Duel of Blood and Sand

Duel of Blood and Sand

1963 · 91 min · ★ 7.8 · Action

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.

Directed by Sadatsugu Matsuda · Written by Michihei Muramatsu

Your Rating

Cast

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.
Lord Mito: All Star VersionLord Mito: All Star Version · 1960
Lord Mito: All Star Version
8.31960
Movie
In 1691 a terrible fire broke out in Denmacho, Yotsuya, burning down the towns around it, up to the shores of Shibaura. A month and a half later, another fire broke out, this time in Komagome, burning down the two gates of Asakusa and Sujikai, and continuing on into the night. As the government Elders consider evidence that these fires were arson, a fire breaks out in Hirakawa-cho, outside of Hanzo Gate. Nishonmaru catches on fire and burns down completely. When this rash of fires even strikes Kyoto, the task of finding who’s behind the arson, and stopping them falls to the Shogun’s uncle, the Elder Lord of Mito. Together with his trusted bodyguards, Kaku and Suke, the trio set of to save Japan from this scourge of evil. Featuring virtually all of their most famous stars, this is the best film in the Toei series about Mito Komon, one of Japan’s most popular historical figures who traveled through the country incognito to check on the people and fight injustice.
Lord Mito 2: The Nation's Vice ShogunLord Mito 2: The Nation's Vice Shogun · 1959
Lord Mito 2: The Nation's Vice Shogun
8.21959
MovieAdventureDrama
After settling the matter of shogunal succession, the retired Old Lord of Mito finds himself in a sea of trouble when he gets involved in the succession of the Takamatsu clan. The usurpers try by every means to effect their takeover, even if it leads to blood being spilled. Along with Kaku and Suke, the elder must face the most dangerous time of his life, in a battle against those corrupt individuals who would use any means to further their dastardly conspiracy, regardless of how many lives might be destroyed. The great Misora Hibari gives a bravura performance, as does the rest of this all-star cast. This is another outstanding effort on the part of the Toei Films, blending fact and fiction to bright back Japan’s golden era of the Genroku period.
Shimizu Port of ChivalryShimizu Port of Chivalry · 1957
Shimizu Port of Chivalry
8.01957
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. In this dramatic portrayal of the real-life gambling boss Jirocho, a good-hearted and honest boss sets out to take revenge for a fellow boss. At the same time, the other local bosses, in a bid to increase their own power, plot to dispose of Jirocho. Starring Kataoka Chiezo in one of his signature roles, this is an excellent portrayal of a figure who is not well known outside of Japan. Co-starring Nakamura Kinnosuke, this exciting tale of period yakuza brings history to life.
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!
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.
Secret of The Golden SpellSecret of The Golden Spell · 1958
Secret of The Golden Spell
6.41958
MovieDramaAction
One of Japan’s most popular folklore characters, Tange Sazen, the one-eyed and one-armed swordsman, must rescue the Yagyu clan from the treachery of a master plotting to take control over a sword fighting school.
Return of the One-Armed SwordsmanReturn of the One-Armed Swordsman · 1960
Return of the One-Armed Swordsman
6.01960
MovieDramaAction
The legendary one-eyed one-armed swordsman Tange Sazen is back to aid a Magistrate in his efforts to steal bribe money on its way to Edo for the benefit to poor farmers.
The Ako RetainersThe Ako Retainers · 1961
The Ako Retainers
6.01961
MovieActionDrama
Toei’s 10th anniversary film, featuring an all-star cast from the golden movie era of the 1960s. A famous story of the 47 loyal samurai. When Lord Asano is unjustly executed, his loyal retainers strike back for revenge.
Seven from EdoSeven from Edo · 1958
Seven from Edo
5.01958
MovieDrama
When Katsukawa, a low ranking vassal, learns that his greedy superior, Tatewaki, has hatched a plan to expand his territory, he and his comrades decide to take matters into their own hands. Lots of action in this all-star production from Toei Films, the foremost studio during that era. As with so many of their films, this is highly entertaining, with lots of plot twists and exciting swordplay
General KappaGeneral Kappa · 1944
General Kappa
1944
MovieDrama
A young samurai who’s strong in love but weak in compassion, with a string of eccentric antics, diving into the water, wielding his spear, and fighting valiantly.
Case of Umon: Red LizardCase of Umon: Red Lizard · 1962
Case of Umon: Red Lizard
1962
MovieHistoryMystery
Umon goes on an investigation to unveil the murderer known as Red Lizard.
Yami ni hikarumeYami ni hikarume · 1950
Yami ni hikarume
1950
Movie
Takadanobaba zengoTakadanobaba zengo · 1944
Takadanobaba zengo
1944
MovieDramaAction
A whirlwind sweeps through Takadanobaba. The familiar fighter Yasubei stuns the city of Edo in this exhilarating tale of swordsmanship and human compassion.
Genghis KhanGenghis Khan · 1943
Genghis Khan
1943
MovieHistory
Filmed on location in the Mongolian plains.

More Like This

The Hidden FortressThe Hidden Fortress · 1958
The Hidden Fortress
8.01958
MovieDramaAction
In feudal Japan, during a bloody war between clans, two cowardly and greedy peasants, soldiers of a defeated army, stumble upon a mysterious man who guides them to a fortress hidden in the mountains.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles IIITeenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III · 1993
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III
5.51993
MovieActionAdventure
The four turtles travel back in time to the days of the legendary and deadly samurai in ancient Japan, where they train to perfect the art of becoming one. The turtles also assist a small village in an uprising.
Curse of the Golden FlowerCurse of the Golden Flower · 2006
Curse of the Golden Flower
6.92006
MovieActionDrama
During China's Tang dynasty the emperor has taken the princess of a neighboring province as his wife. She has borne him two sons and raised his eldest. Now his control over his dominion is complete, including the royal family itself.
SonatineSonatine · 1993
Sonatine
7.51993
MovieActionCrime
Murakawa, an aging Tokyo yakuza tiring of gangster life, is sent by his boss to Okinawa along with a few of his henchmen to help end a gang war, supposedly as mediators between two warring clans. He finds that the dispute between the clans is insignificant and whilst wondering why he was sent to Okinawa at all, his group is attacked in an ambush. The survivors flee and make a decision to lay low at the beach while they await further instructions.
Highlander III: The SorcererHighlander III: The Sorcerer · 1994
Highlander III: The Sorcerer
4.81994
MovieFantasyAction
Deceived that he had won the Prize, Connor MacLeod wanders through the world; however, he is awakened from his peaceful life when an entombed immortal magician, Kane, escapes and comes seeking the Highlander.
Batman: Strange DaysBatman: Strange Days · 2014
Batman: Strange Days
7.02014
MovieActionAnimation
A lost tale from Batman's past, the Dark Knight tracks a strange giant to the mysterious lair of Hugo Strange.
Gappa, the Triphibian MonsterGappa, the Triphibian Monster · 1967
Gappa, the Triphibian Monster
5.71967
MovieHorrorScience Fiction
An expedition in the South Pacific lands on a tropical island where the natives worship the mysterious deity Gappa. An earthquake opens up an underground cavern and a baby reptile is discovered inside. The natives warn the foreigners to leave the hatching alone, but they don't listen and take it back to a zoo in Japan. Soon after, moma and papa Gappa start smashing Tokyo looking for their kidnapped child.
Predator: Killer of KillersPredator: Killer of Killers · 2025
Predator: Killer of Killers
7.82025
MovieAnimationAction
While three of the fiercest warriors in human history—a Viking raider, a ninja in feudal Japan, and a WWII pilot—are killers in their own right, they are merely prey for their new opponent: the ultimate killer of killers.
The QuestThe Quest · 1996
The Quest
6.21996
MovieActionAdventure
Ghang-gheng, the ancient winner-take-all competition in which the deadliest fighters from around the world employ the most spectacular feats of martial arts skills ever displayed in order to win the prized Golden Dragon. But fighting prowess alone will not be enough for Chris to triumph over such daunting foes.
The Man in the Iron MaskThe Man in the Iron Mask · 1998
The Man in the Iron Mask
6.71998
MovieAdventureAction
Years have passed since the Three Musketeers, Aramis, Athos and Porthos, have fought together with their friend, D'Artagnan. But with the tyrannical King Louis using his power to wreak havoc in the kingdom while his twin brother, Philippe, remains imprisoned, the Musketeers reunite to abduct Louis and replace him with Philippe.
Beverly Hills NinjaBeverly Hills Ninja · 1997
Beverly Hills Ninja
5.71997
MovieComedyAction
Haru, an orphaned American who washes ashore in Japan and is mistaken for the great White Ninja of legend. Raised among the finest Ninjas, Haru grows strong and big - very big. With the grace of all Three Stooges rolled into one body, Haru is an embarrassment to his clan. But when a beautiful blonde pleads for his help, Haru is given one dangerous, disastrously funny chance to prove himself.
Outlaw KingOutlaw King · 2018
Outlaw King
6.82018
MovieActionHistory
Forced into exile by the English after being crowned King of Scotland, legendary warrior Robert the Bruce fights to reclaim the throne.
Revenge of the NinjaRevenge of the Ninja · 1983
Revenge of the Ninja
6.31983
MovieActionCrime
A peaceful ex-ninja's life shatters when his son's kidnapping forces him back into violence amid an American-Japanese criminal drug war.
Lone Wolf and Cub: Baby Cart at the River StyxLone Wolf and Cub: Baby Cart at the River Styx · 1972
Lone Wolf and Cub: Baby Cart at the River Styx
7.41972
MovieActionDrama
Ogami Itto battles a group of female ninja in the employ of the Yagyu clan and must eliminate a traitor who plans to sell his clan's secrets to the Shogunate.

Rate this film

Your ratings make Midnight smarter