I reupped this for mp3x, but it didn't get many takers so I thought I'd dump the link in here. Also, what are some other good Toshiro Mifune movies and Samurai movies?
"Japanese legend Toshiro Mifune was flawless in everything he touched, but his most ruthless performance is here, where he expressed the most disdain for his fellow man. Working as a hired gun with little but contempt for his employers (and he's just fine setting rivals against each other to benefit himself), he slashes off arms with precision, works out a persistent shoulder pain with a twitch and a glare, and, in the end, would rather be left alone to enjoy his rice balls and Sake. Sanjuro is so full of bitterness that it can't help but be endearing. And is there a better start to a film than watching a dog run off with a human hand in its mouth?"
I'm gonna stay away from Kurosawa, all those are pretty obvious just by looking at IMDB.
For Mifune:
Samurai Banners
Samurai Trilogy
Red lion
Samurai Rebellion
Ambush at blood pass
General samurai drama:
Sword of doom (minor Mifune role)
Yaguy Conspiracy aka The Shogun's Samurai (minor Mifune role)
Harakiri
Tenchu
Swords of Vengeance
Rebel Samurai Sixties Swordplay Classics (Criterion Box set)
General Samurai action:
Lone Wolf and Cub - all of them
Hanzo the Razor - all of them
Lady Snowblood - 1st one, 2nd sucks
Wicked Priest - all of them
Samurai Reincarnation
ANYTHING ZATOICHI related - movies and tv show
This should be enough to set you off, keep in mind that drama is not all talking and action is not all bloodsprays.