Taboo movie poster

Taboo

御法度

1999 · 1h 40m · Released

NR Drama, History, Thriller

Set during Japan's Shogun era, this film looks at life in a samurai compound where young warriors are trained in swordfighting. A number of interpersonal conflicts are brewing in the training room, all centering on a handsome young samurai named Sozaburo Kano. The school's stern master can choose to intervene, or to let Kano decide his own path.

Read the book by Ryōtarō Shiba

Ratings

Based on audience scores
6.6 The Movie Database
6.8 IMDb
71% Rotten Tomatoes
69 Metacritic

Where to stream Taboo

Not streaming in the United States right now.

Trailer

Official Trailer

Top cast and crew

Nagisa Ōshima Director
Takeshi Kitano Toshizo Hijikata
Ryuhei Matsuda Sozaburo Kano
Tadanobu Asano Hyozo Tashiro
Yōichi Sai Isami Kondo
Shinji Takeda Okita Sōji
Susumu Terajima Spy
Tomorowo Taguchi Samurai Tojiro Yuzawa
Yoji Tanaka Samurai executed by Kanô
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Frequently asked questions about Taboo

Where can I watch Taboo in the United States?

Taboo is not streaming in the United States right now, though it is available in Germany, Austria, and Japan. Track it in Limelight, and Limelight+ will notify you when it arrives on a service you pay for.

What are the ratings for Taboo?

Taboo scores 6.6 on The Movie Database, 6.8 on IMDb, 71% on Rotten Tomatoes, and 69 on Metacritic.

Who stars in Taboo?

Taboo stars Takeshi Kitano, Ryuhei Matsuda, Tadanobu Asano, Yōichi Sai, and Shinji Takeda. Nagisa Ōshima is the director.

How long is Taboo?

Taboo runs 1h 40m (100 minutes).

When did Taboo come out?

Taboo was released on December 18, 1999.

Which studio made Taboo?

Taboo was produced by Oshima Productions, Shochiku, and KADOKAWA Shoten in Japan, France, and the United Kingdom.

What language is Taboo in?

Taboo is in Japanese, and its original title is 御法度.

Ratings and streaming availability are aggregated from third-party sources; metadata from The Movie Database (TMDB), streaming data from JustWatch. This product uses the TMDB API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDB. Streaming availability checked September 2026.

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