Gonza the Spearman (1986): cast, story & where to watch
1986 · Film · ★ 7
Released in 1986, Gonza the Spearman is a drama film directed by Masahiro Shinoda, running about 126 minutes. “Straight to ruin! Victims of the law that binds them.” — that tagline sets the tone.
What it’s about. The tragic story of Gonza, a handsome ladies man, set in the Tokagawa Period, a time in which appearences are very important. Gonza competes with Bannojō for the honor to perform the tea ceremony to celebrate the birth of an heir to the lord of their clan. To see the sacred tea scrolls Gonza promises to marry the daughter of the family which possesses them, even though he is unofficially engaged to another. When studying the scrolls with Osai, the mother of the house, Bannojō sneaks into the house and steals their obis and runs through the town proclaiming the two as adulterers.
Who’s in it. Gonza the Spearman stars Hiromi Gô as Gonza Sasano, Shima Iwashita as Osai, Shōhei Hino as Bannojō Kawazura and Kuniko Miyake as Iwaki's wife, among others.
How it landed. With an audience score of 7.0/10, Gonza the Spearman has been warmly received by audiences.
Where to watch. In US you can stream it on Criterion Channel. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Gonza the Spearman page.
If you liked it. Fans of Gonza the Spearman tend to enjoy The Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather, Schindler's List and The Godfather Part II.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch Gonza the Spearman (1986)?
- In US, Gonza the Spearman is available to stream on Criterion Channel. Availability varies by country — check our where-to-watch page for every region.
- Is Gonza the Spearman worth watching?
- Gonza the Spearman holds an audience score of 7.0 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy drama. Most viewers rate it highly.
- Who stars in Gonza the Spearman?
- Gonza the Spearman stars Hiromi Gô, Shima Iwashita, Shōhei Hino, Kuniko Miyake and Hideji Ōtaki.
- When was Gonza the Spearman released?
- Gonza the Spearman was released in 1986, with a runtime of about 126 minutes.