Sasaki Kojiro (1951)
Director Hiroshi Inagaki's early version of the life and death of famed swordsman Sasaki Kojiro. Otani Tomoemon gives a brilliant performance as Sasaki Kojiro, who rises from humble beginnings to national fame, and a young Toshiro Mifune appears as the legendary master swordsman Miyamoto Musashi for the first time and essentially sets the standard for future portrayals.This masterpiece is based on the original story as written by noted author Murakami Genzo and is far superior to any other versions. Following Kojiro from his earliest days through his fateful meeting with Musashi, this movie is filled with exciting and dramatic moments culminating in the best version of the final duel ever seen on film.
Released: Oct 26, 1951
Runtime: 140 minutes
Stars: Tomiemon Otomo, Toshirō Mifune, Ryōtarō Mizushima, Kamatari Fujiwara, Hideko Takamine, Yoshio Kosugi
Crew: Hiroshi Inagaki (Director), Kenrō Matsuura (Writer), Hiroshi Inagaki (Writer), Genzo Murakami (Writer), Genzo Murakami (Original Story), Takeo Kita (Production Design)