Withered Tree, the Adventures of Monjiro Poster

Withered Tree, the Adventures of Monjiro 1972

★ 7.06 votes91 min📅 1972-06-21

Dive into the gripping 1972 action crime film *Withered Tree, the Adventures of Monjiro*, directed by the masterful Sadao Nakajima.

Director: Sadao Nakajima

Cast

Bunta Sugawara
Bunta Sugawara
Monjiro
Gorō Ibuki
Gorō Ibuki
Seigorou
Tsunehiko Watase
Tsunehiko Watase
Genta
Asao Koike
Asao Koike
Samonji
Yukie Kagawa
Yukie Kagawa
Ohana
Rinichi Yamamoto
Rinichi Yamamoto
Shukichi
Jūkei Fujioka
Jūkei Fujioka
Chousaburou
Masaharu Arikawa
Masaharu Arikawa
Sakichi
Sen Okaji
government official
Shōji Ōki

Frequently Asked Questions

What is *Withered Tree, the Adventures of Monjiro* (1972) about?

*Withered Tree, the Adventures of Monjiro* follows a steadfast samurai who takes the blame for his friend's crime to care for his ailing mother, only to face a brutal prison sentence. When he discovers his friend's mother has been dead for over a year, he escapes with fellow prisoners, driven by a burning desire for revenge against the deceit that trapped him.

Who directed *Withered Tree, the Adventures of Monjiro*?

The film was directed by Sadao Nakajima, a celebrated filmmaker known for his work in action and crime dramas.

Who stars in *Withered Tree, the Adventures of Monjiro*?

The film features a powerhouse cast led by Bunta Sugawara, alongside Gorō Ibuki, Tsunehiko Watase, Asao Koike, and Yukie Kagawa in pivotal roles.

Is *Withered Tree, the Adventures of Monjiro* (1972) worth watching?

Despite its unrated status on IMDb, *Withered Tree, the Adventures of Monjiro* is a gripping crime-action film with a compelling revenge narrative and strong performances. Fans of classic samurai cinema and gritty character dramas will find much to appreciate in this overlooked gem.

How long is *Withered Tree, the Adventures of Monjiro*?

The film runs for 91 minutes.

About Withered Tree, the Adventures of Monjiro (1972) — Vengeful Samurai's Escape in Classic Crime Action

Dive into the gripping 1972 action crime film *Withered Tree, the Adventures of Monjiro*, directed by the masterful Sadao Nakajima. This intense samurai tale stars Bunta Sugawara as Kogarashi Monjiro, a lone warrior who takes the fall for a crime committed by his trusted friend to stay by his dying mother's side. With the promise of redemption hanging in the balance, Monjiro serves a harsh sentence on a remote prison island—only to uncover a cruel betrayal when he learns his friend's mother passed away over a year prior. Fueled by a storm of vengeance and justice, Monjiro plots his daring escape alongside fellow prisoners, setting the stage for a relentless quest to reclaim his honor and confront the truth.

Set against the rugged backdrop of Edo-period Japan, this cinematic gem blends brutal action with deep moral dilemmas, capturing the raw spirit of samurai loyalty and betrayal. Nakajima's direction infuses the story with a gritty atmosphere, where every shadowy alley and prison cell feels charged with tension. The film's themes of sacrifice, loyalty, and the blurred lines between justice and revenge make it a standout in the crime-action genre, leaving audiences on the edge of their seats until the very last frame.