Yojimbo (1961)
Original title: 用心棒
Yojimbo is a 1961 Japanese-language drama movie directed by Akira Kurosawa, with a running time of 1h 50m. It stars Toshirō Mifune, Tatsuya Nakadai and Yōko Tsukasa.
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.
Quick answers
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.
When was Yojimbo released?
Yojimbo was released on 25 April 1961.
How long is Yojimbo?
Yojimbo runs 1h 50m.
Who made Yojimbo?
Yojimbo was directed by Akira Kurosawa.
Where can I watch Yojimbo?
Yojimbo is available on Criterion Channel, HBO Max, HBO Max Amazon Channel, YouTube TV, Amazon Video and Apple TV Store.
Where to watch Yojimbo
Stream: Criterion Channel, HBO Max, HBO Max Amazon Channel, YouTube TV
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
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Yojimbo in our writing
- Companion guide: Martial Arts
- Companion guide: Samurai & Feudal Japan