Samurai III: Duel at Ganryu Island

(1956)Directed by Hiroshi Inagaki105 minAction, Adventure, Drama, Romance, History

A humble and simple Takezo abandons his life as a knight errant. He's sought as a teacher and vassal by Shogun, Japan's most powerful clan leader. He's also challenged to fight by the supremely confident and skillful Sasaki Kojiro. Takezo agrees to fight Kojiro in a year's time but rejects Shogun's patronage, choosing instead to live on the edge of a village, raising vegetables. He's followed there by Otsu and later by Akemi, both in love with him. The year ends as Takezo assists the villagers against a band of brigands. He seeks Otsu's forgiveness and accepts her love, then sets off across the water to Ganryu Island for his final contest.

Toshirō Mifuneas Musashi Miyamoto a.k.a. Takezo
Koji Tsurutaas Kojiro Sasaki
Mariko Okadaas Akemi
Michiko Sagaas Omitsu
Takashi Shimuraas Court official
Minoru Chiakias Sasuke the boatman
Takamaru Sasakias Omitsu's father
Haruo Tanakaas Kumagoro the horse thief
Kichijirō Uedaas Priest Ogon
Ikio Sawamuraas Innkeeper (uncredited)
Nakajirō Tomitaas (uncredited)
Sonosuke Sawamuraas (uncredited)
Michiyo Kogureas Yoshino (uncredited)
Akihiko Hirataas Seijuro Yoshioka (uncredited)
Minosuke Yamadaas (uncredited)
Sōji Kiyokawaas (uncredited)
Masako Sakuraias (uncredited)
YOYutaka Okaas (uncredited)
THTominosuke Hayamaas (uncredited)
Kumeko Otowaas (uncredited)
YIYaeko Izumoas (uncredited)
Noriko Honmaas (uncredited)