Samurai Rebellion (1967)

100% of critics liked it
(7 reviews)
91% of users liked it
(3,333 ratings)

A father and son prepare to die for their beliefs in this historical drama set in 18th century Japan. While Isaburo Sasahara (Toshiro Mifune) has been loyal to Japan's feudal system all his life, his beliefs begin to change when the local rulers demand that his son Yogoro (Go Kato) give up his… More A father and son prepare to die for their beliefs in this historical drama set in 18th century Japan. While Isaburo Sasahara (Toshiro Mifune) has been loyal to Japan's feudal system all his life, his beliefs begin to change when the local rulers demand that his son Yogoro (Go Kato) give up his bride, who has bore a child that will come to power upon the death of the current ruler. Yogoro dearly loves his wife, and Isaburo respects his daughter-in-law and does not want to be separated from his grandson. When Yogoro refuses to part with his wife and child, he and Isaburo are ordered to kill themselves. They refuse and instead challenge the forces of the feudal leaders to a fight to the death. Director Masaki Kobayashi's work on this film earned him the FIPRESCI Award at the 1967 Venice Film Festival. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 2 hr.
Directed By: Masaki Kobayashi
Written By: Shinobu Hashimoto, Yasuhiko Takiguchi
Genres: Drama, Art House & International, Classics

In Theaters: Jan 1, 1967 Wide
On DVD: Oct 25, 2005

Critic Reviews

Chuck Stephens, Village Voice
Austerely anti-authoritarian.
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times
As extreme a samurai film as I've seen in both senses (the ethics and the violence), and one of the best.
Robert Roten, Laramie Movie Scope
It is obvious that it will end in violence, but the violence is a long time coming. I kept wondering why they didn't just get on with it.
Jeff Shannon, Seattle Times
The film's escalation of tension is almost unbearable, and Mifune erupts with a ferocity that's as righteous as it is ultimately tragic, for Kobayashi refuses to soften the film's devastating imbalance of power.
Gabe Leibowitz, Film and Felt
As powerful, meditative, and gripping as anything Akira Kurosawa, Kenji Mizoguchi, Yasujiro Ozu, or other Japanese masters have created.
Brian Mckay, eFilmCritic.com
A well-made Toshiro Mifune' vehicle about class system injustice in Feudal Japan. Slow at first, but builds to an action-packed finale'.

Read all 6 critic reviews

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

Bob S

Kickass samurai drama - maybe just a notch below Harakiri.
Keiko A

Toshiro Mifune is at it again with this Sensational, deeply moving samurai flick thats worth WATCHING!!! AGAIN AND AGAIN!!! The 18th century was a great time in these era of films still the 16th century always has me. I liked the acting and story and costumes and ECT.
danny d

the end was a little upsetting, but the rebel in me was excited for this one. overall a great flick, and even the disappointing end has a redeeming moment.
Stella D

excellent drama about a conflict between a shogun and his vassals. mifune is great as the convention bound samurai who takes a stand.
Walter M

[font=Century Gothic]In "Samurai Rebellion", it is 1725, a time of peace. The Daimyo has requested that Yogoro Sasahara(Go Kato), son of cavalry escort Isaburo Sasahara(Toshiro Mifune), marry Lady Ichi(Yoko Tsukasa), former consort to the Daimyo and mother of his child, who… More
[font=Century Gothic]In "Samurai Rebellion", it is 1725, a time of peace. The Daimyo has requested that Yogoro Sasahara(Go Kato), son of cavalry escort Isaburo Sasahara(Toshiro Mifune), marry Lady Ichi(Yoko Tsukasa), former consort to the Daimyo and mother of his child, who was dismissed for striking him. At first there is fierce resistance from everybody in the family, and Isaburo stands firm, but Yogoro relents. Amazingly, Yogoro and Ichi fall in love, having a daughter, Tomi. [/font] [font=Century Gothic][/font] [font=Century Gothic]"Samurai Rebellion" is a methodically paced drama about there being a right to not follow the orders of superiors that are cruel and capricious. And that there are some things truly worth fighting for. However, the movie is uneven at times, especially in how information is dispensed, telling more than it shows in key instances like the relationship between Yogoro and Ichi. Also, it repeats the analysis of Isaburo's fighting style which is key to the plot. [/font]
Chris B

While I have seen only one other of Masaki Kobayashi's films, Hara-kiri, I have no doubt whatsoever in his mastery as a director. Both films are masterpieces telling of injustices during Japan's feudal era and the enormity of the class differences. Samurai Rebellion which… More
While I have seen only one other of Masaki Kobayashi's films, Hara-kiri, I have no doubt whatsoever in his mastery as a director. Both films are masterpieces telling of injustices during Japan's feudal era and the enormity of the class differences. Samurai Rebellion which stars the legendary Toshiro Mifune, displays both a touching and emotionally investing film that has perfect balance. For the first hour and a half we are introduced to our characters and the plight that will soon spell disaster. The last half hour is a brilliantly filmed samurai showdown where Mifune truly shines as a man of justice and morality. The cinematography of the various Japanese landscapes and wonderfully detailed traditional Japanese housing really add depth and a sense of being that is hard to replicate. What an amazing and beautiful film to see and be moved by. If you love Japanese films, culture or samurai this is an absolute necessity to watch!
cody f

You would think a film called Samurai Rebellion would be wall to wall action, but to my surprise it has a great love story and a touching story of a relationship between father and son. There is some action at the end and if they would trim about 10-15 minutes then it's a 4 star… More
You would think a film called Samurai Rebellion would be wall to wall action, but to my surprise it has a great love story and a touching story of a relationship between father and son. There is some action at the end and if they would trim about 10-15 minutes then it's a 4 star film. Mifune is great and the film is a definatly worth a look.