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OPEN CLASSIC CINEMA · 974

The Dull Sword

Synopsis

A would-be samurai buys a sword and discovers that it cannot cut as he expects. Convinced that testing it on passersby will solve the problem, he attacks townspeople who prove much more capable of defending themselves than he anticipated. His attempts at intimidation repeatedly end in humiliation.

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Video edition: Wikimedia Commons
Original language: No spoken dialogue. Intertitles: not identified.
This copy runs: 4:18
Subtitles: No subtitle track in this language

No spoken dialogue. Intertitles: not identified. No subtitle track in this language.

Languages and subtitles

No subtitle track in this language

Wikimedia Commons · Kōuchi Jun'ichi · Public domain

DirectorsKōuchi Jun'ichi

Historical context

Made in 1917, this short is among the earliest surviving examples of Japanese animation. Material rediscovered in 2008 helped restore a work in which the supposedly fearsome swordsman becomes the target of the comedy.

Sources and availability

General references identify the work and its copy. A reference beside an editorial section is linked to the claims checked in that section.

Wikipedia — film reference Wikidata — film identity and credits

Work catalogued as public domain in the United States.

The public-domain references concern the original films in the United States. Rights can differ for other countries, editions, restorations, music or translations. Sources are listed on each film page.

Availability checked on September 15, 2026.

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