Night Drum (1958): cast, story & where to watch
1958 · Film · ★ 6.5
Released in 1958, Night Drum is a drama and history film directed by Tadashi Imai, running about 95 minutes.
What it’s about. Following a yearlong attendance upon his shogun in Edo, samurai Hikokuro makes a long-awaited return to his home and doting wife, Dane. Initially greeted by the effusive welcome of his family, spiteful whispers also reach his ear about an adulterous affair carried on, in his long absence, between his wife and a famous drummer. With Hikokuro’s honor imperiled by rumor, his family insists on a formal investigation into the veracity of the gossip. Through the combined testimony of many witnesses, a tale unwinds around the visits of a traveling musician hired to tutor the family heir, the spurned attentions of the man who started the rumor, and the ultimate truth behind the accusations. The conclusion of events prove as much an indictment of bushidō as it is of the reluctant parties involved. Adapted from a 1706 play by Chikamatsu Monzaemon and based on a true case.
Who’s in it. Night Drum stars Rentaro Mikuni as Hikokurô Ogura, Ineko Arima as Otane, Hikokurô's wife, Masayuki Mori as Miyaji, the drum teacher and Sumiko Hidaka as Oyura, among others.
How it landed. With an audience score of 6.5/10, Night Drum 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 Night Drum page.
If you liked it. Fans of Night Drum tend to enjoy The Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather, Schindler's List and The Godfather Part II.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch Night Drum (1958)?
- In US, Night Drum is available to stream on Criterion Channel. Availability varies by country — check our where-to-watch page for every region.
- Is Night Drum worth watching?
- Night Drum holds an audience score of 6.5 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy drama and history. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
- Who stars in Night Drum?
- Night Drum stars Rentaro Mikuni, Ineko Arima, Masayuki Mori, Sumiko Hidaka and Keiko Yukishiro.
- When was Night Drum released?
- Night Drum was released in 1958, with a runtime of about 95 minutes.