Jirocho Rises in Fame
★ 7 · 1952 · 82m · Drama · Action
The rise of the famed gambler.
More Like This
Mask of the Moon
1961
Young swordsman, Tsukigata Hanpeita, longs for the day when rival clans cease their struggles for power and put an end to meaningless feudal wars. When he is appointed to oversee the Choshu Clan, he takes it upon himself to work towards the peace that he has dreamed about. With his affectionate personality and compassion for life, Hanpeita’s popularity grows among the people, making him a threat to those thirsty for conflict and power. A betrayal by those closest to him leaves Hanpeita caught in a trap that could ultimately cost him his life.
More info →
The Samurai of Edo
1955 · ★ 6
This historical film depicts the life of a man who was at the mercy of the waves during transition from the end of the Edo period to the Meiji Restoration, and therefore, shows audience the dynamic change from Edo to Meiji. Before the war, the director, Eisuke Takizawa, together with the writers, formed a scenario writer group "Narutaki-gumi and they shot many historical masterpieces.
More info →
Sanjuro
1962 · ★ 7.9
In this companion piece and sequel to "Yojimbo," jaded samurai Sanjuro helps an idealistic group of young warriors weed out their clan's evil influences, and in the process turns their image of a proper samurai on its ear.
More info →
Yamazaki Ichimon — Unification of Japan: The Movie (or "The Y-Team")
2022 · ★ 7
Himuro is arrested on suspicion of assault. To prove his innocence, members of the Yamazaki Ichimon scramble to locate Ito—the older man Himuro once helped (Hiroo Otaka), who could serve as a key witness. Meanwhile, Tamura visits a certain hospital, where he is suddenly attacked by a man. After a fierce struggle, Tamura is arrested by police who rush to the scene. With the Kyowakai cornered and both Himuro and Tamura in jeopardy, the Yamazaki Ichimon splits up to continue their desperate search. Their efforts eventually lead them to Naomi (Saki Kiyoi), the daughter of Ito. As the investigation progresses, it becomes clear that the incident is tied to a gold smuggling operation. Just as the truth begins to surface, Naomi is kidnapped by the smugglers. The shocking mastermind behind the smuggling ring turns out to be an international spy organization. Can the Yamazaki Ichimon rescue Naomi—and clear both Himuro and Tamura of all charges?!
More info →
Shingo's Original Challenge, Part 3
1960
The adventures of Aoi Shingo continue. Shingo is finally given permission to officially meet his father, the Shogun. However, his journey is disturbed by those who wish to claim his life. This is the third part of "THE 10 DUELS OF YOUNG SHINGO", following the first 2 parts (which were actually done as one movie). The tension mounts as young Shingo must face obstacles the like of which he had never before seen. And, can he avenge the death of his master? The man to whom he owes everything.
More info →
Unwieldy Brothers
1960
Taisuke is kind-hearted but overall lacks ambition. Taizo is smarter, but given to fits of emotion and impulsive violence. The samurai brothers fight against corruption in a castle.
More info →
Magistrate Mayuzumi
1995 · ★ 7
During the latter days of the Tokugawa Era, the tensions rise between the 'royalists' and those struggling to uphold the Shogunate. The most modern 'Gatling Gun' has been stolen from its warehouse in Edo Castle by burglars targeting the very Shogun himself.
More info →
Abarenbo Shogun: The Avenging Angel
1993 · ★ 8.8
This is a standalone movie, based on the long-running television series about Shogun Yoshimune. When the very foundation of the government is shaken by a counter-feiting scandal, Shogun Tokugawa Yoshimune must take to the road as an itinerant ronin in order to find out who's behind the conspiracy. Meanwhile, a woman acting as an avenging angel begins assassin-ating the suspects in the case, causing Yoshimune to not only find his original quarry, but to help her get her revenge against those corrupt individuals that had murdered her family when she was only a child. Matsudaira Ken shines in his most famous role, the 'Roughneck' Shogun who travels the country seeking to stomp out evil and corruption.
More info →
Shadow Warrior of Nobunaga Oda
1996
In Tensho 9, as Oda Nobunaga nears the unification of Japan, he assigns trusted generals to conquer remaining regions. Meanwhile, a peasant farmer named Sahei, resembling Nobunaga, is chosen by Hideyoshi and Sen no Rikyu to act as Nobunaga’s shadow. Furious at the idea of a double, Nobunaga confronts Sahei, who courageously performs the "Atsumori" dance, impressing Nobunaga enough to accept him as his Kagemusha. Sahei’s first test as the shadow warrior comes at a memorial service for the Oda family.
More info →
Lady Vengeance and the 47 Ronin
1983
During the events of the Chushingura incident, Mumyo, a disgruntled Shogunate secret agent, retires from post, disillusioned by the concept of loyalty. Meanwhile, the leader of the Uesugi Clan, who is Lord Kira’s son, sends a group of Ninja assassins to kill the Ako Ronin before they take revenge on his father. But, the chief retainer of the clan sees the foolishness of this plan and hires Mumyo, along with a group of Female Ninja, to stop the assassins and destroy the Ako Ronin from the inside.
More info →