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








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.