Chutaro of Banba 1955
In 1830s Edo-period Japan, the wandering gambler Chutaro embarks on a desperate quest for identity and belonging in Nobuo Nakagawa's rousing period drama.
Director: Nobuo Nakagawa
Cast
Tomisaburō Wakayama
Yōko Katsuragi
Hisaya Morishige
Yōnosuke Toba
Kusuo Abe
Ichirō Izawa
Kōji Mitsui
Hisako Takihana
Sanae Mitsuoka
Otose
Kikuko Hanaoka
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chutaro of Banba (1955) about?
The film follows a wandering gambler named Chutaro, abandoned as a child, who uses his martial arts prowess to evade a vengeful warlord while searching Edo-period Japan for his long-lost mother. His journey is a pulse-pounding mix of duels, narrow escapes, and soul-searching.
Who directed Chutaro of Banba?
Renowned Japanese director Nobuo Nakagawa helmed this drama, best known for his atmospheric horror and period works.
Who stars in Chutaro of Banba?
The film headlines Tomisaburō Wakayama alongside Yōko Katsuragi and veteran actor Hisaya Morishige, with support from Hisaya Itō and Kusuo Abe.
Is Chutaro of Banba (1955) worth watching?
With its gripping blend of action and emotional depth, Chutaro of Banba offers a compelling window into 1950s Japanese cinema. Genre fans and history buffs alike will appreciate Wakayama's charismatic performance and Nakagawa's muscular direction.
How long is Chutaro of Banba?
The film runs for 86 minutes.
About Chutaro of Banba (1955) — Tomisaburō Wakayama's Edo-era gambler in high-stakes drama
In 1830s Edo-period Japan, the wandering gambler Chutaro embarks on a desperate quest for identity and belonging in Nobuo Nakagawa's rousing period drama. Fleeing the vengeance of ruthless Boss Sukegoro after an ill-fated encounter in Iioka, the enigmatic outsider wields a sword with uncanny skill while haunted by memories of abandonment as a child. As he slices through waves of pursuing swordsmen, Chutaro's search for his long-lost mother becomes entwined with a life of violence and honor, painting a portrait of resilience and redemption against a backdrop of rustic taverns and moonlit dojos.
Tomisaburō Wakayama stars with gravitas as the titular wanderer, supported by the magnetic Yōko Katsuragi and veteran scene-stealer Hisaya Morishige in a narrative that blends raw action with deep emotional currents. Cinema fans will relish Nakagawa's deft pacing and the film's blend of muscular fight choreography and poignant family drama, culminating in a visceral yet heartfelt meditation on destiny and the bonds of blood.
