Restoration Fire (1961): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 1961, Restoration Fire is a drama and history film directed by Sadatsugu Matsuda, running about 86 minutes.

What it’s about. Megastar Kataoka Chiezo is Vice-commander Hijikata Toshizo of the Shinsengumi in this realistic tale of Japan’s inner battles that led to the downfall of the Tokugawa shogunate. Excellent performances and extremely good swordplay highlight this glimpse into the heart and soul of Japanese history. Although known as “Razor Blade” Hijikata, the vice-commander is a man of deep conviction with a little-known sense of humanity. Starting after the famed Ikedaya Incident, in which they saved Kyoto from Choshu’s plot to burn the city to ashes, they work hard to change the public’s view of them as merciless killers to their true mission of protecting the shogun. This is an extraordinary tale of blood and guts! From the pen of award winning author Shotaro Ikenami (Bandit Vs. Samurai, Hunter in the Dark, Misumi's The Last Samurai)

Who’s in it. Restoration Fire stars Chiezō Kataoka as Hijikata Toshizo, Chikage Awashima as Ofusa, Takashi Shimura as Yahei and Ryūnosuke Tsukigata as Kondo Isami, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 7.0/10, Restoration Fire has been warmly received by audiences.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Restoration Fire page.

If you liked it. Fans of Restoration Fire tend to enjoy The Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather, Schindler's List and The Godfather Part II.