Yojimbo (1961) Review in 2025
Yojimbo is a classic 1961 Japanese film directed by Akira Kurosawa, starring Toshirô Mifune as a ronin who gets caught up in a struggle between two rival gangs in a small town.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
Not recommended for family viewing due to violence and mature themes.
CineReview Recommendation
Definitely worth watching, especially for fans of action, adventure, and drama. Can be enjoyed in theaters or streamed at home.
Spoiler Alert!
Hover to reveal spoiler summary
The film's plot revolves around the ronin, Sanjuro, who arrives in the town and uses his cunning and skills to manipulate the two gangs, each led by a ruthless leader, to fight each other, while he secretly works to bring them down from within.
Review Details
story9.80/10
The story is engaging, well-paced, and full of twists and turns, with a unique and clever plot that keeps the viewer on the edge of their seat.
acting9.80/10
The acting is superb, with Toshirô Mifune delivering a standout performance as Sanjuro.
characters9.50/10
The characters are well-developed and complex, with Sanjuro being a particularly interesting and charismatic protagonist.
direction9.80/10
Kurosawa's direction is masterful, with a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the story and its themes.
cinematography9.50/10
The cinematography is stunning, with beautiful use of lighting and composition to create a visually striking film.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Engaging story, well-developed characters, masterful direction, stunning cinematography, and superb acting.
Cons
Some violence and mature themes may not be suitable for all audiences.
Notable Quotes
"A man's gotta have some rules to live by."
"The strong will survive, and the weak will perish."
