MovieChat Forums > Hiroyuki Sanada Discussion > Sanada has a very RARE gift............

Sanada has a very RARE gift............

posted 18 years ago by gentylone
8 replies | jump to latest

We just recently purchased a DVD of the TLS. I have to say that what really stood out to was the performance by Sanada and how he has the rare quality to *act* without any words.

His facial expressions (mainly his eys) speaks volumes more than words. In the beginning you see hate, than you gradually see earned respect beginning to appear, than acceptance of Nathan as an ally. The hate is now gone..without a word having to been said.

It is a rare actor that has the ability to say so very very much through thier eyes without using their mouths.

IHMO..he SHOULD have been nominated for Best Supporting Actor. [I thought his performance in TLS was that good.]

If I were a dirctor.he'd be tops on my list for any role I could place him in.

[–] mary-383 18 years ago

Well gentylone, you've noticed what other long time fans RAVE about - those eyes!!!!
(BTW, watch TLS again keeping an eye on his hands - always in a fist, very angry body language)

Have you ever seen Twilight Samurai. Such a performance. That film was the Japanese entry for an Oscar in 2003 (gee, I think my memory is correct, anyway it was the year that TLS and Ken Watanabe were nominated). For his role in TS, he received the acting award that is the Japanese version of the Oscar (he has three I believe). You simply must see it whether you like subtitles or not.

Sanada san is a multi-talented man. Not just an actor, but he plays several instruments, does some composing, sings and dances (do you know about his stage career?) and his command of English is excellent.

Hopefully, with his recent/unusual role selection in a wide variety of films outside Japan (Sunshine, The White Countess, City of Your Final Destination, Rush Hour 3, and Speed Racer) more directors will be calling him.

[–] supafly707 18 years ago

Yes, watch Twilight Samurai. Possibly the second greatest samurai movie (come on now, still can't beat Seven Samurai).

[–] jefcat 18 years ago

Twilight Samurai is a great movie and Sanada is wonderful in it.

[–] IrenaPekokas 17 years ago

He was amazing in Sunshine, too. Such a great actor!

"Maybe poker's just not your game, Ike. I know! Let's have a spelling contest!"

[–] Detoxronin 17 years ago

Yeah I just recently discovered him through old Sonny Chiba movies. This guy is great. I went back and watched TLS and he really stood out .

[–] mary-383 17 years ago

If you enjoyed his character Ujio in TLS, have you seen the recent villain, Kenji, he plays in Rush Hour 3?

Regardless of what you think overall of RH3 ---he plays one COLD guy!

[–] david-ugalde 17 years ago

TS deserved an Oscar in 2003. i wish he could make more movies like that . Just saw "The Promise " couple a weeks ago,not very good special effects , but his acting is outstanding .

[–] LadyU 17 years ago

yes, his character is cold...but he's so HOT! 8)

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