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Mifune: The Last Samurai

       History
Outstanding director Steven Okazaki is set to shoot 'Mifune: Last Samurai,' a high-profile feature documentary on Toshiro Mifune, the most prominent actor of Japan’s golden age of cinema. The film weaves together film clips, archival stills, and interviews with such luminaries as Steven Spielberg and Martin Scorsese. Narrated by Keanu Reeves.

One Voice in the Cosmic Fugue

   1980    Science
Sagan discusses the story of the Heike crab and artificial selection of crabs resembling samurai warriors, as an opening into a larger discussion of evolution through natural selection (and the pitfalls of intelligent design). Among the topics are the development of life on the Cosmic Calendar and the Cambrian explosion; the function of DNA in growth; genetic replication, repairs, and mutation; the common biochemistry of terrestrial organisms; the creation of the molecules of life in the Miller-Urey experiment; and speculation on alien life (such as life in Jupiter's clouds). In the Cosmos Update ten years later, Sagan remarks on RNA also controlling chemical reactions and reproducing itself and the different roles of comets (potentially carrying organic molecules or causing the Cretaceous–Paleogene extinction event).
Series: Cosmos

Samurai Sword

   2014    History
The film is the inside track on the World's most influential weapon. For over a thousand years this weapon dominated the battlefields of Japan, instilled fear and terror into every enemy it faced, and created a new spiritual way of life that lasts through to the present day. The Samurai sword – a weapon so technologically perfect in structure, so formidable in strength and so beautiful in creation. For the first time unique access has been granted and we travel into the core of the ancient foundries, sword-smiths and fighting schools to reveal what makes the so-called perfect sword. This is a no holds barred look at one of the most iconic man-made objects ever forged.

The Rise of Oda Nobunaga

   2021    History
This brilliant docuseries is an exploration of the feudal Japan from 1551 to 1616 , during the final phase of the Sengoku period (The Age of Warring States), when several powerful daimyo (warlords) fought to become absolute ruler. It features reenactments of historical events and commentary by voice-over artist Hiro Kanagawa and outstanding historians.
In the first episode, Oda Nobunaga becomes head of the Oda clan upon the death of his father, but this causes problems with family members who compete for control.
Series: Age of Samurai: Battle for Japan

Catastrophe and Annihilation

   2021    History
After more than a century of civil war, Toyotomi Hideyoshi has united Japan. His rivals have either sworn their allegiance, or they have been destroyed. Despite this fledgling peace, Hideyoshi now dreams of a bold and outlandish plan to make himself the most powerful man in Asia. He plans to expand his reign to China. Logistical challenges and fierce operation in Korea prove to be costly.
Series: Age of Samurai: Battle for Japan

The Demon King

   2021    History
Fueled by a ruthless and maniacal ambition to conquer Central Japan, Nobunaga has destroyed many enemies who have underestimated him. His vicious military campaigns to weaken the powerful Buddhist institutions have turned large swathes of the population against him. As Nobunaga's cruelty intensifies, some generals begin to question his command, leading to a betrayal that alters the political landscape forever.
Series: Age of Samurai: Battle for Japan
The Lost Pirate Kingdom

The Lost Pirate Kingdom

2021  History
Top Science Stories

Top Science Stories

2020  Science
Planet Earth III

Planet Earth III

2023  Nature
The Hunt

The Hunt

2015  Nature
Oceans

Oceans

2009  Nature
Life

Life

2009  Nature
The Sky at Night

The Sky at Night

2018  Science