To provide a cellulose film which is characterized by a negative retardation value expressed in the film thickness direction, low water permeability, and low water content, a cellulose to be used for the film and an optical compensation film, polarizing plate, and a liquid crystal display device using them.

The cellulose is represented by general formula (I), wherein R12and R13each denote independently a hydrogen atom or an aromatic group. X12and X13each denote independently a divalent linking group formed of one or more types of group selected from the group consisting of a single bond, -O-, -CO-, and -NR-, where R denotes an aliphatic group or an aromatic group. Q11, Q12, and Q13independently denote an aromatic group.

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