Sanada was first noticed as a serious actor in the movie "Mahjong Hourouki" directed by Makoto Wada. Wada and Sanada's relationship is similar to that of John Huston and Humphrey Bogart and since then Sanada has acted in every one of Wada's movies. Those works are filled with a sense of humor and nostalgic attachment for classic movies. He has established himself as a character actor who can play many different roles. Some of his most famous movies are: Tasogare Seibei (The Twilight Samurai), Ring, Kaitou Rubi and The Last Samurai.
Hiroyuki Sanada has often been credited, in his younger days, as either Henry, Harry or Duke Sanada. His martial arts film career led him in contact with Michelle Yeoh, who he later starred with in Sunshine. He also has a long standing friendship with Jackie Chan, but didn't star in a film with him before Rush Hour 3.
Sanada has been said to be one of Japan's most respected actors, and is often cast as the quiet, heroic character, as seen in The Twilight Samurai.
