Sansho the Bailiff
1954, Japanese. Directed by Kenji Mizoguchi.
Without mercy, man is like a beast.
In 11th-century feudal Japan, following the exile of an idealistic governor, his wife and children are separated by slave traders; the children, Zushio and Anju, are sold into brutal servitude under the cruel bailiff Sansho.
- Runtime
- 2h 4m
- Post-credits
- None listed
- Language
- Japanese
- Rated
- Check local
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8.1/10 from 445 TMDB viewer ratings.
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Where to watch Sansho the Bailiff
Sansho the Bailiff isn’t on a subscription OTT platform in India, but you can watch it free online.
Free
PlexAvailability in India as of 10 November 2026. Streaming data by JustWatch.
Cast & crew
- Kenji MizoguchiDirector
- Kinuyo TanakaTamaki
- Yoshiaki HanayagiZushiô
- Kyōko KagawaAnju
- Eitarō ShindōSanshô dayû
- Ichirō SugaiMinister of Justice
- Bontarō MiakeKichiji
- Yōko KozonoKohagi
- Chieko NaniwaUbatake
- Kikue MōriPriestess
- Ken MitsudaPrime Minister Fujiwara
- Masao ShimizuMasauji Taira
- Ryōsuke KagawaRitsushi Kumotake
Details
- Released
- 31 March 1954
- Original title
- 山椒大夫
- Country
- Japan
- Written by
- Fuji Yahiro, Yoshikata Yoda
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News & fan talk
What Sansho the Bailiff is based on
Sansho the Bailiff is based on Sansho dayu, a 1915 short story by Mori Ōgai.
Short story · 1915
Sansho dayu
By Mori Ōgai
Source details from Wikidata and TMDB.
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Sansho the Bailiff: quick answers
Is Sansho the Bailiff worth watching?
Our verdict is Absolute Cinema: Drop everything and watch it. It scores 8.1/10 from 445 TMDB viewer ratings.
How long is Sansho the Bailiff?
Sansho the Bailiff runs 124 minutes (2h 4m).
Does Sansho the Bailiff have a post-credits scene?
None is listed for Sansho the Bailiff. Viewers tag these on TMDB, so a brand-new film may not be tagged yet.
Sansho the Bailiff parents guide: is it suitable for kids?
No age rating is listed for Sansho the Bailiff yet.
Which OTT platform is Sansho the Bailiff on?
Sansho the Bailiff isn’t on a subscription OTT platform in India, but you can watch it free online. (Checked 10 November 2026.)
What movies are like Sansho the Bailiff?
If you liked Sansho the Bailiff, try The Life of Oharu, Sisters of the Gion, Street of Shame.
Who directed Sansho the Bailiff?
Sansho the Bailiff (1954) was directed by Kenji Mizoguchi and stars Kinuyo Tanaka, Yoshiaki Hanayagi, Kyōko Kagawa.
What is Sansho the Bailiff based on?
Sansho the Bailiff is based on Sansho dayu, a 1915 short story by Mori Ōgai.