Scars of Honor (1960)
A gripping samurai drama set in feudal Japan, where honor, loyalty, and the blade determine the fate of two warriors.
Scars of Honor - Movie Information
- Original Title: 疵千両
- Release Year: 1960
- Directed by: Tokuzō Tanaka
- Type: Movie
- Runtime: 1h 30m
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- Release Date (Theatrical): September 20, 1960 (Japan)
- Alternative Titles: Kizu senryô (JP)
- Production Companies: Daiei Film
- Production Countries: Japan
Scars of Honor - Plot
Japan, 1643, as the Kato clan of Aizu falls from power two brave samurai will settle a dispute in the time-honored tradition of their clan, by drawing their blades in a duel to the death.
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Scars of Honor - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Tokuzō Tanaka
Main Cast
- Kazuo Hasegawa
- Kyōko Kagawa
- Seizaburō Kawazu
- Katsuhiko Kobayashi
- Gen Shimizu
- Eigorō Onoe
- Keiko Yumi
- Saburo Date
- San'emon Arashi
- Yoshito Yamaji
Writers
- Fuji Yahiro
Producers
- Kazuyoshi Takeda
Scars of Honor - FAQs
What is Scars of Honor about?
Scars of Honor is set in feudal Japan in 1643, following the collapse of the powerful Kato clan of Aizu. Two loyal samurai, bound by duty and honor, find themselves on a collision course — their only resolution a deadly duel fought according to the ancient traditions of their fallen clan.
Who directed Scars of Honor?
Scars of Honor was directed by Tokuzō Tanaka, a prolific filmmaker at Daiei Film who became one of the defining voices of the Japanese jidaigeki (period drama) genre. He is perhaps best known internationally for his long-running Zatoichi series.
Who stars in Scars of Honor?
The film features Kazuo Hasegawa in the lead role of Chouemon Takakura, alongside Kyōko Kagawa, Seizaburō Kawazu, and Katsuhiko Kobayashi. Hasegawa was one of the most celebrated actors in Japanese cinema, renowned for his commanding presence in samurai roles.
Is Scars of Honor based on a true story?
Scars of Honor draws on the historical backdrop of the real Kato clan of Aizu, whose fall from power in early Edo-period Japan was a significant event. While the central duel and its characters are fictional, the film is rooted in the authentic political turbulence of 17th-century Japan.
What is the historical setting of Scars of Honor?
The film is set in 1643 during the early Edo period, a time when powerful feudal clans were being dismantled under Tokugawa rule. The Kato clan of Aizu — once a formidable force — was abolished in 1643, and Scars of Honor uses this real historical moment as its dramatic backdrop.
Who composed the music for Scars of Honor?
The score was composed by Akira Ifukube, one of Japan's most legendary film composers. Widely celebrated for his work on the original Godzilla films, Ifukube brought his signature blend of orchestral grandeur and Japanese musical sensibility to this period drama.
What are some films similar to Scars of Honor?
If Scars of Honor resonates with you, explore Samurai Rebellion (1967), The Hidden Blade (2004), Love and Honor (2006), and Samurai Assassin (1965). Each film shares that same spirit of honor, duty, and the personal cost of the samurai code in feudal Japan.
What studio produced Scars of Honor?
Scars of Honor was produced by Daiei Film, the legendary Japanese studio behind some of the most celebrated samurai and period films of the 20th century, including the Zatoichi series and Akira Kurosawa's Rashomon. The studio was a cornerstone of Japan's golden age of cinema.
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