This Must-Watch Samurai Flick Can Be Available for Free, with Timeless Appeal
Similar to its predecessor, the new offering from the acclaimed game developer, Ghost of Yōtei, honors famous Japan's cinema artists through special presentation modes. Whereas the initial game featured only a grayscale homage to the classic samurai films of the legendary director, the sequel sees a joint effort with the cult series director Shinichirō Watanabe for a presentation mode that incorporates chill music. It also includes a director-inspired feature that increases blood and mud in fights and places the perspective right in the thick of things.
The director has built a wide-ranging filmography, including movies spanning bloody yakuza epics, family-friendly films, and animated series brought to life. But if you’re looking for a place to start, anyone enjoying the samurai sword fights of the game should watch Miike’s the action film, an excellent warrior movie.
A Classic Remake featuring Gripping Drama
First shown in 2010, the movie updates of the classic of similar name from director Eiichi Kudo. This tale depicts a band of assassins who, vastly outnumbered, venture to eliminate the sadistic the evil ruler (acted by the talented actor) to prevent him from becoming part of the government assembly. Other lords fear that Naritsugu rising to power would trigger a nation divided due to his a path of noble blood following him, yet his family connections to the ruler have kept him safe from justice.
Owing to Naritsugu’s actions and a gory ending, this movie is far from a flick for those who are squeamish. The story starts with a figure resisting his promotion by taking his own life, the traditional act by cutting the stomach. His cruel behavior aren’t just alluded to by other characters, they’re shown. He shoots projectiles at defenseless servants, and attacks a lady then beheading her husband.
These warriors are justified, certainly.
The warrior the main character (played by the renowned actor) is assigned killing the lord. A large part of the first half of the film is dedicated to detailing the danger he poses while Shinzaemon recruits allies. The group move to a village where they set a snare for their target (battling adversaries during the trip). After their arrival, the director hits his stride.
The Grand Finale with Well-Choreographed Battles
The climax demonstrates why this movie stands as such a cherished samurai film. The heroes don’t just lie in wait for their target to come to their swords. Outnumbered 13 to 200, and must utilize every trick to defeat the enemy army. Namely, converting the whole village of the setting into a trap. (The people, who thankfully flee and stay out of the violence.) The setting turns into an advantage; the group set up various devices and obstacles that would make the fictional hero jealous, employing every strategy to secure an advantage in the battle to come.
The confrontation is glorious — and well-staged. There is no the shaky cam of a Bourne film muddying up the action, or straightforward moments requiring a million cuts. Rather, wide shots and superb fight planning avoid hard-to-follow action, making an already exciting prolonged conflict more enjoyable. The action is consistently understandable, despite numerous foes assault (and fall to) a lone swordsman in a scene of blades, to illustrate.
How 13 Assassins Stays Timeless
Watching again 13 Assassins, viewers notice why the creators links enhanced violence with Takashi; the combatants just get caked in the elements. No one escapes untouched, and the survivors when it's over are soiled by the grime of battle. Plus, it appears very realistic, with minimal CGI applied solely to blasts throughout the village. The authenticity of the costumes, sets, and fight scenes give 13 Assassins a certain timeless feel; it’s 15 years old by now, and appears as if it may have debuted just now.
When the game fans need a break from playing samurai action and just want to view plenty of blade combat, they should check out 13 Assassins. Miike’s samurai flick pairs perfectly with this title, and is essential viewing for any fans of the genre.
