The Phoenix
1978, Japanese. Directed by Kon Ichikawa.
This extraordinarily complex film is not only a send-up of every samurai film ever made, it is also an extrapolation of the value of life. The Yamatai, represented by Prince Susano-O and elderly advisor Sumuke, hire Yumihiko of Matsuro to hunt the phoenix so that Queen Himiko, sister of Susano-O can have eteranal life.
- Runtime
- 2h 17m
- Post-credits
- None listed
- Language
- Japanese
- Rated
- Check local
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Where to watch The Phoenix
The Phoenix isn’t streaming on any OTT platform in India yet; it released on 12 August 1978.
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Part of a series
Phoenix: watch order
Cast & crew
- Kon IchikawaDirector
- Jun FubukiOro
- Tomisaburō WakayamaSarutahaiko, General of the Yamatai
- Toshinori OmiNagi
- Masao KusakariYumihiko of Matsuro
- Kaoru YumiUzume, a dancer from Matsuro
- Ken TanakaTakeru
- Reiko ŌharaHinaku
- Tohru EmoriSusanoo
- Ryūzō HayashiGuzuri
- Mieko TakamineQueen Himiko of Yamatai
- Tatsuya NakadaiJingi the Conqueror, leader of the Takamagahara
- Mitsuko KusabueIyo
Details
- Released
- 12 August 1978
- Original title
- 火の鳥
- Country
- Japan
- Written by
- Shuntaro Tanikawa
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News & fan talk
What The Phoenix is based on
The Phoenix is based on Phoenix, a manga series by Shōtarō Ishinomori and Osamu Tezuka.
Manga series
Phoenix
By Shōtarō Ishinomori and Osamu Tezuka
Source details from Wikidata and TMDB.
After The Phoenix
What comes next in the series.
Phoenix 2772
1980 · 5.9/10
NewNext in the series
Phoenix: Karma Chapter
1986 · 6.4/10
NewNext in the series
Phoenix: Yamato Chapter
1987 · 6.0/10
NewNext in the series
Phoenix: Space Chapter
1987 · 5.5/10
NewNext in the series
Phoenix: Robe of Feathers
2004
NewNext in the series
PHOENIX: Reminiscence of Flower
2023 · 4.4/10
NewNext in the series
If you liked The Phoenix
Naruto the Movie: Guardians of the Crescent Moon Kingdom
2006 · 7.1/10
Worth the HypeRecommended by TMDB viewers
Naruto Shippuden the Movie: The Lost Tower
2010 · 7.2/10
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One Piece: Dead End Adventure
2003 · 7.0/10
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Spider-Man: The Return of the Green Goblin
2002 · 7.5/10
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2013 · 7.0/10
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2019 · 7.8/10
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One Piece: Chopper's Kingdom in the Strange Animal Island
2002 · 6.7/10
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Hunter x Hunter: Phantom Rouge
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Naruto the Movie: Ninja Clash in the Land of Snow
2004 · 7.3/10
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The Phoenix: quick answers
What comes after The Phoenix?
Next in the series: Phoenix 2772 (1980), Phoenix: Karma Chapter (1986), and Phoenix: Yamato Chapter (1987).
Is The Phoenix worth watching?
The Phoenix doesn’t have enough ratings for a verdict yet.
How long is The Phoenix?
The Phoenix runs 137 minutes (2h 17m).
Does The Phoenix have a post-credits scene?
None is listed for The Phoenix. Viewers tag these on TMDB, so a brand-new film may not be tagged yet.
The Phoenix parents guide: is it suitable for kids?
No age rating is listed for The Phoenix yet.
Which OTT platform is The Phoenix on?
The Phoenix isn’t streaming on any OTT platform in India yet; it released on 12 August 1978. (Checked 9 November 2026.)
What movies are like The Phoenix?
If you liked The Phoenix, try Naruto the Movie: Guardians of the Crescent Moon Kingdom, Naruto Shippuden the Movie: The Lost Tower, One Piece: Dead End Adventure.
Who directed The Phoenix?
The Phoenix (1978) was directed by Kon Ichikawa and stars Jun Fubuki, Tomisaburō Wakayama, Toshinori Omi.
What is The Phoenix based on?
The Phoenix is based on Phoenix, a manga series by Shōtarō Ishinomori and Osamu Tezuka.