Sanjuro

Introduction

One of Akira Kurosawa’s most well-known creations is Tsubaki Sanjuro. It is a period drama that is excruciatingly enjoyable and has made its mark on Japanese film history. Even though the movie is still well-known 60 years after it was first released, some people undoubtedly haven’t really seen it.

In this article, we will introduce the outline, synopsis, and cast of Tsubaki Sanjuro.   If you want to see a classic Japanese movie, read on because there is also a review of the movie.

Outlines of Sanjuro

On January 1st, 1962, Toho released the Japanese movie Sanjuro. Despite being a so-called New Year’s movie, its release on New Year’s Day broke the tradition of New Year’s box office, which typically starts at the end of the year.

One of Japan’s top directors, Akira Kurosawa, is the director of this movie. This movie is thought to be a sequel to the movie “Yojinbo,” which was released the year before. According to rumors, the original tale was adapted from Shugoro Yamamoto’s “Hiyori Heian.”

Akira Kurosawa significantly changed the story in “Heian Days,” making the competent ronin Sanjuro Tsubaki the primary character instead of the film’s original main character, a frail and weak-armed guy.

The sword battle scene, in which the hero Sanjuro defeats and cuts 30 guys in about 40 seconds, is the movie’s climax. However, in fact, he is supposed to kill 40 people at once rather than 30, for the purpose of authenticity.

The final battle between Toshiro Mifune and Tatsuya Nakadai, in which blood is pumped out of Nakadai’s body using a pump, is another notable scene. Following the release of this movie, many more movies used blood splattering out of the body during sword fights and action scenes.

Akira Kurosawa became well-known for his unrivaled pursuit of realism in historical dramas after the 1954 release of “Seven Samurai.” This movie’s substance in particular demonstrates how this realistic orientation has grown.

Realistic scenes such as splattered blood and sound effects of cutting flesh had been cut off by GHQ censors. These ideas started to be expressed in Akira Kurosawa’s films, and for a while, many chambara films copied his style.

But after this movie, Kurosawa’s methods gained such a reputation that European newspapers and other media started referring to the movie as a “Japanese hemoglobin picture.”

According to rumor, Kurosawa felt so bad about this that he stopped producing chambara movies with thrilling sword scenes. Although “Red Beard” also features a fighting scene, it is a bare-knuckle martial arts demonstration rather than a sword fight.

Like previous Kurosawa movies, “Aka Hige” has attracted broad praise both and internationally. It was included, along with “Ran” and other movies, on the BBC’s 1995 list of “100 Films to Preserve in the 21st Century.”

The movie was a hit at the box office, earning more money than any other Toho production that year. Another representative Japanese movie from director Akira Kurosawa is this one.

Outline of Sanjuro

Here is the sanjuro plot summary. Please read it all the way through because it is a bit lengthy, so I’ve broken it up into four parts.

【introduction】Outline of Sajuro

One night at midnight. In a small shrine deep within the forest, a group of young samurai were engaging in a private talk. They were attempting to expose Takebayashi, a government official, and Kuroto, the deputy chief retainer, in misconduct.

Isaka, the young samurai’s leader, gives his uncle Mutsuta, the senior retainer of the castle, a letter of advice regarding the corruption issue. Isaka, along with the other young samurai, are shocked to learn that the letter was torn up and thrown away in front of them.

The main servant, Kikui, reportedly took his opinion seriously and indicated a desire to call all of his companions to a meeting with him, according to Isaka’s account. The young samurai were delighted to learn this, but a filthy ronin suddenly emerged behind the shrine.

He claims that the clever and honorable man who represents the castle is likely the main servant’s mastermind. The young samurai were skeptical, but Hanbei Muroto and his men, Kikui’s henchmen, soon surrounded the temple.

They were able to get out of the dangerous position thanks to the ronin’s fast thinking. The ronin then took the young samurai to Jodai’s mansion after sensing that Jodai was in danger.

【development】Outline of Sajuro

As the ronin had expected, Kikui already possessed the castle, and Mutsuta had been transported to another location. Using this situation, Kikui and his men aimed to hold Mutsuta accountable for their own corruption.

The young samurai was able to rescue Mutsuta’s wife and daughter by using the ronin’s skill once more to slip past the guards. They then went to the home of one of the young samurai, Terada. Actually, the Kuroto mansion was right next door to the Terada residence.

Because of its gorgeous camellias, Kurofuji’s residence was also known as the Camellia mansion. The ronin claimed to be Tsubaki Sanjuro and gave the name of the Kurofuji family’s camellia when Mutsuta’s wife asked for his name.

The young samurai were considering finding Mutsuta’s prison first because freeing Mutsuta would definitely bring Kikui and the others to their demise. On the other hand, Mutsuta was difficult for Kikui and the others to deal with because of his evasive and evasive demands.

Kikui and his men look for Mutsuta’s wife and child, who were saved by the young samurai, in order to kidnap them once more in an effort to make Mutsuta accept their demands. A strategy was developed by Kikui and his soldiers to draw the young samurai outside using an empty chariot.

Sanjuro senses this and feels the threat, but the young samurai fall for the trap despite his concerns. The young samurai attempt to attack the chariot right away, but they quickly understand it is a trap and narrowly escape.

【turn】Outline of Sajuro

Muroto, whom Sanjuro met at the shrine, invited him to serve him. Sanjuro used this as an opportunity to sneak into Kikui’s home and meet with Muroto alone in order to learn where Mutsuta was. He was advised to follow Muroto and Sanjuro by Yasukawa and the others, who still did not fully trust Sanjuro among the young samurai.

Sanjuro’s strategy failed as a result because his friends who had followed Muroto and the others were arrested. In order to get away from his captors, Sanjuro killed all of Kikui’s servants.

They go back to Terada’s place and think about a new strategy. They then discover a piece of the viewpoint letter Mutsuta was given in the stream that rises from the Tsubaki home. In reality, Mutsuta is being imprisoned right there in the Tsubaki estate.

In order to get his soldiers home from the Tsubaki estate, Sanjuro fabricates the fact that the young samurai are hidden at a temple outside of town. He then plans to attack the mansion while they are there. He makes the decision to throw a lot of camellia blooms into the creek to warn people to attack.

【conclusion】Outline of Sajuro

Sanjuro arrives at the Tsubaki mansion.  He succeeds in reducing the security of the mansion by first telling Muroto that he has seen young samurai at the gate of a shrine outside of town. He was captured by Muroto while collecting camellia flowers, however.

In addition, it was discovered that the temple outside of town lacked even a gate. Muroto quickly calls back the soldiers he sent out. Sanjuro notices a chance and informs Kikui and the others that the young samurai are actually waiting at the house next door and that the house would be attacked shortly.

They lied and claimed that white camellia flowers meant to cancel and red camellia flowers meant to continue. The young samurai attacked the mansion and captured Kikui and his men after Kikui and his men gathered the white camellia flowers in a rush and dumped them into the creek. They were successful in saving Mutsuta.

Mutsuta afterwards collected the young samurai and thanked them. He then informed them that as a result of the incident, Kurofuji and Takebayashi were no longer associated with the family name. Additionally, he revealed to them that prior to the tragedy, Kikui had performed seppuku himself. Mutsuya himself preferred to keep things more polite.

Sanjuro was also anticipated to be there. The young samurai discovered that Sanjuro had left without warning them when he did not appear as expected. They ran after him in a hurry, but Mutsuta knew he wouldn’t come back.

On the outskirts of the city, where they discovered Muroto, the young samurai caught up with Sanjuro. Sanjuro had tricked Muroto, so he runs away and challenges him to a duel. With a split-second slash, Sanjuro kills Muroto in front of the young samurai and others.

He then compared Muroto to himself, warned the young samurai not to be like him, and walked away.

The cast of Sanjuro

Here is an overview of the Sanjuro cast. Sanjuro features a cast of outstanding actors from different generations, including some of the most well-known celebrities of the day.

Toshiro Mifune

Born April 1st, 1920. Probably the most well-known Japanese actor in the world is Toshiro Mifune. He portrays Tsubaki Sanjuro, the main character in the movie, and you can watch him use some excellent killer moves.

Tatsuya Nakadai

He was born on December 13, 1932. He plays Muroto Hanbei, a ronin in this movie who competes with Sanjuro, the main character, in many ways. He is one of Japan’s top performers who supports the film business, but he is also well-known for leading Mumeijuku, a theater company, and for his work mentoring up-and-coming actors.

Yūzō Kayama

His birthdate is April 11, 1937. He plays Iori Isaka, the head of a group of young samurai in this movie. In Japan, people also call you by the title Wakadaisho. He is also well-known for his singing, and at the time, people looked up to him as an idol.

Reiko Dan

Her birthdate is March 26, 1935. She plays the part of Chidori in this film. She appeared in numerous movies at the time as the movies’ ‘Madonna’, but she unfortunately left acting in 1974.

Takashi Shimura

Born on March 12, 1905.  He portrays Kuroto, the second in command in this movie. He is a well-known actor who frequently works with Toshiro Mifune and is essential to Akira Kurosawa’s films.

Kamatari Fujiwara

Born on January 15, 1905. He frequently appeared in Akira Kurosawa’s movies and is well recognized for his many supporting parts. He portrayed the evil government officer Takebayashi in this movie.

Takako Irie

Born on February 7, 1911.  She came from a prominent family and thanks to her good looks, dignity, and social standing, she became the most well-liked actress of the Showa era. She portrays the wife of castle retainer Mutsuta Yahei in this movie. This movie was her first on-screen appearance in a very long time, and it was also a subject of conversation because she was practically retired at the time.

Sachio Sakai

Born on September 8, 1925.  In this movie, he plays an anonymous foot soldier. In training school, he and Toshiro Mifune were classmates. He is a supporting actor who made his acting debut in Akira Kurosawa’s “Wonderful Sunday” and has since made frequent appearances in several of the director’s movies.

Masao Shimizu

Born on October 5, 1908. He portrays the main escort, Rokurobei Kikui in this movie. Since before World War II, he has acted in more than 300 films, primarily as a supporting by-play actor. He frequently appears in Akira Kurosawa’s movies.

Yūnosuke Itō

Born on August 3, 1919. He also performed in kabuki. He portrays a castle servant named Yahei Mutsuda in this movie. Depending on the film, he may be credited in different kanji’s in this movie.

Evauation on Sanjuro

“The dialogue and scenario building are highly good despite the clear and straightforward structure of the plot.It is a follow-up to “Yojinbo,” but I truly enjoy this movie.

I was hooked by the suspense towards the conclusion and pleased by the scene with the abundance of camellias.It was the best closure.

The profound performance by Mr. Mifune is beyond comparison, and Mr. Nakadai does a great job with his passionate cries and diabolical faces.

And the last battle is just amazing.

I’ve heard that when the movie first came out, the packed theater was dead silent.”

“Even now, the movie is quite entertaining.

There is nothing to complain about.

Although Toshiro Mifune’s performance and aura are so powerful, the supporting cast is equally great.

My favorite Kurosawa movie is this one.”

“The movie’s actors are all excellent.

Of course, Tatsuya Nakadai and Toshiro Mifune;

Among others, Keiki Kobayashi, Kamatari Fujiwara, Takashi Shimura, and Yunosuke Ito.

At that time, Yuzo Kayama and Reiko Dan were Toho’s lead actors.

Additionally, Kunie Tanaka and Takako Irie show good taste.

I’ll study the plot itself in more detail later.

It seems a bit too good to be true, in my opinion.

But when you watch it, you are sucked in with no chance to take a breath.

I didn’t have time to catch my breath before I was sucked into the movie.It is an excellent movie.”
”The opening scene is funny, the final confrontation is serious, and the dialogue that follows is powerful.

It’s similar to Toshiro Mifune’s samurai trilogy, which begins with The Bouncer and ends with Red Sun.”
“The movie has a dramatic twist, vivid expression, poignancy, pathos, and is cool, cynical, humorous, fast-paced, and a lot of fun.To me, this movie is better than the “The Bouncer.”
“To be honest, I like this better than Yojinbou. It’s hilarious and excellent. This is what is intended to be a good movie. No matter how many I see it, I never fail to become totally invested in it. It’s fascinating how the camellia blooms and blood splash appear blood red despite the fact that the scene is in black and white.”

Summary of Sanjuro

60 years after its release, SANJURO is still considered as a treasured classic. In the future, its brilliance won’t fade. Why wouldn’t you go and take in this historical masterpiece if you are interested?