Ken Takakura was a Japanese actor most known for his roles as the rugged outsider in action and gangster films, including “The Pursuit” and “The Call of the Far Mountain.” Takakura came to represent ‘Yakuza Cinema’ during his acting career.
Takakura was described as sombre, serious, and hard-hitting while playing strong characters with a sense of justice. And no word characterises Takakura’s performances more than dignified. Takakura could exude honour even when playing a criminal.
His characters weren’t faultless though, and it made his hardships more relatable. Takakura’s acting talent and command of the English language helped him go on to feature in a number of Hollywood films.
