Yojimbo

Yojimbo

Year: 1961

Runtime: 110 min

Language: Japanese

Director: Akira Kurosawa

ActionDramaThriller

In feudal Japan, a lone samurai drifter (Toshirô Mifune) walks into a small town torn apart by ruthless entrepreneurs vying for control. Assuming the guise of Sanjuro Kuwabatake, he manipulates both factions into hiring him as their bodyguard, masterfully fueling a brutal gang war between silk merchant Tazaemon and sake merchant Tokuemon.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Yojimbo yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – Yojimbo (1961)
Explore the full timeline and setting of Yojimbo (1961). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Late 19th Century

Set in the late 19th century, this period is characterized by social upheaval and the fading of the samurai era in Japan. It reflects a time of lawlessness and the struggle for power among rival factions, emphasizing themes of honor and survival amidst corruption and violence.

Location

Deserted Town, Brothel, Tavern

The movie primarily unfolds in a desolate town, reflecting the turmoil caused by two rival gangs. This town, marked by violence and fear, is known for its grim atmosphere and the looming presence of criminal activity. The brothel serves as a den of vice, while the tavern becomes a sanctuary for the weary and those seeking information.

🏙️ Town 🍶 Brothel 🍶 Tavern

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:04

Main Characters – Yojimbo (1961)
Meet the key characters of Yojimbo (1961), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Sanjuro Kuwabatake

Sanjuro is a seasoned ronin with a sharp wit and deadly skills. He embodies the complexities of the wandering warrior, navigating a treacherous landscape while maintaining a sense of honor in a violent world. His journey reveals a deep understanding of human nature, showcased through his interactions with various characters.

⚔️ Ronin 🐺 Lone Wolf 🌫️ Cunning

Gonji

Gonji is the elderly tavern owner who serves as a source of wisdom and information in the tumultuous town. Despite his frailty, he displays a strong sense of community and loyalty to his patrons. His connection to the past and the town’s history provides depth to the story's unfolding chaos.

🍶 Tavern Owner 📖 Wise

Seibei

Seibei is the cunning crime boss who manipulates those around him to achieve his goals. He hides his malevolent intentions behind a facade of hospitality, illustrating the thin line between honor and treachery. His character serves as a significant antagonist in the gang wars that engulf the town.

👤 Crime Boss 🗡️ Manipulative

Ushitora

Ushitora is a ruthless leader of one of the rival gangs, known for his violent methods and intimidation tactics. His brute strength and fierce loyalty to his gang mark him as a formidable adversary. Ushitora's character epitomizes the lawlessness of the era, showcasing the extremes of gang rivalry.

👊 Ruthless 🔥 Violent

Orin

Orin, Seibei's domineering wife, is a powerful figure behind the scenes, accentuating the theme of women in positions of authority even in a patriarchal society. Her character showcases the complexities of loyalty and power dynamics, influencing her husband's decisions in the criminal world.

👩‍❤️‍👨 Strong Woman 💀 Manipulative

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:04

Major Themes – Yojimbo (1961)
Explore the central themes of Yojimbo (1961), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

⚔️ Conflict

The movie revolves around the theme of conflict, both internal and external. The ronin navigates the brutal landscape of gang warfare, embodying the struggle for control and survival. His encounters reflect the historic battle between order and chaos in a lawless society.

🗡️ Honor

Honor is a recurring theme, especially in the actions and motivations of the ronin. Despite the chaos, he upholds a personal code that drives him to intervene in the struggle between the gangs. His journey embodies the quest for redemption and the protection of the innocent.

🐺 Lone Hero

The character of Sanjuro represents the archetype of the lone hero, a wandering warrior who challenges the status quo. His solitary nature allows him to operate outside of established allegiances, raising questions about loyalty and the cost of vengeance.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:04

Similar Movies to Yojimbo
Discover movies like Yojimbo that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.