Yojimbo (1961): Plot, Cast & Where to Watch

Name: Yojimbo
Director: Akira Kurosawa
Genre: Drama, Thriller
Released: 1961
Duration: 110 min
Cast: Toshirō Mifune, Tatsuya Nakadai, Yōko Tsukasa, Isuzu Yamada, Daisuke Katō

What Yojimbo Is About

A nameless ronin, or samurai with no master, enters a small village in feudal Japan where two rival businessmen are struggling for control of the local gambling trade. Taking the name Sanjuro Kuwabatake, the ronin convinces both silk merchant Tazaemon and sake merchant Tokuemon to hire him as a personal bodyguard, then artfully sets in motion a full-scale gang war between the two ambitious and unscrupulous men.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Yojimbo about?

A nameless ronin, or samurai with no master, enters a small village in feudal Japan where two rival businessmen are struggling for control of the local gambling trade. Taking the name Sanjuro Kuwabatake, the ronin convinces both silk merchant Tazaemon and sake merchant Tokuemon to hire him as a personal bodyguard, then artfully sets in motion a full-scale gang war between the two ambitious and unscrupulous men.

Where can I watch Yojimbo?

Yojimbo is available to watch on digital platforms such as HBO Max Amazon Channel, Criterion Channel, HBO Max, Amazon Video. Current rent and buy options are listed in the "Where to Watch" section on this page.

How long is Yojimbo?

Yojimbo runs for 110 minutes (1h 50m).

When did Yojimbo come out?

Yojimbo was released in 1961.

Who directed Yojimbo?

Yojimbo was directed by Akira Kurosawa.

Who stars in Yojimbo?

Yojimbo stars Toshirō Mifune, Tatsuya Nakadai, Yōko Tsukasa, Isuzu Yamada.

What is Yojimbo's rating?

Yojimbo holds 8.2/10 on IMDb and 8.1/10 on TMDB. Its Pulse Score is 86 out of 100.