Four Days of Snow and Blood (1989)
Hideo Gosha's gripping dramatization of Japan's 1936 coup attempt, the 2.26 Incident, a turning point that shook the nation to its core.
Four Days of Snow and Blood - Movie Information
- Original Title: 226
- Release Year: 1989
- Directed by: Hideo Gosha
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama, War, History
- Runtime: 1h 54m
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- Release Date (Theatrical): June 17, 1989 (Japan)
- Alternative Titles: 226 (JP)
- Production Companies: Shochiku-Fuji Company
- Production Countries: Japan
Four Days of Snow and Blood - Plot
Based on the "2.26 Incident", an attempted coup d'état in Japan 1936, launched by radical ultra-nationalist parts of the military. Several leading politicians were killed and the center of Tokyo was briefly held by the insurgents before the coup was suppressed.
Four Days of Snow and Blood - Trailer
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Four Days of Snow and Blood - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Hideo Gosha
Main Cast
- Kenichi Hagiwara
- Tomokazu Miura
- Masahiro Motoki
- Hiroshi Katsuno
- Katsutoshi Atarashi
- Narimi Arimori
- Shinsuke Ashida
- Miwako Fujitani
- Tamotsu Ishibashi
- Guts Ishimatsu
Writers
- Kazuo Kasahara
Producers
- Yoshinobu Nishioka
Four Days of Snow and Blood - FAQs
What is Four Days of Snow and Blood about?
Four Days of Snow and Blood dramatizes Japan's 2.26 Incident of February 1936, when radical ultra-nationalist army officers led a violent coup attempt in Tokyo. Several senior politicians were assassinated, the capital's center was seized, and the nation teetered on the edge of military dictatorship before the uprising was crushed.
Is Four Days of Snow and Blood based on a true story?
Yes, the film is rooted in real history. The 2.26 Incident of February 26, 1936 was an actual coup attempt by young Imperial Japanese Army officers. Key figures depicted — including officers Shiro Nonaka and Teruzo Ando — were real participants in one of modern Japan's most dramatic political crises.
Where can you watch Four Days of Snow and Blood?
You can find streaming and viewing options for Four Days of Snow and Blood on JustWatch, which lists all available platforms in your region. Availability may vary depending on your country, so checking JustWatch is the easiest way to find where it's currently accessible.
What was the 2.26 Incident depicted in the film?
The 2.26 Incident was a failed military coup on February 26, 1936, when roughly 1,400 Imperial Japanese Army soldiers occupied central Tokyo for four days. The rebels assassinated several senior government officials and demanded sweeping political reforms. The uprising was ultimately declared an act of mutiny and suppressed by imperial order.
Who directed Four Days of Snow and Blood?
The film was directed by Hideo Gosha, a celebrated Japanese filmmaker renowned for his samurai and period dramas. Known for works like Sword of the Beast and Three Outlaw Samurai, Gosha brought his signature intensity and moral complexity to this historical subject, making it one of his final major productions.
Who are the main actors in Four Days of Snow and Blood?
The film features a strong ensemble cast led by Kenichi Hagiwara and Tomokazu Miura as the central rebel officers, alongside Masahiro Motoki, Hiroshi Katsuno, and Narimi Arimori. Masahiro Motoki would later become one of Japan's most acclaimed actors, winning the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film for Departures.
Is Four Days of Snow and Blood worth watching for history fans?
Absolutely. The film offers a gripping, humanizing look at one of Japan's most turbulent political moments. Gosha avoids simple heroics, instead exploring the idealism, desperation, and tragedy of the young officers involved. For anyone interested in 1930s Japan, militarism, or the road to World War II, it's a compelling and sobering watch.
What are some similar films to Four Days of Snow and Blood?
If you enjoyed Four Days of Snow and Blood, you might also appreciate Fires on the Plain (2015), Munich – The Edge of War (2021), Irena's Vow (2024), Ararat (2002), and The Scarlet and the Black (1983). These films share a focus on wartime moral dilemmas, historical crises, and the human cost of political violence.
More About Four Days of Snow and Blood
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