Samurai Reincarnation

Samurai Reincarnation

Year: 1981

Runtime: 122 mins

Language: Japanese

Director: Kinji Fukasaku

HorrorActionFantasy

After surviving a 350‑year‑old massacre of Christians, a disillusioned samurai denounces God for ignoring the faithful. He bargains his soul to Satan, gaining the ability to raise the dead. With an undead army at his command, he embarks on a murderous rampage.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Samurai Reincarnation (1981)

Trace every key event in Samurai Reincarnation (1981) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Shiro resurrected and vows revenge

Following the Shimabara Rebellion, Amakusa Shiro is resurrected. He renounces his God for abandoning him and thousands of Christians and vows vengeance against the Tokugawa regime.

After Shimabara Rebellion Shimabara
2

Shiro gains power and recruits allies

Gaining the power to resurrect the dead, Shiro tempts and recruits Hosokawa Gracia, Miyamoto Musashi, and Hozoin Inshun to join his cause as demons. They are drawn by his regret and thirst for vengeance.

Early in Shiro's rise
3

Jubei seeks teaching, finds empty armor

Yagyu Jubei arrives at Musashi's cave to seek his teaching, but finds only Musashi's empty armor. The moment signals the looming absence of his mentor and the challenges ahead.

Early in conflict Musashi's Cave
4

Kirimaru's village massacred and recruited

A young Iga ninja named Kirimaru, friend of Jubei, witnesses his village massacred by the Koga clan. Shiro saves him, resurrects him, and recruits him for vengeance against the Koga.

After massacre Kirimaru's village
5

Infiltration of Edo Castle; Tajima's fate

The demons infiltrate the Tokugawa Shogunate at Edo Castle. Hosokawa seduces Shogun Ietsuna, and the demons assassinate officials Izu-no-kami, Genjuro, and Jubei's brother Samon. Tajima, attempting to stop Shiro with Muramasa, dies from illness after killing Inshun, only to be resurrected and join Shiro.

During the early takeover Edo Castle
6

Shiro curses the crops and sparks protests

In a remote shrine, Shiro casts a curse to wither Tokugawa crops, triggering protests by farmers against the tax-fueled regime. The uprising begins to brew outside Edo.

During early protests Remote shrine
7

Muramasa forges Jubei's sword

Kirimaru begins to feel a growing affection for Omitsu, while Jubei seeks the legendary Muramasa. Muramasa forges a sword destined for Jubei, a blade the craftsman claims can kill even God.

Before the battles Muramasa Forge
8

Kirimaru tempted but resists Omitsu

Shiro tempts Kirimaru to seduce Omitsu, but Kirimaru recoils and the young noble resists. Jubei arrives at the scene and spares Kirimaru, recognizing his hidden conscience.

Concurrent with the temptation Omitsu's village
9

Hunting party and farmers' revolt

A lavish shogunate hunting party is held, while farmers interrupt in protest of taxes. Hosokawa and Tajima trick Ietsuna into targeting the protesting farmers, escalating the conflict.

During the uprising Edo Castle area / hunting grounds
10

Muramasa blade completed; Muramasa dies

Muramasa completes Jubei's sword, boasting it can kill even God. Exhaustion claims the craftsman soon after, tying Jubei to a blade with almost mythical power.

Before climactic clashes Muramasa Forge
11

Crucifixions and the peasants' march on Edo

The executed farmers are crucified on a hillside. Shiro incites a bloody riot and rallies the peasants into an army marching toward Edo to overthrow the Shogun.

As the uprising grows Hilltop crucifixion site
12

Kirimaru slain during a desperate escape

Kirimaru tries to flee with Omitsu, but is slain by Shiro during the escape. The loss adds a personal sting to Shiro's growing power.

During the peasants' march toward Edo Escape route
13

Duel at Funajima: Jubei defeats Musashi

Jubei arrives and faces Musashi in a duel at Funajima. He defeats and kills Musashi, clearing a major obstacle in the rival's path.

The morning after the confrontation Funajima
14

Edo Castle siege escalates

The uprising reaches Edo as Hosokawa takes Ietsuna hostage and ransacks Edo Castle, setting it ablaze. Shiro reveals himself to the Shogun, fueling the castle's collapse into chaos.

Castle siege Edo Castle
15

Final duel and Shiro's downfall

In the burning fortress, Jubei duels Tajima and is forced to fight with a weapon damaged by the chaos. Tajima is finally slain with his own Muramasa blade, and Shiro appears to challenge Jubei before Jubei decapitates him. Shiro, still alive in legend, vows to resurrect for all eternity and disappears into the flames.

Climax / burning castle Edo Castle

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 14:57

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Samurai Reincarnation Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Samurai Reincarnation

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