“Mifune” / 「ミフネ」, Original Japanese Movie Poster 2000, B2 Size (51 × 73 cm) E263

This is an original Japanese B2 theatrical poster printed for the 2000 Japanese release of Mifune / 「ミフネ」, Søren Kragh-Jacobsen’s acclaimed 1999 Danish romantic comedy-drama.

Originally titled Mifunes sidste sang / Mifune’s Last Song, the film was the third production formally certified under the influential Dogme 95 manifesto, designated Dogme #3.

The Japanese poster concentrates on Jesper Asholt’s memorable performance as Rud, presenting the character within the unpolished rural surroundings central to the film.

Film background

The story follows Kresten, a successful Copenhagen businessman who has concealed his modest rural upbringing while building a new life among the city’s wealthy professional class.

On the night of his marriage to his employer’s daughter, Kresten learns that his estranged father has died. He is forced to return to the dilapidated family farm on a remote Danish island, where his intellectually disabled older brother, Rud, has been left alone.

Unable to abandon Rud but anxious to preserve his carefully constructed social identity, Kresten advertises for domestic help. The position is taken by Liva, a former escort attempting to escape both her past and the harassment directed at her by an anonymous caller.

As Kresten, Rud, and Liva begin living together, their conflicting histories and vulnerabilities gradually emerge. What begins as an unstable arrangement develops into a compassionate story of reconciliation, unconventional family life, and unexpected romance.

The title refers to Toshirō Mifune, whom Kresten imitates to entertain Rud. Mifune’s heroic screen persona—particularly his association with Akira Kurosawa’s samurai films—becomes a private symbol of courage, endurance, and brotherly affection.

The film was directed by Søren Kragh-Jacobsen, from a screenplay written with Anders Thomas Jensen. Its handheld cinematography was by Anthony Dod Mantle.

The principal cast includes Iben Hjejle, Anders W. Berthelsen, Jesper Asholt, Emil Tarding, Sofie Gråbøl, Anders Hove, and Paprika Steen.

Made according to the principles of Dogme 95, the production employed location shooting, handheld cameras, available light, direct sound, and an avoidance of elaborate studio techniques. Despite these formal restrictions, the film achieved considerable warmth, humour, and emotional accessibility.

Mifune received the Silver Bear Grand Jury Prize at the 1999 Berlin International Film Festival, establishing it as one of the most internationally successful films associated with the Dogme movement.

Poster design

This restrained Japanese poster is built around a full-length portrait of Jesper Asholt as Rud.

He stands inside a rustic, partially ruined farm building, surrounded by broken timber, rubble, and agricultural debris. Dressed in a pale blue suit, Rud raises both hands beside his head in an expressive, character-defining gesture.

His brightly illuminated figure contrasts sharply with the deep black interior behind him. The effect reflects the film’s visual naturalism while giving the character an immediate, almost theatrical presence.

The English title:

“MIFUNE”

appears diagonally across the upper-right section in widely spaced white lettering.

The vertical Japanese tagline at left reads:

「トシロー・ミフネは
強くて絶対あきらめない七人目のサムライだった」

Translated:

“Toshirō Mifune was the strong, never-surrendering seventh samurai.”

The wording directly invokes Mifune’s status as an international icon of Japanese cinema and the emotional significance his screen image holds for the two brothers.

At lower left appears the certification:

“DOGME III”

followed by an extensive English production-credit block identifying Nimbus Film, the principal cast, director Søren Kragh-Jacobsen, screenwriters Kragh-Jacobsen and Anders Thomas Jensen, and cinematographer Anthony Dod Mantle.

The Japanese release information includes:

「’99年ベルリン映画祭銀熊賞受賞」

Translated:

“Winner of the Silver Bear at the 1999 Berlin International Film Festival.”

The Japanese title:

「ミフネ」

appears near the lower-left edge alongside the original Danish title:

“MIFUNES SIDSTE SANG”

and the designation:

「ドグマ95 #3」

The poster’s minimal typography, naturalistic photography, and extensive exposed production credits closely reflect the anti-glamour principles of Dogme 95. Rather than presenting a conventional romantic ensemble, the design places Rud—and the film’s mixture of eccentricity, vulnerability, and resilience—at its centre.

Condition

Excellent condition. A highly attractive and well-preserved example, retaining strong photographic detail, clean black areas, clear typography, and excellent overall display impact.

There are only light signs of age and handling consistent with an original Japanese theatrical poster from this period. Overall, it presents extremely well.

Reference: E263.

Please review the photograph carefully, as it shows the exact poster for sale.

This is an original Japanese theatrical poster from the film’s 2000 Japanese release campaign.
It is not a reproduction or a reprint.

It is now over 25 years old.

Certificate of Authenticity included.