The King

The King

The life story of the shogi master&maniac Sankichi Sakata in the Meiji era.

1962 · 92 min · ★ 8.0 · Drama

The film takes place at the junction of the two eras of Meiji and Taisho. Sakata Sankichi, an uneducated zori sandal maker, becomes a professional shogi player through his genius shogi skills and lives a fanatically devoted shogi game supported by the love of his family. This is the 3rd adaptation of Hideji Hojo's famous play.

Directed by Daisuke Itō · Written by Daisuke Itō

Your Rating

Where to Watch

Rent or Buy

Google Play Movies

Cast

Make it a double feature

3h 6m together

Both from Daisuke Itō.

More from Daisuke ItōSee all →

An Heir's PlaceAn Heir's Place · 1953
An Heir's Place
10.01953
Movie
This film stars Tanaka Kinuyo as the mother of the heir to the Hosho name, a famous lineage of Noh actors. The heir, Hosho Yagoro, is played by Hasegawa Kuzuo who went on to become familiar among Ichikawa Kon fans as Yukinojo in An Actor's Revenge, which was also co-written by Ito, adding to the relatedness of An Heir's Place.
Scarred YosaburoScarred Yosaburo · 1960
Scarred Yosaburo
9.01960
MovieDramaAction
The film depicts the scarring of Yosaburo at the hands of yakuza thugs who catch him with mistress of the gang boss. Despite the physical and emotional scars he now carries with him, Yosaburo falls for a young noblewoman. The rest of the film follows the two as they fend off attacks from gangs and the police.
Tragedy of the Coolie SamuraiTragedy of the Coolie Samurai · 1963
Tragedy of the Coolie Samurai
8.71963
MovieDrama
Gonza was a handsome young laborer, a footman and spear-carrier, working hard for his meager wage. All Gonza wanted was to marry his young sweetheart, but despite their mutual poverty, her status as the daughter of a samurai blocked their path to happiness. A chance opportunity to achieve samurai status would come one day, but Gonza will regret trusting the so-called honorable samurai who extended this fateful offer, and the terrible price he'd pay, fighting for his life in one of the most blood-spattered samurai battles ever filmed.
Broken SwordsBroken Swords · 1969
Broken Swords
8.01969
MovieDramaAction
The tragic, yet exciting story of the friendship between Nakayama Yasubei, a member of the 47 Ronin, and Tange Tenzen, a relative by marriage of the vile Lord Kira.
Sudden Attack of the Christian LordSudden Attack of the Christian Lord · 1959
Sudden Attack of the Christian Lord
8.01959
Movie
Samurai VendettaSamurai Vendetta · 1959
Samurai Vendetta
7.51959
MovieDramaAction
Two amiable samurai wind up on opposite sides of the vendetta between Lord Asano's retainers and the family of Lord Kira that led to the famous revenge of the 47 Ronin.
The AmbitiousThe Ambitious · 1970
The Ambitious
7.31970
MovieActionAdventure
The story of Ryoma Sakamoto, considered to be the architect behind the downfall of the Tokugawa shogunate. He was considered an outlaw by his own clan, hunted by his government, and was despised by supporters of the Shogun as well as the Loyalists for desiring the opening of Japan to the West in order to learn its technology, in the hopes of one day defeating the West with a modern army and navy.
The Motherland Far Far AwayThe Motherland Far Far Away · 1950
The Motherland Far Far Away
7.01950
MovieDrama
Itohan MonogatariItohan Monogatari · 1957
Itohan Monogatari
7.01957
MovieDrama
Based on the original work by Shuji Hojo, Itohan Monogatari depicts the fate of a clumsy and kind-hearted woman in the Taisho era.
Zatoichi and the Chess ExpertZatoichi and the Chess Expert · 1965
Zatoichi and the Chess Expert
6.71965
MovieAdventureAction
Zatoichi makes friends with a dangerous chess player, while fending off angry yakuza and bloodthirsty relatives out for revenge, and trying to save a sick child. Meanwhile, his luck with dice is turning.
The ConspiratorThe Conspirator · 1961
The Conspirator
6.71961
MovieDramaHistory
Young lord Saburo Nobuyasu struggles to find comfort in life. His arranged marriage to Tokuhime, daughter of one-time family enemy Oda Nobunaga, provides little happiness. His manipulative mother adds further complications through her constant interference and attempts at defeating the Nobunaga family.
Miyamoto Musashi VI: Swords of DeathMiyamoto Musashi VI: Swords of Death · 1971
Miyamoto Musashi VI: Swords of Death
6.71971
MovieActionDrama
In the sixth and final episode Rentaro Mikuni steals the show as Baiken Shishido, Musashi's nemesis. Mikuni is the nominal villain of the film, but he is a devoted husband and father as well. He tries to kill Musashi only to avenge the death of his brother-in-law. While Baiken (who wields a chain and sickle against Musashi's sword) is a very human character and the emotions that Mikuni displays in his performance are quite believable and engaging
An Actor's RevengeAn Actor's Revenge · 1963
An Actor's Revenge
6.61963
MovieDrama
In Edo Japan, a kabuki actor seeks revenge against the three men who drove his parents to their deaths years ago.
Jirokichi the RatJirokichi the Rat · 1931
Jirokichi the Rat
6.41931
MovieDramaAction
Jirokichi the Rat is wanted in Edo for robbing the mansions of the rich. While on the run, he falls for Osen, a girl who has been sold to a brothel by her criminal brother, Nikichi. When he goes to find Nikichi, Jirokichi immediately falls for Okino, a poor girl who is also under threat from Nikichi.
Five Men of EdoFive Men of Edo · 1951
Five Men of Edo
6.01951
MovieActionDrama
During the 17th Century roving bands of hatamoto were causing trouble in the new capital city of Edo and constantly fought with the townspeople at every turn. The leader of these ruthless samruai was Mizuno Jirozaemon, who despite his high rank was in deep financial distress, thus leading to a tragedy that shook the very streets of the city.Opposing him was Banzui-in Chobei, the ‘Protector of the Weak’ who was willing to put his life on the line to save the 808 districts of Edo from the 80,000 hatamoto whose violent behavior threatened to destroy the fabric of society. Starring Bando Tsumasaburo, the first great star of the silver screen along with mega-star Ichikawa Utaemon, this is a story not to be missed. Torn from the pages of history, this true story has been told many times, but never as powerfully as this!
Sleepy Eyes of Death 8: Sword of VillainySleepy Eyes of Death 8: Sword of Villainy · 1966
Sleepy Eyes of Death 8: Sword of Villainy
5.61966
MovieActionDrama
Nemuri Kyoshiro discovers a conspiracy centering around a band of disgruntled samurai wanting to avenge the death of their sensei, a political reformer that pushed for better provisions for the lower classes until he was assassinated by Shogunate agents. Their plot, to set fire to the oil refineries of two rich merchants and unleash a raging inferno that will hopefully burn down the Edo Castle.

More Like This

Rate this film

Your ratings make Midnight smarter