---
title: "The Hidden Fortress"
year: 1958
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/the-hidden-fortress-1958"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 1059
imdb_id: null
status: "Released"
runtime_minutes: 139
community_rating: 8.0
vote_count: 0
content_rating: "Unrated"
---

# The Hidden Fortress (1958) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/the-hidden-fortress-1958

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

The Hidden Fortress is a film first released in 1958. Catalogued under Drama, Action, Adventure. Produced and broadcast by TOHO. Current status: Released.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "Two desperate peasants chase a mysterious guide toward a secret mountain fortress."

### Why Watch
- Epic feudal Japan setting
- Blend of drama, action, and adventure
- Engaging journey with unlikely protagonists

### Caveats & Content Note
- Pacing may feel slow for modern viewers
- Main characters are deliberately cowardly and greedy
- Tone & Suitability: The film contains war violence and themes of greed, making it more suitable for mature audiences.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: adventurous, tense, humorous, historical

## Streaming Availability Matrix

Direct streaming licensing updates dynamically. Consult the live tracking interface at https://www.archytele.com/show/the-hidden-fortress-1958#watch.

## Creative Credits

- **Directed by**: Akira Kurosawa
- **Networks / Studios**: TOHO

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Toshirō Mifune** as *General Rokurota Makabe*
- **Minoru Chiaki** as *Tahei*
- **Kamatari Fujiwara** as *Matashichi*
- **Misa Uehara** as *Princess Yuki*
- **Susumu Fujita** as *General Hyoe Tadokoro*
- **Takashi Shimura** as *General Izumi Nagakura*
- **Ikio Sawamura** as *Gambler (uncredited)*
- **Kōji Mitsui** as *Guard (uncredited)*
- **Takeo Oikawa** as *Guard (uncredited)*
- **Yū Fujiki** as *Guard (uncredited)*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: What is the setting of The Hidden Fortress?
It takes place in feudal Japan during a bloody clan war.

### Q: When was The Hidden Fortress released?
It premiered in Japan on December 28, 1958.

### Q: What genres does The Hidden Fortress belong to?
The film is classified as drama, action, and adventure.

### Q: How long is the film?
The runtime is approximately 2 hours and 19 minutes.

### Q: Who are the main characters?
The story follows two cowardly, greedy peasants and a mysterious man who guides them to a hidden mountain fortress.

## Grounded Source Citations

- [The Hidden Fortress — The Movie Database (TMDB)](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/1059)

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*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*