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Sanjuro
椿三十郎
1962 96 min Japan 12+
★8.2
Drama, Action, Comedy
Director: Akira Kurosawa
Trailers
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Teaser
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Description
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.
US Gross:
$46,808
Starring
Toshirô Mifune
Actor
Tatsuya Nakadai
Actor
Keiju Kobayashi
Actor
Awards
1 win & 1 nomination total
Key opinion
Tsubaki Sanjuro is widely regarded as a compelling, high-quality samurai classic, anchored by Toshiro Mifune’s masterful and magnetic performance. While some critics argue it suffers from being a more predictable, commercially-driven sequel to Yojimbo, it remains highly praised for its expert choreography, thematic depth, and Kurosawa's disciplined direction.
| Acting | Toshiro Mifune delivers an exceptional performance, capturing both the lethal intelligence and human complexity of the ronin archetype. | |
| Ending | The final duel serves as a visually striking and technically masterful conclusion, utilizing swift, impactful choreography. | |
| Direction | Kurosawa employs disciplined, static framing and long takes to emphasize the hero's conserved energy and strategic prowess. | |
| Theme | The film explores complex themes regarding the necessity of violence, the burden of honor, and the moral code of the samurai. | |
| Screenplay | Opinions on the screenplay are divided: some appreciate the strategic, character-focused game, while others find the plot predictable and less innovative than its predecessor, Yojimbo. |