Is Shogun's Samurai Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Shogun's Samurai is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Action movies.
It features a runtime of 130 minutes and offers a solid storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Shogun's Samurai Review
Last updated: January 9, 2026
The Premise
Released in 1978, Shogun's Samurai enters the Action genre with a narrative focused on Following the death of the second Tokugawa shogun, it is revealed that he was poisoned by retainers of his son Iemitsu in hopes of gaining him the shogunate despite the stammer and birthmark which undermine his respect. Under the direction of Kinji Fukasaku, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
Cast & Performance
The film is anchored by performances from Kinnosuke Nakamura, Sonny Chiba, Hiroki Matsukata. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.
Technical Aspects & Direction
From a technical standpoint, Shogun's Samurai offers a competent presentation. The cinematography aligns well with the tone, though the pacing during its 130-minute runtime can feel deliberate.
Where to Watch
As of January 2026, Shogun's Samurai is available in theaters worldwide. For streaming audiences in the US and UK, look for availability on major platforms roughly 45 days after the theatrical release. Check your local listings for specific showtimes.
Final Thoughts
With an audience rating of 7/10, the reception has been generally positive. For fans of Action, Drama, Adventure, it serves as a worthy addition to the watchlist.
Cast of Shogun's Samurai
- Kinnosuke Nakamura – Yagyu Tajima
- Sonny Chiba – Jûbê Yagyû
- Hiroki Matsukata – Iemitsu Tokugawa (Older Prince)
- Teruhiko Saigō – Tadanaga Tokugawa (Younger Prince)
- Reiko Ōhara – Okuni (Singer)
Top Highlights
Kinnosuke NakamuraYagyu Tajima
Sonny ChibaJûbê Yagyû
Hiroki MatsukataIemitsu Tokugawa (Older Prince)
Teruhiko SaigōTadanaga Tokugawa (Younger Prince)
Reiko ŌharaOkuni (Singer)
Yoshio HaradaSanza Nagoya (Flute Player)
Isao NatsuyagiShozaemon Bekki
Mikio NaritaAyamaro Karasumasu
Toshirō MifuneYoshinao Tokugawa
Hiroyuki SanadaHayate
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 7/10, and global collection metrics, Shogun's Samurai stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1978 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Shogun's Samurai movie hit or flop?
Shogun's Samurai is considered a hit based on audience response and box office performance. With a rating of 7/10, it's highly recommended for fans of Action, Drama, Adventure movies.
Is Shogun's Samurai worth watching?
Yes, Shogun's Samurai is definitely worth watching! It's a must-watch hit for fans of Action, Drama, Adventure cinema.
What genre is Shogun's Samurai?
Shogun's Samurai is a Action, Drama, Adventure movie that Following the death of the second Tokugawa shogun, it is revealed that he was poisoned by retainers of his son Iemitsu in hopes of gaining him the sho...
