed role of personal physician to the Shogunate, a title currently held by a close relative. He expects to navigate his way through the elite and enclosed military structure of medical training. However, his journey takes an unexpected turn when he is assigned to a rural clinic under the mentorship of the esteemed Dr. Kyojō Niide, affectionately known as Akahige (or “Red Beard”). Despite his rough demeanor, Dr. Niide possesses a heart filled with compassion and profound wisdom.
Full summary
The whole story of Red Beard, scene by scene
Red Beard Awards & Nominations
Red Beard earned 1 award nomination, including Best Foreign Film (Foreign language) at the Golden Globes 1966.
1 nomination1 ceremony
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Golden Globes 1966 1 nomination- Nominated Best Foreign Film (Foreign language)
How Well Do You Know Red Beard?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
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- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
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- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
Who is the main character of the movie?
Seen Red Beard?
Red Beard FAQ: Where to Watch, Cast & Awards
Runtime, release date, director, cast, where to watch, ratings, awards and post-credit scenes of Red Beard, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Red Beard?
Red Beard runs 3 hours 5 minutes (185 minutes).
When was Red Beard released?
Red Beard was released on December 19, 1968.
Who directed Red Beard?
Red Beard was directed by Akira Kurosawa.
More films by Akira Kurosawa Who is in the cast of Red Beard?
Red Beard stars Toshirô Mifune, Akemi Negishi and Tsutomu Yamazaki, among 10 credited actors.
Where can I watch Red Beard?
In the US, Red Beard is streaming on Criterion Channel and HBO Max (availability from JustWatch).
How is Red Beard rated?
Red Beard has 90 on Metacritic.
Was Red Beard nominated for any awards?
Red Beard received 1 nomination across 1 ceremony.
Does Red Beard have a post-credit scene?
No. Red Beard has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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