---
title: "Yojimbo"
year: 1961
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/yojimbo-1961"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 11878
imdb_id: null
status: "Released"
runtime_minutes: 110
community_rating: 8.1
vote_count: 0
content_rating: "NR"
---

# Yojimbo (1961) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/yojimbo-1961

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

Yojimbo is a film first released in 1961. Catalogued under Drama, Thriller. Produced and broadcast by TOHO. Current status: Released.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "A masterless samurai sparks a deadly rivalry in a quiet village."

### Why Watch
- Clever manipulation of rival factions
- Atmospheric feudal setting
- Sharp swordplay and tension

### Caveats & Content Note
- Violent confrontations may be intense
- Complex power dynamics can be dense
- Tone & Suitability: Features violent clashes and mature themes, best for adult viewers.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: samurai, tense, stylized, drama, thriller

## Streaming Availability Matrix

Direct streaming licensing updates dynamically. Consult the live tracking interface at https://www.archytele.com/show/yojimbo-1961#watch.

## Creative Credits

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

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Toshirō Mifune** as *Sanjuro Kuwabatake / The Samurai*
- **Tatsuya Nakadai** as *Unosuke, gunfighter*
- **Yōko Tsukasa** as *Nui*
- **Isuzu Yamada** as *Orin*
- **Daisuke Katō** as *Inokichi*
- **Seizaburō Kawazu** as *Seibê - brothel operator*
- **Takashi Shimura** as *Tokuemon, sake brewer*
- **Hiroshi Tachikawa** as *Yoichiro*
- **Yōsuke Natsuki** as *Kohei's Son*
- **Eijirō Tōno** as *Gonji, Tavern Keeper*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: What period does the film take place in?
It is set in feudal Japan.

### Q: Who is the protagonist?
A nameless ronin who adopts the name Sanjuro Kuwabatake.

### Q: What genre is Yojimbo?
It is classified as a drama and thriller.

### Q: How long is the film?
The runtime is approximately 1 hour 50 minutes.

### Q: When was Yojimbo released in the United States?
It opened in the US on September 13, 1961.

## Grounded Source Citations

- [Yojimbo — The Movie Database (TMDB)](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/11878)

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