Yagyu Clan Conspiracy
1978 · Movie · 130 min · ★ 7.0 · 79% critics
After a shogun dies under suspicious circumstances, a bitter succession struggle erupts between two brothers, splitting the country into rival factions. As alliances shift and violence spreads, a trusted mentor pushes a ruthless plan to secure power, even if it means betraying friends, family, and any sense of honor.
Also known as Shogun's Samurai The Yagyu Clan Conspiracy
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Details
- Original title
- 柳生一族の陰謀
- Years
- 1978
- Release date
- 1978-01-21
- Language
- Japanese
- Runtime
- 130 min
- Critic score
- 79/100
- TMDB rating
- 7.0/10 (44 votes)
About
You’ll likely enjoy this if you want a sprawling samurai power struggle with shifting loyalties, court maneuvering, and bursts of action; Not for you if you dislike dense plots, large casts, or relentless brutality like in The Fall of Ako Castle.
Pros: gripping political intrigue; strong performances; memorable sword fights | Cons: crowded cast; confusing at times; heavy, brutal violence
Themes
- martial arts
- samurai
- shogun
Awards & recognition
- Japan Academy Prize — Picture of the Year · 1979 · nominated
- Japan Academy Prize — Screenplay of the Year · 1979 · nominated
Cast & crew
Kinnosuke Nakamura
as Yagyu Tajima
Sonny Chiba
as Jûbê Yagyû
Hiroki Matsukata
as Iemitsu Tokugawa (Older Prince)
Teruhiko Saigō
as Tadanaga Tokugawa (Younger Prince)
Reiko Ōhara
as Okuni (Singer)
Yoshio Harada
as Sanza Nagoya (Flute Player)
Isao Natsuyagi
as Shozaemon Bekki
Mikio Narita
as Ayamaro Karasumasu
Toshirō Mifune
as Yoshinao Tokugawa
Hiroyuki Sanada
as Hayate
Directed by Kinji Fukasaku