Samurai Spy (1965): cast, story & where to watch
1965 · Film · ★ 6.6
Released in 1965, Samurai Spy is an action and drama film directed by Masahiro Shinoda, running about 100 minutes.
What it’s about. Years of warfare end in a Japan unified under the Tokugawa shogunate, and samurai spy Sasuke Sarutobi, tired of conflict, longs for peace. When a high-ranking spy named Tatewaki Koriyama defects from the shogun to a rival clan, however, the world of swordsmen is thrown into turmoil. After Sasuke is unwittingly drawn into the conflict, he tracks Tatewaki, while a mysterious, white-hooded figure seems to hunt them both. By tale’s end, no one is who they seemed to be, and the truth is far more personal than anyone suspected. Director Masahiro Shinoda’s Samurai Spy, filled with clan intrigue, ninja spies, and multiple double crosses, marks a bold stylistic departure from swordplay film convention.
Who’s in it. Samurai Spy stars Kōji Takahashi as Sarutobi Sasuke, Shintarō Ishihara as Saizo Kirigakure, Eitarō Ozawa as Shigeyuki Koremura and Kei Satō as Takanosuke Nojiri, among others.
How it landed. With an audience score of 6.6/10, Samurai Spy has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response.
Where to watch. In US you can stream it on Criterion Channel. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Samurai Spy page.
If you liked it. Fans of Samurai Spy tend to enjoy The Dark Knight, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, Inception and The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch Samurai Spy (1965)?
- In US, Samurai Spy is available to stream on Criterion Channel. Availability varies by country — check our where-to-watch page for every region.
- Is Samurai Spy worth watching?
- Samurai Spy holds an audience score of 6.6 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy action and drama. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
- Who stars in Samurai Spy?
- Samurai Spy stars Kōji Takahashi, Shintarō Ishihara, Eitarō Ozawa, Kei Satō and Rokkō Toura.
- When was Samurai Spy released?
- Samurai Spy was released in 1965, with a runtime of about 100 minutes.