Sansho the Bailiff poster
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Sansho the Bailiff

8.119542h 4mMovieDrama

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.

DirectorKenji Mizoguchi
WritersYoshikata Yoda·Fuji Yahiro
ProducerMasaichi Nagata

Where to watch

Criterion ChannelCriterion ChannelDarkroomDarkroomFawesomeFawesomePlexPlexPlex ChannelPlex Channel
Availability shown for United States · rights vary by country

Cast · Directed by Kenji Mizoguchi

KTKinuyo Tanaka
Kinuyo Tanaka
Tamaki
YH
Yoshiaki Hanayagi
Zushiô
KKKyōko Kagawa
Kyōko Kagawa
Anju
ESEitarō Shindō
Eitarō Shindō
Sanshô dayû
ISIchirō Sugai
Ichirō Sugai
Minister of Justice
BMBontarō Miake
Bontarō Miake
Kichiji
YK
Yōko Kozono
Kohagi
CNChieko Naniwa
Chieko Naniwa
Ubatake
KM
Kikue Mōri
Priestess
KM
Ken Mitsuda
Prime Minister Fujiwara
MSMasao Shimizu
Masao Shimizu
Masauji Taira
RKRyōsuke Kagawa
Ryōsuke Kagawa
Ritsushi Kumotake

More from Kinuyo Tanaka · Lead actress

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More from Yoshiaki Hanayagi · Co-star actor

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More from Kenji Mizoguchi · Director

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Sansho the Bailiff — streaming FAQ

Which OTT platform streams Sansho the Bailiff?

Sansho the Bailiff is streaming on Criterion Channel, Darkroom and Fawesome in United States, and available to rent or buy on Amazon Video and Apple TV Store. It's not currently on Netflix.

Is Sansho the Bailiff on Netflix?

No, Sansho the Bailiff is not on Netflix in United States as of September 2026. It's currently on Criterion Channel and Darkroom.

Is Sansho the Bailiff on Amazon Prime Video?

Sansho the Bailiff isn't included with a Prime Video subscription in United States, but you can rent or buy it on Amazon Video.

Where can I watch Sansho the Bailiff for free?

Sansho the Bailiff is available to stream free (with ads) on Darkroom and Fawesome in United States.