Sword of the Beast

Sword of the Beast

Year: 1965

Runtime: 85 mins

Language: Japanese

Director: Hideo Gosha

DramaAction

Legendary sword‑play director Hideo Gosha tells of low‑rank samurai Gennosuke, who kills a minister as part of a reform plot. Betrayed by his former comrades, his shaken honor drives him into the wilderness, where he lives like an animal. He joins a rag‑tag group illegally mining the shogun’s gold, and with another swordsman fights for survival and a chance to regain his name and honor.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Sword of the Beast (1965)

Trace every key event in Sword of the Beast (1965) 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

Gennosuke's murder and manipulation reveal

Gennosuke assassinates the counselor of his clan, becoming a fugitive overnight. In flashbacks, he learns he was manipulated by a higher-ranking samurai who convinced him that the counselor's death would trigger reforms and earn Gennosuke a real retainer's rank. The truth, however, is that the mentor planned the murder to clear the path for his own ascent, abandoning Gennosuke to face the consequences.

immediately after the assassination (flashback sequence) Gennosuke's clan stronghold
2

Misa and Daizaburo pursue Gennosuke

Misa, the counselor's daughter, and her fiancé Daizaburo pursue Gennosuke along with other samurai from the clan. The chase snakes across the countryside as Gennosuke's prowess keeps him ahead for the moment. The pursuit highlights the clan's willingness to hunt him down despite his earlier status.

shortly after the murder countryside
3

Gundayu offers refuge and a risky plan

Gennosuke finds refuge with poor farmer Gundayu, who recognizes the fugitive's skill and offers him shelter. Gundayu proposes a dangerous partnership to Poach gold from the shogun's mountain, exploiting the fugitive's fighting ability. The plan is fraught with danger from bandits and the risk of execution if caught.

soon after the pursuit Gundayu's farm
4

The mountain poaching begins

On the shogun's mountain, Gennosuke and Gundayu begin their poaching venture. They encounter peril from bandits and from authorities who patrol the mountain for thieves. The rugged terrain makes every move a gamble.

during the expedition shogun's mountain
5

Meeting Jurota Yamane and Taka

There they encounter Jurota Yamane and his wife Taka, who are also stealing gold as part of a clan mission. Jurota's clan's tensions loom larger as treachery and betrayal threaten the fragile alliance. Gennosuke's presence complicates their plan.

on the mountain during the mission on the mountain
6

Revelation of betrayal and Gennosuke's resolve

It is revealed that Jurota's clan plans to betray them and kill Jurota and Taka after stealing the gold. This mirrors Gennosuke's own betrayal and fills him with resolve. He decides to stay and help the couple instead of retreating.

during the revelation mountain camp
7

Gennosuke commits to helping instead of escaping

Gennosuke chooses solidarity with Jurota and Taka over personal safety. He commits to aiding them against their clan's plan on the mountain. This marks a turning point in his loyalties.

immediately after the revelation mountain
8

Daizaburo and Misa join the plan

Daizaburo and Misa catch up to Gennosuke as he commits to aiding the couple, and they follow him toward the mountain confrontation. Their arrival shifts the pursuing party’s dynamics and intensifies the looming clash. The four travelers prepare for a confrontation that could redefine loyalties.

as he makes the decision mountain
9

The murder of Jurota and Taka

Gennosuke reaches the camp too late to stop Jurota and Taka from being killed by their own clan. The heart of the betrayal mirrors his own past, fueling his desire for vengeance. He bears witness to the consequences of political machinations.

during the confrontation mountain camp
10

Gennosuke's revenge and the battle

With the couple dead, Gennosuke unleashes his fury on the gathered clansmen and mercenaries. He fights through their ranks, turning their numbers against them with skill and precision. The skirmish culminates in a brutal, decisive exchange.

during the climactic battle mountain battleground
11

Climactic battle ends; aftermath begins

The battle ends with Gennosuke standing among the fallen and enemies defeated, but his victory exposes the clan's hypocrisy to all present. Daizaburo and Misa witness the cost of factional violence and the emptiness of their vendetta. They begin to reconsider their own loyalties.

end of the battle mountain
12

Resolution and departure

Daizaburo and Misa rescind their vendetta after seeing the clan's hypocrisy reflected in Gennosuke's fate. They choose not to pursue him further, allowing him to leave the mountainside without a fight. Gennosuke disappears into the distance, a solitary survivor shaped by betrayal.

after the battle mountainside

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 10:44

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