The Conspiracy of the Yagyu Clan

A somewhat later samurai film that became a major success.

The Yagyu clan rose to prominence during the Tokugawa period for their sword school, Yagyu Shinkage-ryu, whose head became the shogun’s personal instructor. In 1603, after a turbulent era of war, the first shogun was installed as a unifying figure, overshadowing the emperor, who was left without real power. The Conspiracy of the Yagyu Clan opens with the sudden death of the reigning shogun, who fails to name which of his two sons should succeed him as the third shogun.

In the ensuing power struggle, the elder son is backed by the influential Yagyu family, while the mother and several other powerful clans support the younger son. The emperor’s noble advisors, who must formally approve the new shogun, seize the opportunity to reclaim influence for the imperial court. Chaos, betrayal, heroism, love, and death follow in this film, which is loosely based on historical events.

Kinji Fukasaku is perhaps best known in the West for his final film, Battle Royale (he managed to film only parts of Battle Royale 2, which was completed by his son). However, many cinephiles hold his 1970s yakuza films — such as Battles Without Honour and Humanity, Hiroshima Death Match, and Street Mobster — in even higher regard.

Released in 1978, The Conspiracy of the Yagyu Clan became a major success and played a crucial role in saving Toei as a studio. It also spawned a 39-episode television series, in which Sonny Chiba reprised his role as the legendary samurai Jubei Yagyu, while Toshiro Mifune appeared only in the film.

Cinemateket i Oslo

Samurai Films at the Cinematheque 

This film is part of a film series focusing on Samurai Films at the Cinematheque in Oslo.