The 47 Masterless Samurai

The 47 Masterless Samurai

1959 · 183 min · ★ 7.4 · History, Drama

While the story of the Ako Clan's vendetta has been told countless times, never before has there been an array of major motion picture stars to bring new life to this timeless tale. Starting with the corrupt practices of Lord Kira and Yanagi-sawa, the Shogun's Secretary, which in essence led to the incident of Lord Asano's attacking Kira in the Pine Corridor of the Shogun's Palace, this is the definitive version. Asano Takumi no kami was a young lord with high scruples, who refused to join in the general corruption and bribery which ran rampant in the capital at that time. By not giving bribes, he angered Kira Kozuke no suke the elder lord in charge of protocol at the Palace. Refusing to teach the younger man, and giving him false instructions was only the beginning. Insults followed, and a man of honor had no choice but to draw his sword in anger. Forty seven masterless samurai are willing to give their lives to avenge their lord.

Directed by Sadatsugu Matsuda · Written by Yoshitake Hisa

Your Rating

Where to Watch

Streaming

U-NEXTToei On Demand Amazon Channel

Rent or Buy

Amazon VideoApple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesFOD

Cast

Make it a double feature

4h 46m together

Both from Sadatsugu Matsuda.

More from Sadatsugu MatsudaSee all →

Kojiki TaishôKojiki Taishô · 1952
Kojiki Taishô
10.01952
MovieHistoryDrama
Gotō Matabei is the most able and fierce samurai of the Kuroda clan. However, he gradually dislikes the ruthless personality of Kuroda Nagamasa and leaves the clan. Seven years later, he joins Toyotomi Hideyori's army. Filmed in 1945 and released in 1952.
Shingo's Original Challenge, Part 1 and 2Shingo's Original Challenge, Part 1 and 2 · 1959
Shingo's Original Challenge, Part 1 and 2
8.01959
MovieActionHistory
A young samurai learns that he is the illegitimate son of the Shogun. Hoping to reunite with his birth father, he travels to Edo to find Shogun Yoshimune.
Duel of Blood and SandDuel of Blood and Sand · 1963
Duel of Blood and Sand
7.81963
MovieAction
Frustrated with the bad behavior of his lord, Inaba Yajuro (Otomo) declares that he is leaving the clan and sets off on a journey that leads him into a small town besieged by a violent group of brigands. In a kind of homage to Kurosawa's 7 Samurai, the townspeople have been unable to defend themselves and Inaba sets out to teach them how to stand up for themselves. Meanwhile the vile Lord Yasumasa has sent the 4 finest swordsmen in the clan out to hunt Inaba down and kill him. Led by the magnificent Ichibei (Konoe), a master of weaponry in his own right, everything points to an ultimate showdown between the former friends in a battle to the death.
Knightly AdviceKnightly Advice · 1962
Knightly Advice
7.01962
MovieDramaHistory
Kurama TenguKurama Tengu · 1938
Kurama Tengu
7.01938
Movie
This is Kanjûrô Arashi's first film with Nikkatsu after his independent production company went bankrupt (many of these independent companies went bankrupt shortly after the transition to sound). As he is mostly famous for his portrait of Kurama tengu (and on the other hand, he's the definitive actor for Kurama Tengu as well), Nikkatsu made another version of Kurama tengu, co-directed by Masahiro Makino & Sadatsugu Matsuda who are both sons of Shozo Makino. Scripted by Yoshitake Hisa, a jidaigeki specialist who later scripted several Toei All-Star Jidaigeki.
Tokaido FullhouseTokaido Fullhouse · 1963
Tokaido Fullhouse
7.01963
MovieActionDrama
When Kanbe Nagakichi has his turf taken over by Ano-Toku, the father-in-law of his sworn brother Kira Nikichi sets in motion one of the most violent gang battles in Japanese history. Forced by the situation to choose between family and yakuza honor, Nikichi faces off against the vile combination of Ano-Toku and Kurokoma Katsuzo, villains so low as to ambush their foes using snipers. Nikichi, who owes allegiance to Boss Jirocho of Shimizu asks Jirocho to spare Ano-Toku’s life until events force a showdown between the 30 member Shimizu gang and a force of over 200 men fighting on Ano-Toku’s behalf. Meanwhile, a mysterious samurai may hold the key to deciding the outcome of this battle!
Restoration FireRestoration Fire · 1961
Restoration Fire
7.01961
MovieDramaHistory
Megastar Kataoka Chiezo is Vice-commander Hijikata Toshizo of the Shinsengumi in this realistic tale of Japan’s inner battles that led to the downfall of the Tokugawa shogunate. Excellent performances and extremely good swordplay highlight this glimpse into the heart and soul of Japanese history. Although known as “Razor Blade” Hijikata, the vice-commander is a man of deep conviction with a little-known sense of humanity. Starting after the famed Ikedaya Incident, in which they saved Kyoto from Choshu’s plot to burn the city to ashes, they work hard to change the public’s view of them as merciless killers to their true mission of protecting the shogun. This is an extraordinary tale of blood and guts! From the pen of award winning author Shotaro Ikenami (Bandit Vs. Samurai, Hunter in the Dark, Misumi's The Last Samurai)
A Chivalrous SpiritA Chivalrous Spirit · 1958
A Chivalrous Spirit
7.01958
MovieDramaCrime
An all-star cast highlights this Jidai-Geki classic. Set in the samurai era, this is the tale of period Yakuza. One of the real classics in this genre. Jirocho, an honorable and respected gang boss, uncovers a conspiracy organized by his rivals while on a quest to bring justice to three murders. Some of the most famous actors from Toei studios make this a must-see for everyone! Featuring a very young Nakamura Kinnosuke, who went on to become one of Japan's mosted noteworthy actors under the name Yorosuya Kinnosuke. This is one of the best examples his early work.
Crimson Bat, the Blind SwordswomanCrimson Bat, the Blind Swordswoman · 1969
Crimson Bat, the Blind Swordswoman
6.81969
MovieDramaAction
A young girl named Oichi is abandoned by her mother and blinded by a lightning strike. When her guardian is killed, she learns to wield a sword from a traveling ronin. As she develops into a master swordsman, her profession becomes that of a bounty hunter. Many test her sword and many die by her skills. She travels throughout the countryside to seek her mother and her revenge.
Trapped, the Crimson BatTrapped, the Crimson Bat · 1969
Trapped, the Crimson Bat
6.51969
MovieAdventureDrama
Oichi may have met her match as she vies against the evil beauty that has set her sights on destroying her. She must face numerous other challenges before confronting her greatest rival. While longing to live and love like other women, she realizes that she can never have a normal life, her sword which she holds on to like a security blanket will always come between her and such a life...
Ninja AssassinsNinja Assassins · 1960
Ninja Assassins
6.01960
MovieAction
Saotome Mondonosuke pursues the culprit who placed a malicious curse upon Shogun Tsunekichi.
Foul PlayFoul Play · 1955
Foul Play
6.01955
MovieMystery
Private eye Bannai Tarao (Chiezo Kataoka) and his assistant Masako (Chizuru Kitagawa) investigate the mysterious murder of a baseball player who was killed in the middle of a game.
Road of ChivalryRoad of Chivalry · 1960
Road of Chivalry
6.01960
MovieCrimeDrama
While on the road, famed Yakuza Boss Jirocho is falsely accused of starting a peasant's uprising and chased by the law. Meanwhile, one of his henchmen in an attempt to raise money for the Boss gambles away not only all their funds, but their clothing as well. Jirocho, famed for his honesty and integrity must take on the challenge of rival gangs while trying to elude the government's officials at the same time. Things really heat up when the most famous of all Yakuza Bosses, Chuji of Kunisada gets involved. Will he team up with his old friend or is gang warfare about to erupt?
Tange Sazen: Mystery of the Twin DragonsTange Sazen: Mystery of the Twin Dragons · 1959
Tange Sazen: Mystery of the Twin Dragons
5.81959
Movie
In this film in the long running series, Tange Sazen and his friends are asked to guard a dragon-shaped incense burner that holds the key to hidden treasures. This is the most exciting film in the series, and contains some of the best action sequences of Otomo's distinguished career. Sazen is the strongest swordsman of his time, and his sense of honor and justice are called upon more than once to set things right.
Bored Hatamoto: Idle Vassal TributeBored Hatamoto: Idle Vassal Tribute · 1958
Bored Hatamoto: Idle Vassal Tribute
5.51958
MovieActionDrama
Master swordsman and loyal 'Hatamoto' (direct vassal to the Shogun), Saotome Mondonosuke, is sent to investigate an intrigue centering on the Date Clan. The 300th film in the long and illustrious career of Ichikawa Utaemon, one of the most popular Japanese film stars of the period; it brought out an all-star cast as well.
Swordsman of the Two Sword StyleSwordsman of the Two Sword Style · 1956
Swordsman of the Two Sword Style
5.51956
MovieAction
The story of Japan’s greatest warrior, Miyamoto Musashi, after his historic duel with Sasaki Kojiro on Ganryu Island.

More Like This

Rate this film

Your ratings make Midnight smarter