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The Great Killing

1964·Movie
1h 58min
IMDb7.3

Where to watch

CineverseARROW

Links go to licensed services. Data from JustWatch and TMDB.

The Great Killing fingerprint

High energy, strong craft, light on feelings.

Energy

Tense and thrilling

Fast from start to finish.

  • Tension8
  • Adrenaline7
  • Fast Pace7

Heart

Moving and cathartic

  • Pathos7
  • Catharsis7
  • Melancholy6

Humor

A little humor

Not a comedy at heart.

  • Physical Comedy3
  • Dark Humor3
  • Wit & Wordplay2

World

History, politics, and the mind

Lived-in and easy to get lost in.

  • World Immersion8
  • Dialogue Centrality7
  • Rewatchability7

Craft

Standout performances and characters

  • Acting8
  • Character Depth8
  • Intrigue8

Style

Functional look and sound

  • Cinematography7
  • Editing7
  • Music Composition7

Who it's for

AdultsFriends NightPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensThought-Provoking

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About

Heaven has no swords.

A cynical samurai is left as the sole survivor to fulfill a plot to assassinate the puppet of a villain intent on usurping the shogunate in the 17th century. A Shogunate Elder connives to rule Japan by making his puppet, the Shogun's brother Tsunashige, the next Shogun. The best strategist in Japan, Yamaga, leads a plot to stop the Elder, but his cabal is betrayed and most of the conspirators are captured and tortured.
Samurai IntrigueHistorical ConspiracyPolitical IntrigueCynical HeroRebellion & BetrayalMoral Ambiguity17th Century JapanAtmospheric TensionCharacter-Driven Plot

Crew

Directed by:
Eiichi Kudō, Tatsuo Honda
Written by:
Kaneo Ikegami, Norimichi Matsudaira
Composed by:
Seiichi Suzuki

Sequels and Prequels

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Poster for The Great Killing

Media

Questions about The Great Killing

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream The Great Killing legally?

CineverseARROW

The Great Killing is included with a subscription to ARROW in the United States. You can watch it free with ads on Cineverse. You can also rent or buy it from Amazon Video and Apple TV Store. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.

Is The Great Killing worth watching?

73
GoodGoodWatch score

Mostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 73/100 (IMDb 7.3). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.

What is The Great Killing rated?

Violence

Content advisories: violence.

How long is The Great Killing?

1 h 58 min

The Great Killing runs 1 h 58 min.

What language is The Great Killing in?

Japanese

It was made in Japanese. Produced in Japan.

In how many countries can I watch The Great Killing?

6CAGBGGIEJPUS

GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Great Killing in 6 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.