Movie

Sanctuary

“Two friends. Two destinies. One Japan.”

★ 5.3(8)19961h 7m

Sanctuary isn't available to stream, rent or buy in Canada right now. Availability changes often, so check back soon. Availability checked 17 June 2026.

Where to watch Sanctuary

🇨🇦 Canada

No streaming, rental or purchase options are listed in Canada right now. Availability changes often — try switching your region in the header.

Good to know

Director: Takashi Watanabe
Release date: 1996-05-01
Runtime: 1h 7m
Language: Japanese
Status: Released
Country: Japan
Studio: Pastel

About Sanctuary

Sanctuary is a 1996 movie in the Animation, Crime and Drama genres, directed by Takashi Watanabe, starring Kazuhiro Nakata, Takaya Hashi and Takeshi Watabe. It has a runtime of 1 hour 7 minutes. It holds an average rating of 5.3/10 from 8 viewers. Below you can see where to watch Sanctuary in Canada — across streaming, rental and purchase options — along with the full cast, trailer and viewer reviews.

Synopsis

Two Japanese survivors of the Khmer Rouge massacres in Cambodia vow to find a sanctuary, even if they have to build it themselves. Returning to Japan, they take seemingly opposite paths: one becomes a politician, the other a gangster. As Asami and Houjou work through the linked worlds of politics and crime in modern Japan, they don't hesitate to do anything necessary to secure their own positions and stay true to their vow. Loyal to no one else, they find their friendship increasingly tested as they rise in their chosen fields.

Cast

Kazuhiro Nakata

Chiaki Asami

Takaya Hashi

Tokai

Takeshi Watabe

Norimoto Isaoka

Show Hayami

Akira Hōjō

Masako Katsuki

Hojo's Lover

Masaaki Okabe

Shuichi Sakura

Shigezô Sasaoka

Sagara

Masaharu Sato

Murata

Tomokazu Seki

Reiji Tashiro

Hiromi Tsuru

Kyoko Ishihara

Miho Yamada

Unsho Ishizuka

Themes & keywords

yakuzapoliticianbased on mangaanime

Frequently asked questions

Where can I watch Sanctuary in Canada?+

Sanctuary is not currently listed on any streaming, rental or purchase service in Canada. Availability changes often, so check back or switch your region.

Is Sanctuary on Netflix?+

Sanctuary is not on Netflix in Canada right now.

How long is Sanctuary?+

Sanctuary has a runtime of 1 hour 7 minutes (67 minutes).

Who stars in Sanctuary?+

Sanctuary stars Kazuhiro Nakata, Takaya Hashi, Takeshi Watabe, Show Hayami and Masako Katsuki.

When did Sanctuary come out?+

Sanctuary is a 1996 movie directed by Takashi Watanabe.

What genre is Sanctuary?+

Sanctuary is Animation, Crime and Drama film.

Who directed Sanctuary?+

Sanctuary was directed by Takashi Watanabe.