Yojimbo(1961)
“Kill one or a hundred... you only hang once”
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 personal bodyguard, then artfully sets in motion a full-scale gang war between the two ambitious and unscrupulous men.
Director
Akira Kurosawa
Studio
TOHO
Cast
Toshirō Mifune
as Sanjuro Kuwabatake / The Samurai
Tatsuya Nakadai
as Unosuke, gunfighter
Yōko Tsukasa
as Nui
Isuzu Yamada
as Orin
Daisuke Katō
as Inokichi
Seizaburō Kawazu
as Seibê - brothel operator
Takashi Shimura
as Tokuemon, sake brewer
Hiroshi Tachikawa
as Yoichiro
Yōsuke Natsuki
as Kohei's Son
Eijirō Tōno
as Gonji, Tavern Keeper
Kamatari Fujiwara
as Tazaemon
Ikio Sawamura
as Hansuke
Where to Watch
Availability may vary by region. Some links are affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Movie Facts
Release Year
1961
Runtime
1h 50m
Language
Japanese
Rating
8.1 / 10
Production Companies
TOHO
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I watch Yojimbo?▼
Check the "Where to Watch" section above for current streaming platforms, rental options, and purchase links for Yojimbo (1961).
What is Yojimbo about?▼
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.
Who directed Yojimbo?▼
Yojimbo was directed by Akira Kurosawa and released in 1961. It is a drama, thriller film.
How long is Yojimbo?▼
Yojimbo has a runtime of 1 hours and 50 minutes (110 minutes total).
Who stars in Yojimbo?▼
The cast of Yojimbo includes Toshirō Mifune as Sanjuro Kuwabatake / The Samurai, Tatsuya Nakadai as Unosuke, gunfighter, Yōko Tsukasa as Nui, Isuzu Yamada as Orin, Daisuke Katō as Inokichi and more.
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