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Poster for Sansho the Bailiff

Sansho the Bailiff

Seen it?

1954 | 124 min | Drama

Friday Night Flick

Why it’s a Friday Night Flick

Critics loved it (100% on Rotten Tomatoes) and audiences rate it highly (8.1 out of 10). Make plans for this one.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for anyone who loves a strong drama. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Thoughtful and character-driven.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 2 hr 4 min.
What might put you off
  • It's in Japanese, so expect subtitles (or a dub).
  • Made in 1954: an older pace and style.
  • Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

In 11th-century feudal Japan, following the exile of an idealistic governor, his wife and children are separated by slave traders; the children, Zushio and Anju, are sold into brutal servitude under the cruel bailiff Sansho.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsVery strong

    100% on Rotten Tomatoes, 96 on Metacritic

  • AudiencesStrong

    8.1 out of 10

  • AwardsNot counted

    No major awards or nominations

  • Reach & staying powerSolid

    Streaming release that reached a modest audience; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactSolid

    About 35K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Kenji Mizoguchi

  • Kinuyo TanakaTamaki
  • Yoshiaki HanayagiZushiô
  • Kyōko KagawaAnju
  • Eitarō ShindōSanshô dayû
  • Ichirō SugaiMinister of Justice
  • Bontarō MiakeKichiji
  • Yōko KozonoKohagi
  • Chieko NaniwaUbatake
  • Kikue MōriPriestess
  • Ken MitsudaPrime Minister Fujiwara