Shinsengumi (1969 film)

Shinsengumi: Assassins of Honor
Directed by Tadashi Sawashima
Written by Kenro Matsûra
Produced by Hiroshi Inagaki
Toshiro Mifune
Yoshio Nishikawa
Starring Toshiro Mifune
Keiju Kobayashi
Kinya Kitaoji
Rentarō Mikuni
Yoko Tsukasa
Nakamura Kinnosuke
Distributed by Mifune Productions Co. Ltd.
Toho Company
AnimEigo
Release date
  • December 5, 1969
Running time
 122 minutes
Country Japan
Language Japanese

Shinsengumi (新撰組, AKA Shinsengumi: Assassins of Honor or Band of Assassins) is a 1969 Japanese jidaigeki film.

The true story of the end of the Shogunate, the tragedy of the Shinsengumi is one of the best loved stories of Japanese history and has been adapted many times on stage, screen, television, and anime. This film, starring Toshiro Mifune with an all-star cast, stands out as one of the definitive adaptations of this classic tale.

Plot

As the late nineteenth century unfolds, Japan experiences a pivotal shift in power from the Shogunate to the Emperor, marking the anticipation of a new era. However, not everyone is content with this change.

In response to the evolving landscape, the Shinsengumi, a diverse group comprising samurai, farmers, and peasants, unites to resist the currents of history. Guided by their leader, Isami Kondo, a man who ascends from humble origins as a farmer to become the commander of the formidable Shinsengumi brigade, they stand in staunch defense of the faltering Shogunate. Kondo, with an iron will and a compassionate heart, leads his men against the backdrop of impending bloodshed and treachery lurking at every turn.

Cast