Taboo
“How am I insane?”
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 around a handsome young samurai named Sozaburo Kano. The school's stern master can choose to intervene, or to let Kano decide his own path.
Where to watch Taboo in United States
No streaming info for your region.
Click a service to open Taboo there. Availability last verified on June 20, 2026.
Where is Taboo streaming around the world?
| Country | Streaming on | Rent / Buy |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads, ASIATIC Amazon Channel | Amazon Video |
| France | Molotov TV | — |
| Japan | Hulu, U-NEXT, Cinefil Wow Plus Amazon Channel, FOD Channel Amazon Channel | Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies |
About Taboo
Taboo is a 1999 Japanese-language drama, history and thriller film directed by Nagisa Ōshima. The cast is led by Takeshi Kitano, Ryuhei Matsuda, Tadanobu Asano. It has a runtime of 1h 40m. Viewers rate it 6.6/10 across 100 ratings.
Taboo was produced by Oshima Productions, Shochiku, and KADOKAWA Shoten and made in Japan and France. It was released on December 18, 1999, and carries a NR certification.
- Director
- Nagisa Ōshima
- Writers
- Nagisa Ōshima
- Release date
- December 18, 1999
- Original language
- Japanese
- Age rating
- NR
- Status
- Released
- Country
- Japan, France
- Production
- Oshima Productions, Shochiku, KADOKAWA Shoten
Taboo cast & crew
Taboo was directed by Nagisa Ōshima and written by Nagisa Ōshima.
The cast features Takeshi Kitano as Toshizo Hijikata, Ryuhei Matsuda as Sozaburo Kano, Tadanobu Asano as Hyozo Tashiro, Yōichi Sai as Isami Kondo, Shinji Takeda as Okita Sōji, and Susumu Terajima as Spy.
Behind the camera, the score was composed by Ryuichi Sakamoto, cinematography is by Toyomichi Kurita, and it was produced by Jeremy Thomas and Jean Labadie.
Is Taboo worth watching?
Taboo holds an audience score of 6.6/10 from 125 ratings, a solidly received drama films.
At 1h 40m, it's an easy, time-light watch.
If you enjoy drama, history, and thriller, Taboo is worth a place on your watchlist.
How and where to watch Taboo
Taboo isn't currently available on major streaming services in United States. We track availability continuously — add it to your watchlist and we'll keep an eye out.
Streaming rights change country by country and month by month, so the options above reflect United States today — switch your country at the top of the where-to-watch section to see availability elsewhere.
Rate & review
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Cast of Taboo
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
Kei Satō
Narrator (voice)
Jiro Sakagami
Eve Masatoh
Yoshiaki Fujiwara
Taboo — FAQs
▸Where can I watch Taboo in United States?
Taboo is not currently available on major streaming services in United States. Availability changes often — check back soon.
▸What language is Taboo in?
Taboo is originally in Japanese. Subtitle and dub options vary by streaming service.
▸How long is Taboo?
Taboo runs 1 hours 40 minutes (100 minutes).
▸What is Taboo rated?
Taboo is rated NR. It holds a 6.6/10 audience score from 125 ratings.
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