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Poster for The Hidden Blade

The Hidden Blade

Seen it?

2004 | 132 min | Drama, Romance

Sunday Safe Betearly rating

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

It earned strong reviews (84% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had almost no lasting buzz and soft box office. A safe bet when you want something reliable.

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

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for romantics. If you loved The English Patient, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Warm and romantic.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 2 hr 12 min.
What might put you off
  • Rated R: meant for adults.
  • It's in Japanese, so expect subtitles (or a dub).
  • Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

Set in 19th Century Japan a young samurai who finds himself in love with a farm girl leaves his home to begin a new life. He has to take stock of his new life when he is put to the test and ordered to kill a traitor who just happens to be his dearest friend.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsStrong

    84% on Rotten Tomatoes, 76 on Metacritic

  • AudiencesSolid

    7.4 out of 10

  • AwardsWeak

    0 wins and 5 nominations from smaller awards and festivals

  • Box office & staying powerBelow par

    $8 million worldwide; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactWeak

    About 15K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Yoji Yamada

  • Masatoshi NagaseMunezô Katagiri
  • Takako MatsuKie
  • Hidetaka YoshiokaSamon Shimada
  • Yukiyoshi OzawaYaichirô Hazama
  • Tomoko TabataShino Katagiri
  • Chieko BaishoMrs. Katagiri
  • Kunie TanakaKanbê Katagiri
  • Sachiko MitsumotoMrs. Iseya
  • Reiko TakashimaHazama's Wife
  • Nana SaitoBun