The Notorious Concubines
金瓶梅
“In the West, there is Arabian Nights, in the East there is The Notorious Concubines!”
Synopsis
Based on the Chinese classic "Jin Ping Mei". Original Japanese cut directed by Koji Wakamatsu and produced by Shochiku. Set in Song-dynasty China, Wu Song rises to fame and becomes a guard captain. He is captivated by his brother’s wife, Pan Jinlian, whose beauty also ensnares the wealthy libertine Ximen Qing. To possess her, Ximen Qing has Wu Song’s brother murdered. When the corrupt authorities refuse justice, Wu Song is imprisoned, escapes with the help of the Liangshan bandits, and joins their ranks. Ximen Qing descends further into decadence, but Wu Song eventually returns, leading an attack on the town.
Top Cast
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Tomoko Mayama
Pan Jinlian
Kazuko Wakamatsu
Wu Yueniang
Teruko Higa
Meng Yulou
Riko Kurenai
Chunmei
Mitsuko Takara
Sun Xue'e
Keiko Sakurai
"Female Yaksha" Sun Erniang
Katsu Ryūzaki
Wu Song
Yuzo Tachikawa
"Little Li Guang" Hua Rong
Kohei Tsuzaki
Ying Bojue
Jūzō Itami
Ximen Qing
Akaji Maro
Taka Okubo
Hatsuo Yamaya
Ken Yoshizawa
Release History & Theatrical Window
June 1, 1969
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Kōji Wakamatsu
- Screenplay & Story
- Atsushi Yamatoya
- Original Score
- Masao Yagi
- Original Title
- 金瓶梅
- Country of Origin
- Japan
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 30m
- Production Studios
- Shochiku, Boxoffice International Pictures (BIP)
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Kōji Wakamatsu
Atsushi Yamatoya, Shin-Chen Wang
Masao Yagi
Hideo Itō
Tadashi Tsuji
Kiyoshi Ogasawara
Department Leadership Roster
Tadashi Tsuji
Editor
Ogawa Kogai
Production Design
Atsushi Yamatoya
Screenplay
Kōji Wakamatsu
Director
Hideo Itō
Director of Photography
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
R: Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
International Certification Matrix
Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for The Notorious Concubines.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring The Notorious Concubines.
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Notorious Concubines
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is The Notorious Concubines about?
Based on the Chinese classic "Jin Ping Mei". Original Japanese cut directed by Koji Wakamatsu and produced by Shochiku. Set in Song-dynasty China, Wu Song rises to fame and becomes a guard captain. He is captivated by his brother’s wife, Pan Jinlian, whose beauty also ensnares the wealthy libertine Ximen Qing. To possess her, Ximen Qing has Wu Song’s brother murdered. When the corrupt authorities refuse justice, Wu Song is imprisoned, escapes with the help of the Liangshan bandits, and joins their ranks. Ximen Qing descends further into decadence, but Wu Song eventually returns, leading an attack on the town.
Who directed The Notorious Concubines?
The Notorious Concubines was directed by Kōji Wakamatsu.
Who stars in The Notorious Concubines?
The principal cast of The Notorious Concubines includes Tomoko Mayama, Kazuko Wakamatsu, Teruko Higa, Riko Kurenai, Mitsuko Takara.
When was The Notorious Concubines released and how long is it?
The Notorious Concubines was released in 1968 with a total runtime of 1h 30m.
Who composed the musical score for The Notorious Concubines?
The original motion picture soundtrack for The Notorious Concubines was composed by Masao Yagi.
Is The Notorious Concubines based on a book or true story?
The Notorious Concubines is adapted from the following source material: Novel: "Shin-Chen Wang".
What is the age rating and content advisory for The Notorious Concubines?
The Notorious Concubines holds official age classifications: US: R (Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.).