The Must-Watch Samurai Film Is Streaming for No Cost, and It's Never Been More Relevant
In the vein of its predecessor, the latest offering from the acclaimed game developer, the samurai adventure game, pays tribute to celebrated Japan's cinema artists by means of special presentation modes. Whereas Ghost of Tsushima featured just a grayscale nod to the timeless cinema of the legendary director, the sequel includes a partnership with the popular anime director the visionary for a display option that introduces lo-fi beats. Plus, there is a special Miike setting that ramps up blood and mud in battles and positions the perspective nearer to the fight.
The director is known for a wide-ranging filmography, including movies spanning violent gangster tales, children's entertainment, and live-action manga adaptations. However, for those seeking a entry point, viewers who love the blade battles of this title should see Takashi's the action film, an excellent Japanese film.
An Iconic New Version with Gripping Action
First shown in 2010, 13 Assassins reimagines of the 1963 film of similar name from filmmaker Eiichi Kudo. The story centers on a group of killers who, heavily outmatched, set out to kill the brutal Lord Matsudaira Naritsugu (portrayed by the talented actor) prior to him entering the ruling body. Other lords worry that his promotion would trigger a nation divided as he’s left a legacy of aristocratic deaths following him, yet his familial ties to the Shōgun have protected him.
Due to his cruelty and a violent climax, the film is hardly a movie for the faint of heart. It opens with a figure protesting the lord's rise by performing ritual suicide, the traditional act by disembowelment. The villain's brutality are not merely hinted at by the cast, viewers see them. He fires arrows at innocent people, and attacks a lady before killing her spouse.
The assassins have good reason, to say the least.
The fighter Shimada Shinzaemon (brought to life by Koji Yakusho) takes on the mission of killing Naritsugu. The majority of the first half of this story focuses on detailing the danger he poses while Shinzaemon gathers companions. He and his assassins journey to a village where they can ambush their target (fending off enemies during the trip). When they reach, Miike ramps up the action.
The Epic Conclusion and Well-Choreographed Action Sequences
The film’s final act reveals why this movie stands as such a beloved samurai film. Shinzaemon and his allies are not passive for the lord to come to their weapons. Facing 200 with only 13, and must utilize every trick to defeat Naritsugu’s forces. Namely, converting the whole village of Ochiai against him. (Thankfully, the residents, who safely escape and avoid being involved of the violence.) The setting is used as a tool; the group build various devices and obstacles that would make Kevin McAllister envious, using all means to secure an advantage in the battle to come.
The fight is spectacular — and easy to follow. There is no the jerky camera of other thrillers muddying up the scenes, or basic fights using too many edits. On the contrary, wide shots and superb fight planning leave no room for unclear scenes, turning an naturally gripping extended battle sequence all the better. The fighting is easy to see, despite countless enemies attack (and fall to) a single warrior in a scene of blades, to illustrate.
How The Movie Is Timeless
Watching again 13 Assassins, it's clear why the developers connects increased blood and mud with Takashi; the characters just get caked in the mess. No one comes out unscathed, and the remaining fighters at the end are covered in the aftermath. Additionally, it seems very grounded, with limited digital effects employed only for blasts throughout the village. The realism of the costumes, sets, and battles give the movie a certain timeless feel; it’s 15 years old currently, but looks like it might have come out just now.
Whenever the game fans want to rest from engaging in samurai action and simply prefer to see a bit of warrior battles, they should check out the movie. The director's warrior film pairs perfectly with the experience, and should not be missed for all enthusiasts of samurai stories.
