Gate of Hell
1953 · Movie · 86 min · ★ 7.1 · 87% critics
In 12th-century Japan, a loyal samurai earns high honor after rescuing a noblewoman during a violent uprising. When he learns she is already married, his admiration turns into a relentless pursuit that tests duty, reputation, and the limits of personal desire.
Where to watch
Not currently available to stream in the US.
1 hour to watch.
Streaming availability and prices may be inaccurate or change — verify with the provider before subscribing.
unSUB's subscription recommendations are informational only, not financial advice.
More value for your money
Similar titles, ranked by watch-hours per subscription dollar.
Details
- Original title
- 地獄門
- Years
- 1953
- Release date
- 1953-10-30
- Language
- Japanese
- Runtime
- 86 min
- Critic score
- 87/100
- TMDB rating
- 7.1/10 (98 votes)
About
You’ll likely enjoy this if you want a classic Japanese period drama about honor, loyalty, and obsession, with vivid costumes and a restrained style; Not for you if you dislike slow, tragic stories like Throne of Blood.
Pros: gorgeous costumes and color; strong themes of honor; tense emotional stakes | Cons: obsessive behavior dominates; dated acting style; print quality may vary
Themes
- samurai
- jealousy
- husband wife relationship
- buddhist
- jidaigeki
- bushido
- 12th century
Awards & recognition
- Academy Award — Best Costume Design, Color · 1955
- Golden Leopard · 1954
- Academy Honorary Award
- Academy Award — Best Costume Design, Color · 1955 · nominated
Cast & crew
Kazuo Hasegawa
as Moritō Endō
Machiko Kyō
as Lady Kesa
Isao Yamagata
as Wataru Watanabe
Yataro Kurokawa
as Shigemori
Kōtarō Bandō
as Rokurō
Jun Tazaki
as Kogenta
Koreya Senda
as Gen Kiyomori
Masao Shimizu
as Nobuyori
Tatsuya Ishiguro
as Yachūta
Kenjiro Uemura
as Masanaka
Directed by Teinosuke Kinugasa