A Young Warrior on Mount Fuji (1961): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 1961, A Young Warrior on Mount Fuji is a drama and history film directed by Tadashi Sawashima, running about 93 minutes.

What it’s about. The epic battles between the Heike and Genji (Taira and Minamoto clans) take centerstage as the defeated leader of the Genji, Minamoto Yoritomo resolves to end his clan's exile and avenge the brutal loss in December, 1159 as they had fought under the white banner of the Emperor, while the Taira fought under their red flags in a battle to the death. The fight only took one day, with the Genji suffering utter defeat which led to their exile. His father, Yoshitomo, took responsibility for the loss and rather than live in humiliation, he decides to commit suicide with all his sons following him. However, the bravest warrior among them, Yoritomo stands tall and declares that he will not kill himself, but rather will fight to restore the clan.

Who’s in it. A Young Warrior on Mount Fuji stars Hashizo Ōkawa, Yoshiko Mita, Ryūnosuke Tsukigata and Masuo Kamiki, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 5.5/10, A Young Warrior on Mount Fuji 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 A Young Warrior on Mount Fuji page.

If you liked it. Fans of A Young Warrior on Mount Fuji tend to enjoy The Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather, Schindler's List and The Godfather Part II.