Utaemon Ichikawa
Also Known As: Утаэмон Итикава
Biography: Utaemon Ichikawa was a Japanese film actor famous for starring roles in Jidaigeki from the 1920s to the 1960s. Trained in kabuki from childhood, he made his film debut in 1925 at Makino Film Productions under Shōzō Makino. Quickly gaining popularity, he followed the example of Makino stars such as Tsumasaburō Bandō in starting his own independent production company, Utaemon Ichikawa Productions, in 1927. It was there he first began the "Idle Vassal" (Hatamoto taikutsu otoko) series, which would become his signature role. When his company folded in 1936 as sound film came to the fore, he moved to Shinkō Kinema and then Daiei Studios before helping form the Toei Company after World War II. He served on the board of directors along with fellow samurai star Chiezō Kataoka. Utaemon appeared in over 300 films during his career. His son, Kin'ya Kitaōji, is also a famous actor in film and television.
Department: Acting
Place of Birth: Marugame, Kagawa Prefecture, Japan
Birthday: February 11, 1904
Deathday: September 16, 1999
Adult: No
Gender: Male
Popularity:
Known For:
Thus the Divine Wind Blows
Overview: Set in the late thirteenth century, this film depicts the defense of southern Japan led by the Kono clan against the Mongol invasion in 1281.
Genres: Drama History
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1944-08-11
Popularity:
Hatamoto taikutsu otoko: nazo no sango yashiki
Overview: 1962 Japanese movie
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1962-01-23
Popularity:
G-men of Japan 2: Bloody Duel at Shipwreck Cape
Overview: The second part of an action-packed action movie about the struggle between smugglers, the Japanese Coast Guard and G-men. Having caught a suspicious radio signal, the coast Guard discovers that a smuggling transaction is taking place and goes to the place. It was supposed to be a big catch, but they lose sight of the smugglers by finding and rescuing a woman drowning in the sea. The rescued woman says she jumped into the sea while escaping from a slaver's boat... A luxury version featuring the two main stars of the Toei company – Chiezo Kataoka and Utaemon Ichikawa.
Genres: Drama Action Crime
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1950-01-03
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Ooka Seidan: Devil Image
Overview: Magistrate Ooka and a samurai fight against evil forces.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1960-05-22
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The 47 Ronin
Overview: In 1701, Lord Takuminokami Asano has a feud with Lord Kira and he tries to kill Kira in the corridors of the Shogun's palace. The Shogun sentences Lord Asano to commit suppuku and deprives the palace and lands from his clan, but does not punish Lord Kira. Lord Asano's vassals leave the land and his samurais become ronin and want to seek revenge against the dishonor of their Lord. But their leader Kuranosuke Oishi asks the Shogun to restore the Asano clan with his brother Daigaku Asano. One year later, the Shogun refuses his request and Oishi and forty-six ronin revenge their Lord.
Genres: Drama History
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1941-12-08
Popularity:
Eight Views of Samurai
Overview: Bright samurai movie innovatively adapted from a classic story. A traveling masterless samurai is asked by a daughter of an established samurai family to pretend they are a married couple, and gets involved in the troubles of the samurai clan.
Genres: Drama History
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1958-05-27
Popularity:
The Samurai Markets
Overview: The success story of a group of ronin who fights against traffickers during the Edo Tenpo period.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1960-03-22
Popularity:
A Thousand Standards of Stone
Overview: A film about the rivalry and friendship between firefighter Chоji and sumo wrestler Sokichi Fudoyama.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1950-12-31
Popularity:
旗本退屈男 謎の幽霊船
Overview:
Genres: Adventure
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1956-07-12
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Chûshingura - Zempen: Akahokyô no maki
Overview:
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1932-12-01
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旗本退屈男 謎の決闘状
Overview: 1955 Japanese movie
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1955-12-28
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Hatamoto taikutsu otoko torimono hikae: Shichinin no hanayome
Overview:
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1950-09-23
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Hatamoto taikutsu otoko torimono hikae: Dokusatsu maden
Overview: 1950 Japanese movie
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1950-10-07
Popularity:
Kisaragi Sword
Overview: The story concerns the efforts of seven master swordsman who join together to protect the new inexperienced Shogun Tokugawa Yoshimune from the evil plans of the Owari Clan's corrupt Lord. It's a colorful bunch, a drunk samurai, a master thief, a sword instructor and a Lord who is disguised as a ronin since it is an executable offense for a lord to wander outside of their domain without permission. As the Chief Magistrate becomes suspicious of the Owari plot to send men to Kodenmacho Prison to start a riot he begins to investigate the rumors. He soon calls upon the Lord of Mikazuki Castle and the Shogun's best friend to help thwart the evil ambitions and battle the rouge swordsman hired by the Owari Clan.
Genres: Action
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1962-04-08
Popularity:
Monsters Catcher Oedo Seven Changes
Overview: Film about Ghost-Cat.
Genres: Horror
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1949-07-11
Popularity:
Otoko dokyō no ayame kasa
Overview: 1962 Japanese movie
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1962-06-24
Popularity:
The Imposter
Overview: Around the Genroku era, there was a man named Saotome Shusui-no-Suke, nephew to the senior councilor Matsudaira Sakon Shogen. He was commonly known as the Bored Samurai of the Hatamoto rank. Just as he was engulfed in boredom, Tokugawa Jo-Kaibo, claiming to be the Shogun's illegitimate child, made a grand entrance into Edo. At the behest of Sakon Shogen, Shusui-no-Suke was tasked to investigate Jo-Kaibo's background and had his young page Kyoya disguise as a woman to infiltrate Jo-Kaibo's gun mansion.
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1952-01-14
Popularity:
Skull
Overview: A rare film which depicts the tragic fate of a Christian lord who fought for his fate in the Edo period. Of note is Utaemon Ichikawa's extraordinary memorable final scenes in which he takes on his enemy with a gash in his forehead and a wild, unkempt mane.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1927-05-10
Popularity:
Travels of Lord Mito Pt.2
Overview: At the transformed Fumaden (Demon Subduing) Temple, with the dynamic efforts of Sukesan and Kakusan, and the appearance of the heroic woman Oshin, Lord Kōmon's ingenious strategy swiftly overcomes the wicked bandits in this exhilarating and unrivaled episode.
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1952-03-06
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Travels of Lord Mito Pt.1
Overview: The deputy shogun of the realm, accompanied by his loyal and capable aides, makes a stop at Jigokudani, a place along his journey through various provinces. Here, a lively and entertaining tale unfolds, filled with swordplay where heroes and villains clash, intertwined with heartwarming humor.
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1952-02-14
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Flowers on the Trail
Overview:
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1957-01-29
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The Sun
Overview: Adaptation of the Riichi Yokomitsu novel.
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1953-11-18
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旗本退屈男 謎の怪人屋敷
Overview:
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1954-12-27
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花吹雪男祭り
Overview:
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1952-11-29
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朱鞘罷り通る
Overview:
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1956-11-20
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Ancient Coins
Overview: This 1956 adaptation of the novel with the same title puts more focus on the characters and their interactions than the previous version.
Genres: History Adventure
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1956-08-29
Popularity:
Shadow Over Fuji
Overview: The year is 1805. Napoleon ruled Europe. Ienari is the 11th Tokugawa Shogun. An incident, which was an open official secret, took place on the foothills of Mt. Fuji. Fearing attacks from within and without, the Shogunate planned to build a training castle utilizing the most advanced techniques. Two master castle architects, Sato Kikutaro and Kumai Hakuten, were selected to compete for the honor of building this castle. Lord Mizuno Dewa has even ordered the townspeople to assist both sides with their land surveys and preparations. This leads to fear on the part of farmers that their land will be taken away from them, and sets off a series of events which rock the nation to its very roots. With an all-star cast, this is an important story with relevance to current times. One of Ichikawa Utaemon's finest performances, a true classic!
Genres: Drama History
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1957-10-29
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Kokusai Mitsuyudan
Overview: Directed by Daisuke Ito.
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1944-05-11
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Epic Crash
Overview: Utaemon Ichikawa plays the role of Hikoshiro Navate, who has a strong sense of justice and opposes power and tyranny with his will and spirit.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1958-09-23
Popularity:
旗本退屈男 謎の百万両
Overview:
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1954-08-31
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疾風愛憎峠
Overview:
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1954-03-10
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続変化大名
Overview:
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1954-11-15
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Fencing Master
Overview: Swordfighting instructor Danpei works at a local theater in Tokyo, instructing the actors how to fight realistically.
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1950-08-26
Popularity:
Kojiki Taishô
Overview: Gotō Matabei is the most able and fierce samurai of the Kuroda clan. However, he gradually dislikes the ruthless personality of Kuroda Nagamasa and leaves the clan. Seven years later, he joins Toyotomi Hideyori's army. Filmed in 1945 and released in 1952.
Genres: History Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1952-04-03
Popularity:
牢獄の花嫁
Overview:
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1955-08-29
Popularity:
Aoi Secret Book
Overview: A Golden Age drama depicting the exploits of passionate patriot Uotaro Toge in the midst of a mysterious standoff over the Secret Book of Aoi, which will determine the rise or fall of the 350,000-koku Mito clan, and showcasing swashbuckling swordsmanship.
Genres: Drama Thriller History
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1958-03-25
Popularity:
The Lord's spy
Overview: Maeda Tsunanori, the lord of Kaga Domain, had two young princes - Katsumaru, the son of his legitimate wife, who died, and Yasunosuke, the son of his concubine. However, Katsumaru suddenly lost his mind and appealed to the shogunate to hand over the reins of the family Yasunosuke, but the request was rejected. Vassal Osawa Kuranojo suspects that this is the work of Ishikawa Torajiro, a swordsman from the Katsumaru group, and begins an investigation.
Genres: Drama History
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1964-01-26
Popularity:
紅顏鼓笛隊
Overview: 1945 Japanese movie
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1945-04-12
Popularity:
The Loyal 47 Ronin
Overview: This 1932 adaptation is the earliest sound version of the ever-popular and much-filmed Chushingura story of the loyal 47 retainers who avenged their feudal lord after he was obliged to commit hara-kiri due to the machinations of a villainous courtier. As the first sound version of the classic narrative, the film was something of an event, and employed a stellar cast, who give a roster of memorable performances. Director Teinosuke Kinugasa was primarily a specialist in jidai-geki (period films), such as the internationally celebrated Gate of Hell (Jigokumon, 1953), and although he is now most famous as the maker of the avant-garde silent films A Page of Madness (Kurutta ichipeji, 1926) and Crossroads (Jujiro, 1928), Chushingura is in fact more typical of his output than those experimental works. The film ranked third in that year’s Kinema Junpo critics’ poll, and Joseph Anderson and Donald Richie noted that 'not only the sound but the quick cutting was admired by many critics.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1932-03-01
Popularity:
豪快三人男
Overview: In the midst of the Siege of Osaka in the Sengoku period, a thrilling tale unfolds featuring a trio of ronin who manipulate a group of spies, a mysterious woman protecting a young lord, and the overwhelming roar of the Warring States captured on the silver screen.
Genres: History
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1951-05-05
Popularity:
旗本退屈男謎の伏魔殿
Overview: In Kyoto, a samurai named Boredom Otoko, Sosuke Saotome, appears and helps a woman being chased by a spy named Genshichi. Unfortunately, the woman is shot and killed. Later, Genshichi explains that the woman was a member of a band of thieves, and because she was let go once, the police officer, Genjuro Mazaki, was demoted to a desk job. Consumed by guilt, Boredom Otoko...
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1955-12-25
Popularity:
Drenched Swallow Gonpachi
Overview: This is the story of Gonpachi, a ronin who falls in love with the daughter of a man he had killed many years before.
Genres: Drama Action
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1958-10-14
Popularity:
素浪人百万石
Overview: At a tavern in Shimoda, Ronin Tadakazu Yamakawa saved a samurai girl named Mino from the clutches of the Benten family. When Mino's father, Kyohei Tsuchihashi, is murdered by unknown assailants, Tadakazu is summoned to Akane-ya, the landlord of this area. He promises to ensure the safety of Mino for three days, during which the Benten family must not harm her...
Genres: Drama History
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1960-11-15
Popularity:
東海水滸伝
Overview: 1945 Japanese movie
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1945-07-12
Popularity:
Samurai Hawk
Overview: 1716, Yoshimune becomes the 8th Shogun as high Shogunate officials are attacked. While the government tries to keep these incidents under wraps, they must take any means possible to get to the bottom of this mystery and find out who is behind them.
Genres: History Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1961-03-05
Popularity:
Seven from Edo
Overview: When Katsukawa, a low ranking vassal, learns that his greedy superior, Tatewaki, has hatched a plan to expand his territory, he and his comrades decide to take matters into their own hands. Lots of action in this all-star production from Toei Films, the foremost studio during that era. As with so many of their films, this is highly entertaining, with lots of plot twists and exciting swordplay
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1958-04-30
Popularity:
Five Men of Edo
Overview: During the 17th Century roving bands of hatamoto were causing trouble in the new capital city of Edo and constantly fought with the townspeople at every turn. The leader of these ruthless samruai was Mizuno Jirozaemon, who despite his high rank was in deep financial distress, thus leading to a tragedy that shook the very streets of the city.Opposing him was Banzui-in Chobei, the ‘Protector of the Weak’ who was willing to put his life on the line to save the 808 districts of Edo from the 80,000 hatamoto whose violent behavior threatened to destroy the fabric of society. Starring Bando Tsumasaburo, the first great star of the silver screen along with mega-star Ichikawa Utaemon, this is a story not to be missed. Torn from the pages of history, this true story has been told many times, but never as powerfully as this!
Genres: Action Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1951-11-22
Popularity:
Botan dôrô
Overview:
Genres: Horror
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1926-01-01
Popularity:
The 47 Masterless Samurai
Overview: While the story of the Ako Clan's vendetta has been told countless times, never before has there been an array of major motion picture stars to bring new life to this timeless tale. Starting with the corrupt practices of Lord Kira and Yanagi-sawa, the Shogun's Secretary, which in essence led to the incident of Lord Asano's attacking Kira in the Pine Corridor of the Shogun's Palace, this is the definitive version. Asano Takumi no kami was a young lord with high scruples, who refused to join in the general corruption and bribery which ran rampant in the capital at that time. By not giving bribes, he angered Kira Kozuke no suke the elder lord in charge of protocol at the Palace. Refusing to teach the younger man, and giving him false instructions was only the beginning. Insults followed, and a man of honor had no choice but to draw his sword in anger. Forty seven masterless samurai are willing to give their lives to avenge their lord.
Genres: History Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1959-01-15
Popularity:
Runway to Hell
Overview: When Kaneko Ichinosuke aims to avenge his father who was wrongly accused of embezzlement, the samurai Kochiyama Soshun agrees to assist.
Genres: Action Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1960-05-03
Popularity:
A Spectacular Showdown
Overview: One of the great stories from Japan’s rich history comes to life in this true tale of the bloody showdown between two rival yakuza gangs in the 1840’s. The battle between Boss Sukegoro of Iioka and Boss Shigezo of Sasagawa has been portrayed many times, most notably in the first Zatoichi film, where the blind man befriends the tubercular ronin Hirate Miki, before cutting him down in one of the great duels in cinema history. This all-star extravaganza pulls out all the stops, with appearances by virtually all of the great actors and actresses from Toei’s studio at the time. Ichikawa Utaemon’s portrayal of the kind-hearted, noble yakuza boss Shigezo of Sasagawa contrasts sharply with the devious Sukegoro of Iioka. Corrupt as he may have been, his men were all willing to give up their lives for him.
Genres: Action
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1959-08-09
Popularity:
The Man Who Challenged 8,000,000-Koku
Overview: A story of an orphan boy who wanted the love of parents so badly, another orphan sincerely pitied him to the point he gives his secret birthright as an illegitimate son to a Shogun as a "gift of hope" to the sad boy. As the orphan boy grew up, his loving heart became bitter and he saw the opportunity to take advantage of this birthright with the help of a man who wanted to use this orphan's desire to be loved, for seizing power in the shogunate by using the imposter. Many obstacles to hurdle along the way of deception, however, will they succeed or will he be exposed?
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1961-09-13
Popularity:
Tsukigata Hanpeita
Overview: During the ultra-violent era of the downfall of the Tokugawa Shogunate one man rose above the rest with his ideas of how to overthrow the corrupt government and end the bloodshed between the Choshu and Satsuma clans which would ultimately lead to the alliance of these 2 clans and restoration of the emperor to full power. Based on the play that made Sawada Shojiro famous, this is the story of Tsukigata Hanpeita, a forward looking samurai from Choshu, who along with Katsura Kogoro and Sakamoto Ryoma of Tosa worked to bring their dream of a new era in Japan.
Genres: Drama History
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1952-05-29
Popularity:
A Chivalrous Spirit
Overview: An all-star cast highlights this Jidai-Geki classic. Set in the samurai era, this is the tale of period Yakuza. One of the real classics in this genre. Jirocho, an honorable and respected gang boss, uncovers a conspiracy organized by his rivals while on a quest to bring justice to three murders. Some of the most famous actors from Toei studios make this a must-see for everyone! Featuring a very young Nakamura Kinnosuke, who went on to become one of Japan's mosted noteworthy actors under the name Yorosuya Kinnosuke. This is one of the best examples his early work.
Genres: Drama Crime
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1958-01-03
Popularity:
Lord Mito
Overview: This most celebrated all-star movie version of the popular series features Tsukigata Ryunosuke as Mito Komon, the sage who wanders the countryside rectifying government corruption along with his faithful attendants Suke and Kaku.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1957-08-11
Popularity:
Shimizu Port of Chivalry
Overview: An all-star cast highlights this Jidai-Geki classic. Set in the samurai era, this is the tale of period Yakuza. One of the real classics in this genre. In this dramatic portrayal of the real-life gambling boss Jirocho, a good-hearted and honest boss sets out to take revenge for a fellow boss. At the same time, the other local bosses, in a bid to increase their own power, plot to dispose of Jirocho. Starring Kataoka Chiezo in one of his signature roles, this is an excellent portrayal of a figure who is not well known outside of Japan. Co-starring Nakamura Kinnosuke, this exciting tale of period yakuza brings history to life.
Genres: Drama Crime History
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1957-01-03
Popularity:
The Mansion of Intrigue
Overview: A swordsman must foil a minister's sinister plan to assassinate the shogun.
Genres: Action Comedy
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1957-12-28
Popularity:
旗本退屈男
Overview:
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1930-10-17
Popularity:
京へ上がった退屈男
Overview:
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1930-12-05
Popularity:
仙台に現はれた退屈男
Overview:
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1931-07-09
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江戸へ帰った退屈男
Overview:
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1931-12-31
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中仙道を行く退屈男
Overview:
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1935-01-07
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爆走する退屈男
Overview:
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1933-08-10
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旗本退屈男 唐人街の鬼
Overview:
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1951-09-07
Popularity:
富士に立つ退屈男
Overview:
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1937-01-05
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宝の山に入る退屈男
Overview:
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1938-04-14
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十万石を裁く退屈男
Overview:
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1935-02-08
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旗本退屈男 八百八丁罷り通る
Overview:
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1953-01-22
Popularity:
旗本退屈男 どくろ屋敷
Overview:
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1954-01-03
Popularity:
旗本退屈男 謎の紅蓮塔
Overview:
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1957-01-15
Popularity:
Ninja Assassins
Overview: Saotome Mondonosuke pursues the culprit who placed a malicious curse upon Shogun Tsunekichi.
Genres: Action
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1960-06-29
Popularity:
The Acrobats of Death
Overview: Saotome, a sword master and guard of the Shogunate, pursues the mystery of a deadly aerial weapon that is responsible for the multiple deaths in town.
Genres: Action Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1959-01-09
Popularity:
The Mysterious Cape
Overview: Ryujin Misaki, located at the edge of the Genkai Sea, is known as an isolation ward for leprosy patients. When Saotome, a sword master and guard of the Shogun, hears news of a doctor gone missing, he begins to suspect that things are not what they seem at Ryujin Misaki. Intent on discovering the truth, Saotome launches a private investigation.
Genres: Action Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1963-01-09
Popularity:
Showdown at Lightning Pass
Overview: A story about a spear master’s spiritual and martial discipline.
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1962-10-27
Popularity:
Samurai Knights
Overview:
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1961-05-11
Popularity:
The Ako Retainers
Overview: Toei’s 10th anniversary film, featuring an all-star cast from the golden movie era of the 1960s. A famous story of the 47 loyal samurai. When Lord Asano is unjustly executed, his loyal retainers strike back for revenge.
Genres: Action Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1961-03-28
Popularity:
Rebellion
Overview: In the mist of the warring age (Sengoku Era), the Kyushu based Hayato Clan is faced with a monumental battle to determine their survival.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1957-04-30
Popularity:
Drunken Sword
Overview: Tetsunosuke, an eccentric doctor and an owner of a fencing school, takes aim against corrupt authorities.
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1962-09-01
Popularity:
No Stronger Swords
Overview: Featuring some of the finest swordsmen ever to grace the silver screen, this Toei classic tells the story of a battle between the evil sword style called ”Otonashi” (The Silent Form) and the proper way of swordsmanship as promoted by such historical stalwarts as Shimada Toranosuke, and the mysterious Honda Sakon, who face off against a group masquerading as the lord of Mito and his traveling bodyguards Suke-san and Kaku-san. The plot thickens as their leader unveils his secret plan to disrupt the stability of the nation. It is all in the name of swordsmanship, and as the title implies there are no stronger swordsmen!
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1959-05-05
Popularity:
Bored Hatamoto: The Daimonji Conspiracy
Overview: Master swordsman and loyal vassal Saotome Mondonosuke goes on a mission to find a missing princess.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1959-06-28
Popularity:
Bored Hatamoto: Idle Vassal Tribute
Overview: Master swordsman and loya 'Hatamoto' (direct vassal to the Shogun), Saotome Mondonosuke, is sent to investigate an intrigue centering on the Date Clan. The 300th film in the long and illustrious career of Ichikawa Utaemon, one of the most popular Japanese film stars of the period; it brought out an all-star cast as well.
Genres: Action Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1958-08-12
Popularity:
Jiruba no Tetsu
Overview:
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1950-08-12
Popularity:
A Prisoner in Search of Daughter
Overview:
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1963-08-27
Popularity:
The Killing of Otsuya
Overview:
Genres: History Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1951-02-17
Popularity:
Bored Hatamoto: Island of No Return
Overview: Part of the Bored Hatamoto series. The most popular samurai in Edo, Saotome Mondonosuke, known to most as the "Bored Hatamoto" is the only one who can save the shogunate from the dastardly plot to take over the country.
Genres: Action Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1960-01-09
Popularity:
A Sword Against Intrigue
Overview: During the reign of 5th Shogun Tokugawa Tsuneyoshi a troupe of Chinese acrobats travel to Japan to help celebrate the building of the Yushima Shrine. At the same time a series of mysterious assassinations take place with a strange and unknown weapon. Master swordsman Saotome Mondonosuke, a 'Hatamoto' (direct retainer of the Shogun) and a man who loves action takes it upon himself to get to the bottom of the mystery and and solve the puzzling crimes.
Genres: Action Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1959-10-23
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Tokaido Fullhouse
Overview: When Kanbe Nagakichi has his turf taken over by Ano-Toku, the father-in-law of his sworn brother Kira Nikichi sets in motion one of the most violent gang battles in Japanese history. Forced by the situation to choose between family and yakuza honor, Nikichi faces off against the vile combination of Ano-Toku and Kurokoma Katsuzo, villains so low as to ambush their foes using snipers. Nikichi, who owes allegiance to Boss Jirocho of Shimizu asks Jirocho to spare Ano-Toku’s life until events force a showdown between the 30 member Shimizu gang and a force of over 200 men fighting on Ano-Toku’s behalf. Meanwhile, a mysterious samurai may hold the key to deciding the outcome of this battle!
Genres: Action Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1963-01-03
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Street of Wandering Men
Overview: When a group of men from the Hanya clan search his town for a missing geisha, a brave ronin decides to help her and a drunken calligrapher. In doing so, he uncovers a wider scheme.
Genres: Action Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1963-02-17
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Road of Chivalry
Overview: While on the road, famed Yakuza Boss Jirocho is falsely accused of starting a peasant's uprising and chased by the law. Meanwhile, one of his henchmen in an attempt to raise money for the Boss gambles away not only all their funds, but their clothing as well. Jirocho, famed for his honesty and integrity must take on the challenge of rival gangs while trying to elude the government's officials at the same time. Things really heat up when the most famous of all Yakuza Bosses, Chuji of Kunisada gets involved. Will he team up with his old friend or is gang warfare about to erupt?
Genres: Crime Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1960-01-03
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Virtue in Spades
Overview: Adaptation of the novel by Kan Shimozawa.
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1956-05-03
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Knightly Advice
Overview:
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1962-01-31
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Travels of Gonkuro
Overview: Sugimoto Gonkuro is travelling along from Tosa to Edo. On his journey he will meet both good and bad people.
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1961-12-06
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The Cave of the Vampire Bats
Overview: A maiden is murdered by a mysterious ninja, unfortunately two young ladies witness this, good thing the bored Lord is walking by, he saved the girls but was too late to save the maiden, quickly he finds himself mixed up in a mystery of murdered maidens, an unknown ninja clan, attempted assassinations towards himself and a cursed vampire bat cave, can the bored Lord solve this puzzle before maidens lose their lives?
Genres: Mystery Action Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1961-08-01
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The Lost Public Funds
Overview: Four thousand gold coins were stolen from the vault of Nijo Castle in Kyoto, which were collected as a tax to the shogun. The guard of Nijo castle Asaka Keinosuke, disguised as a komuso monk, proceeds to investigate the theft, traces of thieves lead to Edo, where Asaka goes.
Genres: Drama Crime Adventure
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1958-11-11
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Lord Mito: All Star Version
Overview: In 1691 a terrible fire broke out in Denmacho, Yotsuya, burning down the towns around it, up to the shores of Shibaura. A month and a half later, another fire broke out, this time in Komagome, burning down the two gates of Asakusa and Sujikai, and continuing on into the night. As the government Elders consider evidence that these fires were arson, a fire breaks out in Hirakawa-cho, outside of Hanzo Gate. Nishonmaru catches on fire and burns down completely. When this rash of fires even strikes Kyoto, the task of finding who’s behind the arson, and stopping them falls to the Shogun’s uncle, the Elder Lord of Mito. Together with his trusted bodyguards, Kaku and Suke, the trio set of to save Japan from this scourge of evil. Featuring virtually all of their most famous stars, this is the best film in the Toei series about Mito Komon, one of Japan’s most popular historical figures who traveled through the country incognito to check on the people and fight injustice.
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1960-08-07
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Bloody Battle at Dawn
Overview: A story of revenge between two samurai families on the Igagoe Road. Araki Mataemon born in the province of Iga. He studied the art of the sword under the Yagyu family. He helped the younger brother of his wife Watanabe Kazuma take revenge on his enemy Kawai Matagoro. Ichikawa Utaemon plays Araki Matemon and his son Kinya Kataoji plays Kazuma.
Genres: Drama History
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1959-10-10
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Lord of Steel Heart
Overview: A Tokugawa Daimyo rebels against an his lord after the battle of Sekigahara. Samurai Matabei, a famous spear fighter and warrior, is a vassal of lord Honjo. One of Honjo's most trusted under-lords is Sanzaemon. He has designs on Matabei's fief, and he plots to kill Matabei. He finally convinces Lord Honjo of Matabei's guilt. Now Matabei must fight to survive.
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1961-01-09
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Lords of Oppression
Overview: Period drama directed by Yasushi Sasaki.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1957-03-13
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Lords of Oppression 2
Overview: Period drama directed by Yasushi Sasaki.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1957-03-27
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The Unleashed Lord
Overview:
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1959-02-10
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Lord of Red Banner
Overview: A young lord lives against the will of his father Lord Tokugawa.
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1960-02-14
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Goblin Warrior
Overview:
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1955-01-21
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Golden Valley
Overview: A samurai thief fights a gang of ghostly thieves using scorpions for treasure in the unexplored Shinano region, which is guarded by a descendant of the Heike clan.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1955-03-30
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Turbulent Highways
Overview:
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1959-03-25
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Bloody Record of the Shinsengumi
Overview:
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1963-05-12
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The Swordsman In The Golden Valley
Overview: Jidaigeki film from 1960
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1960-08-28
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Four Swordsmen of Ashura
Overview:
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1955-04-26
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A Color Print of Edo
Overview: The Color Print of Edo is a 1939 black and white Japanese silent film with benshi accompaniment directed by Kazuo Mori. It is a cheerful period drama, sprinkled with comical scenes and tells the story of a loyal and handsome Edo period servant who fights to help his older brother marry the woman he loves. The star of this film Utaemono Ichikawa gained enormous popularity for his portrayal of a cheerful and chivalrous man.
Genres: Drama Action
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1939-05-10
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Masujiro Omura
Overview: A story about Ômura Masujirô
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1942-01-14
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Mito Kōmon Manyu-ki
Overview: This is the only surviving "Mito Komon Manyu-ki" film. This release also known as Adrift Tour Memoir is an 80-minute compilation of the first and second parts (147 minutes), which were re-edited and screened at a time when presentable films were dried up immediately after the defeat of the war.
Genres: Drama History
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1938-01-22
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Goblin Courier
Overview: Jida-geki by Santaro Marune.
Genres: History
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1949-01-04
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The Terror of Z
Overview: Marune Santaro directed this actionner about two fearless Kobe Harbor Patrol Officers who fight to keep the city safe from the dreaded Crimson Z smuggling gang!
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1948-05-25
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