Yojimbo poster

Yojimbo (1961)

"Kill one or a hundred... you only hang once"

8.119611h 50mJA
DramaThriller

Directed by Akira Kurosawa

Rating

8.1/10

Runtime

1h 50m

Language

JA

Release

April 25, 1961

Director

Akira Kurosawa

Official Trailer

Trailer thumbnail

Overview

A nameless ronin, or samurai with no master, enters a small village in feudal Japan where two rival businessmen are struggling for control of the local gambling trade. Taking the name Sanjuro Kuwabatake, the ronin convinces both silk merchant Tazaemon and sake merchant Tokuemon to hire him as a pers...

Cast

Toshirō Mifune

Toshirō Mifune

Sanjuro Kuwabatake / The Samurai

Tatsuya Nakadai

Tatsuya Nakadai

Unosuke, gunfighter

Yōko Tsukasa

Yōko Tsukasa

Nui

Isuzu Yamada

Isuzu Yamada

Orin

Daisuke Katō

Daisuke Katō

Inokichi

Seizaburō Kawazu

Seizaburō Kawazu

Seibê - brothel operator

Takashi Shimura

Takashi Shimura

Tokuemon, sake brewer

Hiroshi Tachikawa

Hiroshi Tachikawa

Yoichiro

Yōsuke Natsuki

Yōsuke Natsuki

Kohei's Son

Eijirō Tōno

Eijirō Tōno

Gonji, Tavern Keeper

Kamatari Fujiwara

Kamatari Fujiwara

Tazaemon

Ikio Sawamura

Ikio Sawamura

Hansuke

Introduction

In this latest movie review, we dive deep into Yojimbo (1961), exploring its intricate plot and standout performances that have everyone talking.

A nameless ronin, or samurai with no master, enters a small village in feudal Japan where two rival businessmen are struggling for control of the local gambling trade. Taking the name Sanjuro Kuwabatake, the ronin convinces both silk merchant Tazaemon and sake merchant Tokuemon to hire him as a personal bodyguard, then artfully sets in motion a full-scale gang war between the two ambitious and unscrupulous men.

🛑 Story ExplainedSpoiler Warning

Our story explained section breaks down the complex narrative of Yojimbo. The full story follows a progression that challenges typical tropes, leading to a climax that requires careful analysis.

🏆 Final Verdict

5 / 5 Stars

A triumphant piece of cinema that blends gripping narrative with breathtaking visuals.

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