Sonosuke Sawamura
Also Known As: Sônosuke Sawamura, 沢村宗之助
Biography: Biography not available
Department: Acting
Place of Birth: Asakusa, Tokyo, Japan
Birthday: July 01, 1918
Deathday: November 03, 1978
Adult: No
Gender: Male
Popularity:
Known For:
Godzilla Raids Again
Overview: Two fishing scout pilots make a horrifying discovery when they encounter a second Godzilla alongside a new monster named Anguirus. Without the weapon that killed the original, authorities attempt to lure Godzilla away from the mainland. But Anguirus soon arrives and the two monsters make their way towards Osaka as Japan braces for tragedy.
Genres: Science Fiction Horror
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1955-04-24
Popularity:
20 Duels of Young Shingo - Part 1
Overview: With plenty of action, and a strong story about the growth and development of an expert swordsman, who just happens to be from an extremely privileged background.
Genres: Action History Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1961-01-03
Popularity:
Nigetekita hanayome
Overview:
Genres: Comedy Romance
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1956-02-12
Popularity:
Blind Monk Swordsman
Overview: This is the story of a bad man who re-discovering humanity via woman and child while clashing with the yakuza and being hunted by a man called “Death” who has his own dark past. The prototype for the later two yakuza priest series with Shintaro Katsu and Tomisaburo Wakayama. Apparently so. And the swordsman motif seems to have been concurrent with Daiei's first ZATOICHI production.
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1964-06-20
Popularity:
Samurai III: Duel at Ganryu Island
Overview: A humble and simple Takezo abandons his life as a knight errant. He's sought as a teacher and vassal by Shogun, Japan's most powerful clan leader. He's also challenged to fight by the supremely confident and skillful Sasaki Kojiro. Takezo agrees to fight Kojiro in a year's time but rejects Shogun's patronage, choosing instead to live on the edge of a village, raising vegetables. He's followed there by Otsu and later by Akemi, both in love with him. The year ends as Takezo assists the villagers against a band of brigands. He seeks Otsu's forgiveness and accepts her love, then sets off across the water to Ganryu Island for his final contest.
Genres: Action Adventure Drama Romance History
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1956-01-03
Popularity:
Young Lord Yakuza
Overview: Young Lord Taihei goes to Edo to find the lost family treasure, a plover incense burner, under the disguise of a ronin.
Genres: Drama Comedy
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1961-06-11
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Cases of An Actor in Disguise: Mansion of beauties
Overview: The first work in the series "Cases of An Actor in Disguise" starring Kokichi Takada, based on the original work of Tatsuro Jinde. Kasumi Ippei is a popular ronin actor, and when he is not on stage he is investigating intricate crimes, in this film Ippei will solve the abduction of seven beautiful young girls.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1961-01-03
Popularity:
Isshin Tasuke: A World in Danger
Overview: Tasuke stumbles across Kokichi, a distraught man whom having lost his fiancee to Lord Kawakatsu is ready to commit suicide. Tasuke learns that Kokichi's fiancee, Otoyo, was a chambermaid whom Kawakatsu abducted in order to make her his concubine and Tasuke feels compelled to right this wrong. Meanwhile Kawakatsu is dealing in black-market lumber and receiving kick-backs but unbeknownst to him he is under investigation by Lord Izu, one of the Shogun Elders. Will Tasuke be able to rescue Otoyo from the clutches of Lord Kawakatsu and can Lord Izu put an end to his money hungry evildoings.
Genres: Action Comedy
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1958-10-22
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:
53 Stages of the Road
Overview: An Edo appointed official Baba must ensure the safe delivery of shogunate funds to Kyoto.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1959-10-18
Popularity:
Ooka Seidan: Devil Image
Overview: Magistrate Ooka and a samurai fight against evil forces.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1960-05-22
Popularity:
Diary of a Wandering Lord
Overview: Two thrill seeking young lords sneak out of their castles and travel under the disguise of townsmen.
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1959-01-03
Popularity:
Yasubei Nakayama
Overview: Jidai-geki about the life of Yasubei Nakayama, a famous ronin who did participate in the revenge against Lord Kira Yoshinaka as detailed in Japan's famous epic Chushingura
Genres: History Action
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1951-03-31
Popularity:
新遊侠伝 遊侠往来
Overview:
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1951-05-18
Popularity:
新遊侠伝
Overview:
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1951-05-05
Popularity:
Bengawan Solo
Overview: War film by Kon Ichikawa
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1951-10-19
Popularity:
Casebooks of Detective Umon: The Incident of the Fawn-Pattern Cloth
Overview: Period film about the legendary detective Umon
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1952-01-03
Popularity:
Riverside Fish Market Empire
Overview: Obscure Japanese movie by director Kyotaro Namiki
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1952-03-14
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Duel in the Sun
Overview: A film by Kiyoshi Saeki
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1950-03-07
Popularity:
When We Came Back
Overview: Melodrama by Kiyoshi Saeki
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1950-06-03
Popularity:
Tenpo Suikoden - Otone's Night Fog
Overview: Jidai-geki by Kiyoshi Saeki
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1950-11-18
Popularity:
The Tale of Zatoichi Continues
Overview: Returning to the village where a year before he had killed Hirate, a much-admired opponent, Zatoichi encounters another swordsman and former rival in love.
Genres: Adventure Action Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1962-10-12
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:
Samurai Vagabonds
Overview: On New Year's Day 1716, Munenaga of Owari and Yoshinao of Kii were both named as candidates for the title of 8th Shogun. The wise and just Munenaga is plunged into a dispute with Tokugawa Yoshinao that will lead to one of them ascending the throne. This is an exciting and informative film that brings the brilliant history of Japan to the surface in a new light.
Genres: Action Comedy
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1960-01-15
Popularity:
Diary of Good Conduct Matashiro: A beautiful bat
Overview: Rampant ronin Matashiro Sasai, finds himself embroiled in serious unrest after he rescues a geisha who is being kidnapped by a group of ronin.
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1961-04-05
Popularity:
Yakuza of Seki
Overview: A young yakuza, Yatappe, wanders around the country in search of his long-lost little sister, Oito. While traveling, he rescues a young girl, Osayo, whose father entrusts her to him with his dying wish. To honor his promise to Osayo's deceased father, Yatappe brings her to safety, and from a distance keeps a watchful eye on her well being.
Genres: Action Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1963-11-20
Popularity:
Sabakareru Echizen no kami
Overview: 1962 Japanese movie
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1962-04-06
Popularity:
Sasaki Kojiro
Overview: Ronin Sasaki Kojiro pursues his ultimate goal of becoming a master swordsman. Along the way he encounters another great swordsman, Miyamoto Musashi.
Genres: History Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1957-10-22
Popularity:
One-Eyed Wolf
Overview: Five swordsmen are murdered and hung from a tree and the chase is on to find the killers. Two magistrates pursue the leads to solve the crime and it leads to a potential conspiracy to kill the Shogun.
Genres: Action Crime
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1959-03-03
Popularity:
Echo in the Mountains
Overview: A man is brutally murdered and his famed shamisen (a three-stringed musical instrument) called the "Yamabiko" stolen. Prince Kogenta swears to avenge his father-in-law's death and retrieve the family heirloom.
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1959-09-20
Popularity:
Yakuza Official
Overview: Bunkichi disguises himself as a yakuza to solve a mysterious death.
Genres: Drama Crime
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1962-07-13
Popularity:
Ghost Story on Passage
Overview: A ghost interrupts the journey of two young noblemen who are disguised as merchants.
Genres: Adventure Horror Comedy
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1958-07-13
Popularity:
Invisible Man
Overview: When an invisible man is run down by a car it’s up to an eager young reporter and a strange clown to bring a dangerous gang to justice.
Genres: Science Fiction Thriller Mystery Horror Drama Crime
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1954-12-29
Popularity:
Unruly Lion
Overview:
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1961-02-01
Popularity:
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:
Tenten Musume
Overview: Based on the comic by Shosuke Kurakane. Shown in two parts.
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1956-12-12
Popularity:
Chikamatsu's Love in Osaka
Overview: The adopted son of an Osaka courier falls in love with a prostitute and, discovering that she is about to be purchased by a client, steals money from his employer to redeem her. Hunted criminals, the two young lovers take flight to Yamato, but, as in Chikamatsu's other domestic tragedies of love and duty (known as sewamono), they must be pursued and their passion destroyed by death. Favourite Uchida themes, such as the indenturing of a prostitute , and his characteristic emphasis on performance and theatrical artifice re-emerge here; but the daring device of having Chikamatsu appear as a character - not unlike having Shakespeare interpolated into a film adaptation of one of his plays - is just one of many surprises this remarkable film holds. “Extraordinary” (Donald Richie).
Genres: Romance
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1959-09-13
Popularity:
Shinran, Part II
Overview: Continuation of the biographical film about the monk Shinran, based on the novel by Eiji Yoshikawa. Shinran, born of the fading aristocratic class, was placed in a monastary on Mount Hiei when still a child. He did not come down for twenty years, when his wanderings begin as he spreads his ideas for achieving enlightenment through the Pure Land sutra. Because his teachings contradict the powerful Tendai sect, he comes to grief with the government, his followers persecuted, himself exiled to far coastal Echigo where he married & began raising a family but soonafter was wandering & teaching again. He lived to be ninety.
Genres: Drama History
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1960-09-27
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The Chivalrous Youth of Great Edo
Overview: Jidaigeki by Tai Kato
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1960-02-07
Popularity:
Edo Girl Detective
Overview: Oshichi, a famous girl detective, takes it upon herself to investigate the murder of a woman which occurs during an event for the festival of Asakusa Shrine. Her investigation leads her into danger as she runs afoul of a high ranking official and his plans to find a hidden treasure.
Genres: Comedy
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1958-04-01
Popularity:
Nonki saiban
Overview: A spectacular comedy with a star-studded cast that depicts unusual trials and unexpected verdicts regarding the five deadly sins: the crime of beauty, the crime of a terrifying wife, the crime of taking the wrong course, the crime of seducing, and the crime of killing with laughter.
Genres: Comedy Music
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1955-04-24
Popularity:
Case of Umon: Hell’s Windmill
Overview: Umon’s services are called upon when innocent bystanders, Kayo and Minokichi, along with the ronin, Gontaro are mistakenly identified as suspects in several recent murder cases. To prove their innocence and uncover the truth, Umon launches his own investigation.
Genres: Action
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1960-03-01
Popularity:
The Living Koheiji
Overview: The actor Koheiji is terribly in love with the wife of his best friend, the playwright Takuro; to get her, he would even kill Takuro.
Genres: Horror
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1957-08-04
Popularity:
Mask of the Moon
Overview: 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.
Genres: Action Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1961-04-25
Popularity:
Late Chrysanthemums
Overview: With delicate, unobtrusive strokes, Naruse evokes both the humor and bitterness of his characters’ dilemmas, in this bleak, compelling poignant portrait of a quartet of aging geishas contemplating their troubles with men and money.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1954-06-15
Popularity:
The Lonely Swordsman (Part 2)
Overview: Historical drama about a sleep-eyed ronin
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1957-04-02
Popularity:
Ishimatsu: the One-Eyed Avenger
Overview: Some of the finest jidai-geki actors appear in this exciting and entertaining tale of intrigue and action in old Japan. Teaming up the ever-popular Misora Hibari with the greatest samurai action hero of all-time Wakayama Tomisaburo is a brilliant stoke of casting. Hibari takes on the role of Mori no Ishimatsu, a young man who gets involved with real-life Yakuza legend, Shimizu no Jirocho, 'Boss of the Tokaido'. Ishimatsu manages to interfere with a dispute between the Shimizu and their competition, the Marugame family, even going so far as to become an avenger's assistant. It's not the first time Hibari has played a man in a film (also in Benten Kozo), and her acting skills are at their best as she mixes in a bit of humor along with excellent swordplay. Wakayama Tomisaburo, as always, gives an outstanding performance as the powerful and beloved Yakuza Boss Jirocho.
Genres: Action Comedy
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1960-03-29
Popularity:
A Martial Crowd
Overview: As a result of a superstitious belief that twins bring bad luck to the family, newborn twin princesses are separated. Yukihime, who was sent away to be raised by a yakuza family in Edo, returns home after many years to settle an old score.
Genres: Action Drama Music
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1958-06-03
Popularity:
The Lonely Swordsman (Part 1)
Overview: Historical drama about a sleepy-eyed ronin.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1956-12-26
Popularity:
The Edo Official and Apprentice
Overview: It's an extravaganza of entertainment as famous magistrate in disguise, Toyama no Kinshiro attempts to confront the elusive thief known as the "Long-Sleeve Burglar". Played to the hilt by Misora Hibari in a delightful performance highlighted by singing, dancing, and swordplay with a unique story within a story twist that starts to unfold in the city jail as a playwright is brought into custody and meets the famed Long-Sleeve Burglar himself. Misora Hibari is totally captivating in this gender bending role as the famed thief whose expoits can only be stopped by the great Kin-san himself!
Genres: Action Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1959-07-25
Popularity:
Marital Relations
Overview: The story of a couple, a spoiled son and a down-to-earth girl, in Osaka in the early Showa era. The film won the prestigious Blue Ribbon awards for best director, best actor (Morishige) and best actress (Awashima), and the Mainichi Concours award for best actor and best screenplay (Yasumi Toshio). It ranked second (after Naruse Mikio’s Ukigumo) on the Kinema Junpō top ten films for the year.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1955-09-13
Popularity:
Zatoichi's Revenge
Overview: Itinerant masseur and master swordsman, the blind Zatoichi, is near the village of his teacher, Hikonoichi, so he decides to visit. He learns of Hikonoichi's recent robbery and murder and the imprisonment of his virginal daughter, Osayo, in a brothel. Through friendship with Denroku, a local dice thrower and devoted father, Ichi uncovers an unholy alliance between the governor and the area strongman: among their scams is falsifying tax records to put farmers in debt, then forcing their daughters into prostitution at the boss's brothel. With help from Denroku's daughter, Otsuru, Ichi comforts Osayo until he can provoke showdowns with the villains and their henchmen.
Genres: Adventure Action Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1965-04-03
Popularity:
Young Lord and Second Son
Overview: A lord explores the lives of common people.
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1961-11-01
Popularity:
Fine Man
Overview: A young son of a master of the Kuwana clan gets disowned for his rebellious behavior. After he goes from the mountains to the ocean defeating the evil, he becomes a fine man.
Genres: Adventure
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1961-06-11
Popularity:
Secret of The Golden Spell
Overview: One of Japan’s most popular folklore characters, Tange Sazen, the one-eyed and one-armed swordsman, must rescue the Yagyu clan from the treachery of a master plotting to take control over a sword fighting school.
Genres: Drama Action
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1958-03-18
Popularity:
Mission to Hell
Overview: A samurai warrior attempts to stop Kublai Khan's Mongol hordes from overrunning Japan in the 13th century.
Genres: Adventure Action
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1959-06-09
Popularity:
Warrior of the Wind
Overview: A suspenseful Ninja fantasy based on Shiba Ryotaro's novel, woven with the mysterious fate and romance of Shinzo and a beautiful Princess who find themselves at the center of an intrigue surrounding the legendary land of Yasurai in the mountains of Kumano. Hidden gold, the love of a beautiful Princess, and the approaching evil sword all contribute in bringing you a Ninja action thriller that only the legendary actor Okawa Hashizo and the genius director Kato Tai could produce!
Genres: History Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1964-01-15
Popularity:
Zatoichi on the Road
Overview: Zatoichi is sworn to protect the life of a young girl and without any real allies finds himself in the middle of a bloody turf war.
Genres: Adventure Action Drama History
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1963-11-30
Popularity:
The Tale of Oiwa's Ghost
Overview: Yotsuya Kaidan, the story of Oiwa and Tamiya Iemon, is a tale of betrayal, murder and ghostly revenge. Arguably the most famous Japanese ghost story of all time, it has been adapted for film over 30 times, and continues to be an influence on Japanese horror today.
Genres: Drama Horror
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1961-07-02
Popularity:
Gentle Breeze
Overview: A young, feisty woman named Osome searches for her true love in the midst of a family crisis.
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1959-07-07
Popularity:
Nichiren and the Great Mongol Invasion
Overview: During the 1200's, legendary Buddhist monk Nichiren returns from his studies to lead Japan out of moral crisis and prepare to fight Mongol invaders by creating a new form of Buddhism. He runs afoul of the existing Buddhist sects and their government supporters and is persecuted. Can Nichiren persevere before the Mongol fleet reaches Japanese shores?
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1958-10-01
Popularity:
Ninja, A Band of Assassins
Overview: Warlord Oda Nobunaga seeks to unite a fractured Japan. A young man trained in the arts of ninjitsu is manipulated by a ninja master into attempting to assassinate the warlord before he completes his task.
Genres: Action
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1962-12-01
Popularity:
Shinobi no Mono 2: Vengeance
Overview: [Period covered: 1582-1594]. As the film opens, the warlod Nobunaga Oda rides to Iga Ayanokuni shrine. He is asked if he thinks he has destroyed all the ninja who opposed him and answers that he suspects that there may be more. A servant brings water and tests it first. The paige dies and we hear gunshots as two ninja flee the scene. His suspicions confirmed, Nobunaga oversees the execution of captured ninja and decides that, in the future, he needs a much crueler method of execution. The daimyo Hideyoshi comes to visit.
Genres: Action
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1963-08-06
Popularity:
Unwieldy Brothers
Overview: 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.
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1960-06-05
Popularity:
Hoodlum Priest And The Gold Mint
Overview: It’s cross and double-cross in these further adventures of Ryuzen, the wayward priest played by Katsu Shintaro as he tries to help a woman who may be the heir to a fortune get what is rightfully hers. Matsuo Kayo, who first rose to international stardom as ‘the supreme ninja’ in “Shogun Assassin” gives an outstanding performance in this clever and exciting caper tale set in the samurai era. Ryuzen agrees to help her, but is he just in it for himself, and is she really who she claims to be? When they come up against Boss Tobei it’s a virtual free-for-all as everyone struggles to walk away with a fortune in gold!
Genres: Action
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1968-11-06
Popularity:
Hibari’s Favorite 2
Overview: Young girl Kichiza searches for her missing brother and the person responsible for the death of her parents.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1960-04-26
Popularity:
The Phantom Goblin
Overview: An injured Edo official is rescued by a vassal whose appearance is exactly like himself, and swears to sweep out the criminals from the town on his behalf.
Genres: Crime Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1962-08-12
Popularity:
On the Road Forever
Overview: A wandering gambler strolls into a village searching for his father's killer, unaware that the village is run by criminals who sell the poorest peasants into slavery.
Genres: Action
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1964-08-08
Popularity:
Lucky Adventurer Nobunaga Oda
Overview: Oda Nobunaga (1534–1582) was a major daimyo during the Warring State period of Japanese history. He was the second son of Oda Nobuhide, a deputy military governor with land holdings in Owari province. Nobunaga lived a life of continuous military conquest, eventually conquering a third of Japanese daimyo before his death in 1582. Telling the story of his rise to prominence as he leads an army of 4,000 men against the 40,000 troops of Lord Imagawa Yoshimoto to prevent the arrogant daimyo from crushing the Oda clan and taking control of the entire nation. From a newly restored anamorpic widescreen print, this is the ultimate warlord movie.
Genres: Drama History Adventure
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1959-10-25
Popularity:
Shinobi No Mono 5: Return of Mist Saizo
Overview: [Period covered: 1616] On May 8th, 1615 the summer campaign of Osaka has reached the climax. This film takes place immediately following 'Ninja 4: Mist Saizo, Last of The Ninja'. Staying one step ahead of the Shogun’s forces, “Mist” Saizo tries to save the Sanada Clan, and avenge the death of his lord by assassinating the first Tokugawa Shogun. Following the first four films in this remarkable series, more previously unknown Ninja skills are shown to the world for the first time. The action heats up as Saizo single-handedly attacks the Shogun’s Palace!
Genres: Action Adventure Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1964-12-30
Popularity:
Sleepy Eyes of Death 1: The Chinese Jade
Overview: Nemuri Kyoshiro, a youthful and cynical ronin with unparalleled skill, is approached by both sides in a game of corruption, ambition, and double crosses. The leader of the Kaga clan, who thinks he has killed his smuggling partner, fears that the shogunate will discover his illegal activities. He learns of evidence that will prove his guilt. Meanwhile, his partner is not dead, and, assisted by a master of Shorenji boxing, is looking for revenge and for his loot. The Kaga leader sends the beautiful Chisa to enlist Nemuri's aid. The unexpected happens: the hard-bitten Nemuri falls in love. Can he protect her, topple the criminals, and avoid the boxer's deadly skill?
Genres: Action
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1963-11-02
Popularity:
The Notorious Man's Return
Overview:
Genres: Action Crime
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1962-06-03
Popularity:
Shingo's Original Challenge, Part 1 and 2
Overview: These are the first two parts of the popular series in which a young samurai learns that he is the illegitimate son of the Shogun. Hoping to reunite with his birth father, Shogun Yoshimune, he heads for the castle.
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1959-01-01
Popularity:
Case of Umon: Woman of the Magic Lantern
Overview: Detective Umon’s services are called upon when ronin Yaichiro is killed with a peculiar weapon, a stone wrapped in a towel.
Genres: Crime Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1961-08-01
Popularity:
The Ninja Hunt
Overview: Four ninja are hired to fight against the Shogunate’s plot to abolish the Gamo Clan, the regional barons struggling to reinstate their young heir Tanemaru as their Lord.
Genres: Action
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1964-09-05
Popularity:
Lefty Fencer
Overview: As a child, Okin the one-armed one-eyed swordswoman was disfigured by Lord Daizen-dayu, who was after her family's most treasured possession, the famed Drenched Swallow sword. As an adult, she has become a skilled swordswoman and lives a carefree life with her adopted family. One day, Okin saves a girl from a group of yakuza, and in doing so, gets involved in a grand conspiracy involving religious leaders, government officials, the yakuza and Lord Daizen-dayu, the man who killed her father and mutilated her body...
Genres: Action
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1969-06-14
Popularity:
A Young Warrior on Mount Fuji
Overview: The epic battles between the Heike and Genji (Taira and Minamoto clans) take centerstage as the defeated leader of the Genji, Minamoto Yoritomo resolves to end his clan's exile and avenge the brutal loss in December, 1159 as they had fought under the white banner of the Emperor, while the Taira fought under their red flags in a battle to the death. The fight only took one day, with the Genji suffering utter defeat which led to their exile. His father, Yoshitomo, took responsibility for the loss and rather than live in humiliation, he decides to commit suicide with all his sons following him. However, the bravest warrior among them, Yoritomo stands tall and declares that he will not kill himself, but rather will fight to restore the clan.
Genres: Drama History
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1961-04-09
Popularity:
Gigantis, the Fire Monster
Overview: A prehistoric monster called Gigantis emerges alongside another creature named Angurus.
Genres: Action Horror Science Fiction Adventure
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1959-05-21
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:
The Lone Journey
Overview: Forced on the road by yakuza obligations, a man sets out on a reckless journey to Tsumagoi. Movie posters for local cinemas were often displayed at sento (public baths) too. The handwritten text on the bottom here announces the film will play at Hassen for 3 days.
Genres: Drama Crime
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1955-08-31
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Heiji, the Detective
Overview: Famous for his coin tossing when capturing criminals, an Edo detective, Heiji, launches an investigation into the mysterious murder of his friend Seigoro.
Genres: Mystery
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1967-10-10
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The Red Shadow
Overview: Fifteen years after Ishida Mitsunari lost in the battle of Sekigahara, Tokugawa Ieyasu foresees his unavoidable battle with Toyotomi Hideyori and goes into Fushimi Castle. At the night, Hattori Hanzo, the leader of 36 Iga members who were performing as guards of the castle, perceives the existence of a ninja and captures the mysterious sneaker.
Genres: Action Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1961-12-24
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Sasaki Kojiro, Part 2
Overview: The conclusion of the story of famed swordsman, Sasaki Kojiro. After surviving a series of daring adventures, Kojiro seems to have finally discovered the ultimate happiness in life when he is reunited with Tone, the love of his life. However, his days of happiness are overshadowed by an upcoming duel with his fateful enemy Miyamoto Musashi.
Genres: Drama History
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1957-11-05
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Bride of Peacock Castle
Overview: Princess Kazu, the daughter of Shogun Ienari, is sent to marry Matsudaira Nobunao, master of Peacock castle in Kozuke province, a domain of 17,000 koku. When the procession carrying her sizable dowry was so large that it was expected to take 30 days to reach the castle the members of the clan were surprised to learn that it contained only her barest essentials! Would her presence create a problem too large for the clan to deal with? And having been trained by Lord Yagyu himself, will her martial skills ruin the marital plans set forth for the couple, or can she be tamed in time for the wedding?
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1959-04-08
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Scarier than the Devil
Overview: A stage director who directs a “Mori no Ishimatsu” play time travels and becomes “Mori no Ishimatsu” himself.
Genres: Comedy
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1960-11-22
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The Demon of Mount Oe
Overview: A demon-faced monster seeking revenge appears in the forms of a gigantic ox and a huge spider! The young Genji warrior protects the Fujiwara Clan and the beautiful lady in tragic love! A grand visual epic told with mesmerizing extravagance!
Genres: Horror Fantasy
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1960-04-27
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The Invisible Swordsman
Overview: A coward boy fencer becomes invisible and matchless through a magic pill.
Genres: Adventure Action Fantasy
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1970-03-21
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I Saw the Killer
Overview:
Genres: Crime Drama Mystery
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1956-01-29
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Seven Miles to Nakayama
Overview: When a corrupt magistrate rapes Oshima, Masa (Raizō Ichikawa) avenges her by killing the officer, becoming thereby a fugitive, haunted and grief-stricken by the fact that Oshima committed suicide. Going underground in the gambling world, perpetually hiding from the law, Masa eventually meets a young woman named Onaka, who looks exactly like Oshima. Tales having two look-alike heroines are a commonplace in Japanese period films, a plot affectation inherited from the kabuki theater. Based on a novel by Shin Hasegawa, Nakayama shichiri was already twice filmed in 1930, one version directed by Namio Ochiai, and from which less than 40 minutes survive, the other directed by Kyotaro Namiki. Both are silent films, preserved by the Makino film institute.
Genres: Action History
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1962-05-27
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Ghost Story of Devil's Fire Swamp
Overview: Nishina Saburouta is powerful but corrupted priest. One night, an old samurai who couldn't bear him any more, attempts to kill him, but without success. Saburouta is rescued by his niece, Keisuke at the last moment. Keisuke is a a good-for-nothing. Since that event, he always turns to his uncle when he needs money. Recently Keisuke feels his uncle isn't as generous as he used to be, he suspects that Saburouta has found out the illicit relation between Keisuke and his uncle's young mistress, Ohasu.
Genres: Horror
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1963-06-23
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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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Knightly Advice
Overview:
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1962-01-31
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Mighty Shosuke
Overview: A comedy about a free-spirited man Shosuke, whose life is turned upside down when he is ordered to serve the clan lord.
Genres: Comedy
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1960-10-09
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An Actor's Revenge
Overview: Nakamura Yukinojo gains popularity in Edo's kabuki scene as a handsome onnagata (a male actor who plays female roles). But hidden behind the placid expression of his stage face is a deep grudge for the men responsible for dishonoring his parents' names and leading them to suicide when he was still a child. When he discovers that the mastermind behind those crimes has come to see him act onstage, he begins in earnest to plot his revenge. With the help of a renowned Robin Hood-like thief named Yamitaro, he makes out his first target: the daughter of the man who orchestrated his parents' demise.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1959-12-25
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The Flower and the Dragon
Overview: A story of manly life and the beauty of conjugal love. A story about a man and a woman establishing a family of longshoreman, centering on their love and struggle.
Genres: Drama Crime
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1965-11-20
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A Man Among Men
Overview: Gangsters Ken and Maki are rivals in the ticket-scalping game. They make an uneasy truce, but Ken wrecks the truce by agreeing to fix a boxing match in which Maki has an interest in one of the fighters. After a terrible brawl, the two gangsters discover that they have both been played for suckers by their bosses. They join forces to turn the tables on the bosses.
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1955-01-03
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Good Rascals
Overview: A group of men living a low life in Edo help each other to make the best out of their lives.
Genres: Comedy
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1962-01-14
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Paper Crane Palanquin
Overview: The death of a samurai in a palanquin leads girl detective Oshichi to take action to crush a plot to overthrow the Shogunate.
Genres: Drama History
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1960-07-05
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Hanjiro of Kusama: Bird of Passage
Overview: A kindhearted wandering gambler named Hajiro gets involved in a crisis of a village as he passes through and decides to lend a sword in hopes to rescue them.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1960-05-29
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The Pirates
Overview: Finding more freedom on the high seas than in war-torn Japan, the 'Bahansen' (Pirate ships) based on the Seto Inland Sea during the Warring Period (Sengoku-jidai)sailed to China, Korea, Luzon, and Siam under the Hachiman banner. A battle for supremacy of the seas begins when a strange old shipwreck survivor is brought to Sakai where he divulges a secret that can change the course of history.One of the most literate and well-written films from Toei, this is an exciting tale of swashbuckling samurai on the high seas!
Genres: Action Mystery
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1960-09-18
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Case of a Young Lord 8
Overview: A family is brutally murdered in their own home and the official government's sake dealer is framed as a rebel by a corrupt member of the Shogun's Council of Elders. Young Lord decides to take on the Shogun's vile chief attendant.
Genres: Action Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1960-12-27
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Inazuma Kaidō
Overview:
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1957-09-21
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Megitsune Buro
Overview:
Genres: Mystery
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1958-07-13
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The Swishing Sword
Overview: A beautiful girl who seeks revenge, disguises herself by dressing up in men's clothes, geisha, etc. A young swordsman helps her uncover the plot and take revenge.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1958-08-03
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Notebooks of Heiji Zenigata: Spider on the Skin
Overview:
Genres: Mystery
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1956-08-14
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Secret of Naruto
Overview: From the pen of Yoshikawa Eiji comes this exciting story. The Naruto Strait separates Tokushima from the islands of Awaji and Honshu. On Tokushima the mad lord dreams of conquest and forges a bloody revolt against the Tokugawa shogunate. A mysterious swordsman named Noriyuki Gennojo has crossed Naruto’s waters to uncover the Awa clan’s secrets. He puts his life on the line after finding a testament of Awa’s secrets, written in blood by a dying man. Joining Noriyuki are a female ninja who loves him, and the beautiful daughter of an enemy who’s sworn to kill him. Awa’s defenders willl stop at nothing to prevent the blood-soaked letter from reaching the shogun.
Genres: Drama Action
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1957-09-29
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Revenge for His Lover
Overview: Kamio a mistreated samurai clerk of Edo Castle and ronin (“Sir Quarrel”) Ibara, take up a vendetta against 17 wicked castle men.
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1962-11-11
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Chivalrous Nature
Overview:
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1965-08-01
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Inochi wo Kakeru Otoko
Overview:
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1958-04-29
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Happily Tied to the Road
Overview: With flashing swordwork and a terrific story, wandering gambler Kusama Hanjiro inspires the wrath of Boss Jirotaro who has been terrorizing travelers along the route through his territory. When Hanjiro steps in to gamble with him one-on-one it leads to a deadly vendetta that will show no mercy. Along the way Hanjiro is called upon to help sisters with no one else to depend on. Will the feud end in tragedy, or can the honest wanderer prevail against the bloodlust of an angry yakuza boss whom he had scarred for life?
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1959-04-21
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The Man Disappears Yesterday
Overview: Tired of everyday life, the 8th Shogun Yoshimune flees Edo Castle and asks Ooka Echizen to become his personal assistant. In a rice shop, Yoshimune meets a simple ronin Ohashi Kenshiro, and receives permission to stay at his house, but a mysterious corpse awaits him in the house... And then the second, third and fourth murders occur...
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1964-04-18
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The Shogun and the Fishmonger
Overview: Fishmonger Tasuke and Shogun Iemitsu swap their identities in pretence for the protection of Iemitsu.
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1961-01-03
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Ōedo kenka matsuri
Overview: 1961 Japanese movie
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1961-01-09
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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
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人形佐七捕物帖 般若の面
Overview: A thrilling entertainment mystery period drama directed by Daisuke Yamazaki, depicting the remarkable feats of the puppet showman Sakichi of Otama Pond, who skillfully unravels the serial murders involving Hannya masks swirling around the streets of Edo's 808 districts with his adept jutte handling. This is the first installment in the series starring Tomisaburō Wakayama.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1960-03-08
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The Curse of the Ghost
Overview: About 1786 the doings of a demented lord results in many masterless samurai, including Iyemon (Kei Sato) who is used to luxury and cannot adjust to the hand-to-mouth conditions & piecework of umbrella making. Having hired ruffians to make him look like a superior swordsman, he arranges for himself the opportunity of a profitable marriage. He hires the half-blind masseur Takuetsu (Sawamura Sounosuke) to seduce or rape his wife (Kyoko Mikage), so that she can be divorced or killed for adultery. But the masseur takes pity & informs Oiwa of her husband's horrid plot. Assisted by the merchant's daughter he intends to marry, Iyemon disfigures his wife attempting to poison her so he can marry higher. There's a lovingly gruesome sequence as she combs blad patches into her hair, kneeling deformed at her mirror, weeping with bitterness. She eventually cuts her own throat, swearing revenge.
Genres: Horror
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1969-06-28
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Return of the One-Armed Swordsman
Overview: The legendary one-eyed one-armed swordsman Tange Sazen is back to aid a Magistrate in his efforts to steal bribe money on its way to Edo for the benefit to poor farmers.
Genres: Drama Action
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1960-01-15
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Tange Sazen: Mystery of the Twin Dragons
Overview: In this film in the long running series, Tange Sazen and his friends are asked to guard a dragon-shaped incense burner that holds the key to hidden treasures. This is the most exciting film in the series, and contains some of the best action sequences of Otomo's distinguished career. Sazen is the strongest swordsman of his time, and his sense of honor and justice are called upon more than once to set things right.
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: ja
Release Date: 1959-01-03
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