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Shogun's Samurai

Shogun's Samurai

19786.92h 10m

Overview

Following the death of the second Tokugawa shogun, it is revealed that he was poisoned by retainers of his son Iemitsu in hopes of gaining him the shogunate despite the stammer and birthmark which undermine his respect. Iemitsu and his brother Tadanaga become bitter rivals for the shogunate, and the land is split into factions, eventually erupting into warfare. Iemitsu's mentor, his fencing instructor Yagyu, is fixated upon securing Iemitsu the shogunate and ends up betraying everyone, even his own family, in pursuit of the goal.

Directed by Kinji Fukasaku
Written by Kinji Fukasaku, Tatsuo Nogami, Hirō Matsuda
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Top Cast

Kinnosuke Nakamura

Kinnosuke Nakamura

Yagyu Tajima

Sonny Chiba

Sonny Chiba

Jûbê Yagyû

Hiroki Matsukata

Hiroki Matsukata

Iemitsu Tokugawa (Older Prince)

Teruhiko Saigō

Teruhiko Saigō

Tadanaga Tokugawa (Younger Prince)

Reiko Ōhara

Reiko Ōhara

Okuni (Singer)

Yoshio Harada

Yoshio Harada

Sanza Nagoya (Flute Player)

Isao Natsuyagi

Isao Natsuyagi

Shozaemon Bekki

Mikio Narita

Mikio Narita

Ayamaro Karasumasu

Toshirō Mifune

Toshirō Mifune

Yoshinao Tokugawa

Hiroyuki Sanada

Hiroyuki Sanada

Hayate

Themes & Keywords

martial artssamuraishogun

About Shogun's Samurai

Shogun's Samurai is a action, drama, adventure film released in 1978 exploring themes of martial arts, samurai, shogun. Directed by Kinji Fukasaku, it stars Kinnosuke Nakamura, Sonny Chiba, Hiroki Matsukata. Following the death of the second Tokugawa shogun, it is revealed that he was poisoned by retainers of his son Iemitsu in hopes of gaining him the shogunate despite the stammer and birthmark which undermine his respect. Iemitsu and his brother Tadanaga become bitter rivals for the shogunate, and the land is split into factions, eventually erupting into warfare. Iemitsu's mentor, his fencing instructor Yagyu, is fixated upon securing Iemitsu the shogunate and ends up betraying everyone, even his own family, in pursuit of the goal.

Movies Similar to Shogun's Samurai

Discover titles like Shogun's Samurai — ranked by similarity and community votes

We found 15 movies similar to Shogun's Samurai

If you enjoyed Shogun's Samurai, you'll love these handpicked recommendations. Each title below shares similar themes, tone, and storytelling style. Our algorithm analyzes genres, keywords, director filmography, and cast connections to find the closest matches. Whether you're looking for the same emotional depth, narrative structure, or visual style, these picks are curated to deliver the best viewing experience for fans of Shogun's Samurai.

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Blind traveler Zatoichi is a master swordsman and a masseur with a fondness for gambling on dice games. When he arrives in a village torn apart by warring gangs, he sets out to protect the townspeople.

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Fearless Edo-period police inspector Hanzo Itami, nicknamed The Razor, has developed his own unique way of extracting information for his inquiries. His first adventure sees him investigating his superior officer's mistress, whom he suspects of having ties with a reputed criminal on the loose.

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Years of warfare end in a Japan unified under the Tokugawa shogunate, and samurai spy Sasuke Sarutobi, tired of conflict, longs for peace. When a high-ranking spy named Tatewaki Koriyama defects from the shogun to a rival clan, however, the world of swordsmen is thrown into turmoil. After Sasuke is unwittingly drawn into the conflict, he tracks Tatewaki, while a mysterious, white-hooded figure seems to hunt them both. By tale’s end, no one is who they seemed to be, and the truth is far more personal than anyone suspected. Director Masahiro Shinoda’s Samurai Spy, filled with clan intrigue, ninja spies, and multiple double crosses, marks a bold stylistic departure from swordplay film convention.

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Unforgiven
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An old swordsman, his former comrade and a young braggart are hired by prostitutes to track down bandits who mutilated one of the women.

Samurai Reincarnation
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Gintama: The Very Final
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The countdown to destruction has begun! Gintoki and the others set out to fulfill the wishes of their teacher Shoyo and thwart Utsuro's plans. Shinpachi, Kagura, the Shinsengumi, members of the Kabuki District, and even former enemies will join their fight. As Utsuro's power grows, Takasugi fights for his very life. Will Gintoki be able to put an end to all this?!

Harakiri
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Harakiri(1962)

Movie8.4/10

Down-on-his-luck veteran Tsugumo Hanshirō enters the courtyard of the prosperous House of Iyi. Unemployed, and with no family, he hopes to find a place to commit seppuku—and a worthy second to deliver the coup de grâce in his suicide ritual. The senior counselor for the Iyi clan questions the ronin’s resolve and integrity, suspecting Hanshirō of seeking charity rather than an honorable end. What follows is a pair of interlocking stories which lay bare the difference between honor and respect, and promises to examine the legendary foundations of the Samurai code.

The 47 Ronin
32% Match

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.

Zatoichi Goes to the Fire Festival
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