A retardation film containing (a) at least one cellulose derivative selected from the group consisting of methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, cyanoethyl cellulose, triacetyl cellulose, diacetyl cellulose, cellulose acetate propionate, cellulose acetate butyrate, cellulose acetate phthalate, cellulose acetate trimellitate and cellulose nitrate, wherein the cellulose derivative has a total acyl group substitution degree of 2.0 to 2.8; and (b) an esterified compound in which all or a part of the OH groups in a compound (A) or in a compound (B) are esterified by at least one aromatic monocarbolyxic acid, wherein the compound (A) comprises one of a furanose structure and a pyranose structure, and the compound (B) comprises two to twelve of at least one of a furanose structure and a pyranose structure, which are bonded in the compound (B).