Sanshiro Sugata

(1943)Directed by Akira Kurosawa79 minDrama

A hotheaded youth in 1880s Meiji Japan apprentices to judo master Shōgorō Yano, trading brute jujutsu bravado for discipline and humility. As Sanshirō matures, he proves judo’s spirit against old-guard challengers—including a deadly duel—while falling for his vanquished opponent’s daughter. Based on the novel by Tsuneo Tomita, son of Tomita Tsunejirō, the earliest disciple of judo.

Denjirō Ōkōchias Shogoro Yano
Susumu Fujitaas Sanshiro Sugata
Yukiko Todorokias Sayo Murai
Ryūnosuke Tsukigataas Gennosuke Higaki
Takashi Shimuraas Hansuke Murai, Sayo's father
Ranko Hanaias Osumi Kodana
SASugisaku Aoyamaas Tsunetami Iimura
Ichirō Sugaias Police Chief Mishima
Yoshio Kosugias Master Saburo Kodama
Kokuten Kōdōas Buddhist Priest
Michisaburō Segawaas Wada
Akitake Kōnoas Yoshima Dan
Sōji Kiyokawaas Yujiro Toda
Kunio Mitaas Kohei Tsuzaki
ANAkira Nakamuraas Toranosuki Niiseki
Eisaburo Sakauchias Nemoto
Ko Yamamuroas Torakichi
Ichirō Ryūzakias Monma's pupil (uncredited)