Taboo (1999): cast, story & where to watch
1999 · Film · ★ 6.4
Released in 1999, Taboo is a thriller, drama and history film directed by Nagisa Ōshima, running about 100 minutes. “How am I insane?” — that tagline sets the tone.
What it’s about. Set during Japan's Shogun era, this film looks at life in a samurai compound where young warriors are trained in swordfighting. A number of interpersonal conflicts are brewing in the training room, all centering around a handsome young samurai named Sozaburo Kano. The school's stern master can choose to intervene, or to let Kano decide his own path.
Who’s in it. Taboo stars Takeshi Kitano as Toshizo Hijikata, Ryuhei Matsuda as Sozaburo Kano, Tadanobu Asano as Hyozo Tashiro and Yoichi Sai as Isami Kondo, among others.
How it landed. With an audience score of 6.4/10, Taboo has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response.
Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Taboo page.
If you liked it. Fans of Taboo tend to enjoy The Dark Knight, Pulp Fiction, Parasite and Fight Club.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch Taboo (1999)?
- Streaming, rental and purchase options for Taboo change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
- Is Taboo worth watching?
- Taboo holds an audience score of 6.4 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy thriller, drama and history. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
- Who stars in Taboo?
- Taboo stars Takeshi Kitano, Ryuhei Matsuda, Tadanobu Asano, Yoichi Sai and Shinji Takeda.
- When was Taboo released?
- Taboo was released in 1999, with a runtime of about 100 minutes.