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Poster for Samurai III: Duel at Ganryu Island

Samurai III: Duel at Ganryu Island

Seen it?

1956 | 105 min | Action, Adventure, Drama, Romance, History

Weeknight Watchearly rating

Why it’s a Weeknight Watch

With little lasting buzz, it's a mixed bag. Fine if it's on; don't plan your night around it.

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

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for romantics, action fans and history buffs.
The mood
Warm and romantic.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 45 min.
What might put you off
  • It's in Japanese, so expect subtitles (or a dub).
  • Made in 1956: an older pace and style.

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.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsNot counted

    Not enough reviews on record yet

  • AudiencesSolid

    7.2 out of 10

  • AwardsNot counted

    No major awards or nominations

  • Reach & staying powerSolid

    Streaming release that reached a small audience so far; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactBelow par

    About 15K people sought it out in the past year, and interest is climbing

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Hiroshi Inagaki

  • Toshirō MifuneMusashi Miyamoto a.k.a. Takezo
  • Koji TsurutaKojiro Sasaki
  • Kaoru YachigusaOtsu
  • Mariko OkadaAkemi
  • Kuroemon Onoe IITakuan
  • Michiko SagaOmitsu
  • Takashi ShimuraCourt official
  • Minoru ChiakiSasuke the boatman
  • Takamaru SasakiOmitsu's father
  • Haruo TanakaKumagoro the horse thief