Whipmaster: Ballad of Murder Poster

Whipmaster: Ballad of Murder 1970

★ 6.52 votes88 min📅 1970-11-11

Set against the turbulent backdrop of Meiji-era Japan, *Whipmaster: Ballad of Murder (1970)* follows Ryotatsu, a defiant priest left blind by the ruthless Shinkai.

Director: Takashi Harada

Cast

Bunta Sugawara
Bunta Sugawara
Blind Priest Ryotatsu
Akiko Kudō
Akiko Kudō
Maya
Minoru Ōki
Minoru Ōki
Banri
Naruhiko Umechi
Rintaro
Bin Amatsu
Bin Amatsu
Meichō Soganoya
Meichō Soganoya
Takuzō Kawatani
Takuzō Kawatani
Utako Kyō
Utako Kyō
Tōru Abe
Tōru Abe
Kenji Imai
Kenji Imai

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Whipmaster: Ballad of Murder (1970) about?

*Whipmaster: Ballad of Murder* unfolds in Meiji-era Japan, where a blind priest named Ryotatsu is drawn into a dangerous quest after a woman leaves her blind son in his care. Pursued by both yakuza and corrupt army officers, Ryotatsu must protect the boy while navigating a world of violence and deceit. The film blends action with emotional depth as it explores themes of justice and survival.

Who directed Whipmaster: Ballad of Murder?

Takashi Harada directed *Whipmaster: Ballad of Murder (1970)*, bringing his signature style to this intense period drama set in a volatile Japan.

Who stars in Whipmaster: Ballad of Murder?

The film stars Bunta Sugawara as Ryotatsu, alongside Akiko Kudō and Minoru Ōki, with a supporting cast that includes Naruhiko Umechi and Bin Amatsu.

Is Whipmaster: Ballad of Murder (1970) worth watching?

If you enjoy raw, action-packed dramas with historical depth, *Whipmaster: Ballad of Murder* is worth your time. Its blend of violence, moral ambiguity, and gripping storytelling makes it a standout in the genre, even if it leans into its ultra-violent roots.

How long is Whipmaster: Ballad of Murder?

The film runs for 88 minutes.

About Whipmaster: Ballad of Murder (1970) — A Gritty Tale of Vengeance and Survival

Set against the turbulent backdrop of Meiji-era Japan, *Whipmaster: Ballad of Murder (1970)* follows Ryotatsu, a defiant priest left blind by the ruthless Shinkai. As he navigates a world of yakuza gangs and corrupt military officers, Ryotatsu's life takes a turn when a woman abandons her blind son at his monastery. Determined to reunite the boy with his mother, Ryotatsu embarks on a perilous journey that tests his resolve and humanity. Directed by the visionary Takashi Harada, this ultra-violent drama blends action with deep emotional stakes, exploring themes of justice, survival, and the blurred lines between good and evil in a society on the brink of transformation.

With its raw intensity and gritty atmosphere, *Whipmaster: Ballad of Murder* delivers a gripping tale of vengeance and redemption, where every encounter could spell disaster. Bunta Sugawara stars as the hardened Ryotatsu, supported by Akiko Kudō and Minoru Ōki in a cast that brings depth to this morally complex story. Fans of period action dramas will find this film a compelling watch, blending historical intrigue with relentless tension.