Yojimbo
1961 • Drama, Thriller • NR
A nameless ronin, or samurai with no master, enters a small village in feudal Japan where two rival businessmen are struggling for control of the local gambling trade. Taking the name Sanjuro Kuwabatake, the ronin convinces both silk merchant Tazaemon and sake merchant Tokuemon to hire him as a personal bodyguard, then artfully sets in motion a full-scale gang war between the two ambitious and unscrupulous men.
Runtime: 1h 50m
Instead of watching 'Yojimbo', immerse yourself in Dashiell Hammett's 'Red Harvest', the thrilling novel that inspired the film's plot. Set in a corrupt and violent mining town, Hammett's layered narrative showcases hard-boiled characters and morally complex dilemmas, engaging readers with its raw and gritty realism.
Unlike the film, which reflects a distinctly Japanese setting, 'Red Harvest' delivers a quintessentially American noir experience where the protagonist takes on ruthless gangs and corrupt officials. This allows readers to explore the original narrative's context while appreciating its influence on the samurai epic.
By choosing the book, you delve into the mind of the Continental Op, a character as enigmatic but distinct from the unnamed samurai. Hammett's sharp dialogue and incisive prose paint a vivid picture of the West, challenging you to unravel the intricate web of treachery and survival.
Yojimbo inspired from
Red Harvest
by Dashiell Hammett
