The 47 Ronin (1941)
"Genroku Chûshingura" (original title)

Lord Asano resists a bribery attempt by a member of the Shogun's court. His honesty, however, is useless against the corruption of the administration, and he is forced to commit harakiri. ... See full summary »

Director:

Kenji Mizoguchi

Writers:

Kenichiro Hara, Seika Mayama (play),

Stars:

Tokusaburo Arashi, Yoshizaburo Arashi, Utaemon Ichikawa

Cast

Credited cast:
Tokusaburo Arashi	...	Okuno Shogen
Yoshizaburo Arashi	...	Lord Takuminokami Asano
Choemon Bando
Haranosuke Bando
Enji Ichikawa
Kikunosuke Ichikawa
Sensho Ichikawa
Shotaro Ichikawa
Utaemon Ichikawa	...	Tsunatoyo Tokugawa
Joji Kaieda
Daisuke Katô	...	Fuwa Kazuemon
Ryôtarô Kawanami
Chôjûrô Kawarasaki	...	Kuranosuke Oishi
Kunitaro Kawarazaki	...	Jurozaemon Isogai
Seizaburô Kawazu	...	Lord Etchumori Hosokawa

Storyline

Lord Asano resists a bribery attempt by a member of the Shogun's court. His honesty, however, is useless against the corruption of the administration, and he is forced to commit harakiri. His samurai retinue are dispersed as masterless ronin. The leader of the samurai, Oichi, plots with a loyal band of ronin to seek revenge for their master's dishonor.

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Plot Keywords:

samurai | ronin | corruption | revenge | dishonor | 

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Genres:

Action | Drama | History

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Details

Country:

Japan

Language:

Japanese

Release Date:

March 1979 (USA)

Also Known As:

The 47 Ronin: Parts 1 and 2

Company Credits

Production Co:

IMA Productions, Shôchiku Eiga

Technical Specs

Runtime:

241 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Based on a true story, a version of which can be read in Jorge Luis Borges's short story collection, 'A Universal History of Infamy', under the title 'The Uncivil Teacher of Etiquette, Kotsuke no Suke'.

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Connections

Remake of Chûshingura - Zempen: Akahokyô no maki (1932)

User Reviews

The Ako Vendetta of 1702

Nearly four hours long, this film can task even the most dedicated samurai viewer. It has some really good acting, but that is lost for most in the pace.

It is a tale of the famous Ako Vendetta of 1702. I do not know how historically accurate it is, but it does give a glimpse into Japan's history.

It also gives a glimpse of hara-kiri; the ritual suicide by slicing the stomach until the bowels spill out, then decapitation by a skilled swordsman.

You are better served in seeing director Kenji Mizoguchi in the classic Sansho the Bailiff.