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The Twilight Samurai: not a

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samurai movie, at all. And...as good a movie as I've seen in the past several years.
The character created by the excellent lead actor, Hiroyuki Sagada, is unforgettable. The director said he wanted to make a samurai movie that was realistic, not like the others that show a warrior taking on ten at a time, killing them all, and suffering nary a scratch. He said it is obvious from handling one of the swords that even skillfully wielded, a lethal blow from them would be unlikely. Commonly, both contestants would be wounded with the "winner" surviving because he longer endured the loss of blood from the many, all but inescapable, wounds.
For those expecting leaping, flying, swash-buckling...look elsewhere. This quiet piece is about the Zen peace of mind necessary for a great samurai, yet it must contrast with the horrific violence he momentarily may be called upon to bring. This INNER conflict is the core of the movie.
Most importantly, however, is Sagada's character. You will never forget him.

Follow Ups:

Excellent movie is right. - Duilawyer 09:43:53 04/16/05 (1)
About 100 times better than "The Last Samurai".
- No comparison, even though Sanada starred - tinear 18:11:59 04/16/05 (0)
  in it, as well.
  How damn insulting it is; Japanese study their whole lives to master an art form and here comes ol' Tom to show 'em how it's done after a few dustups.
Re: The Twilight Samurai: not a - JoeKool 21:59:09 04/12/05 (0)
Waw...I just received notice that this movie was shipped to me. I look foward to seeing it.
Agreed-Excellent movie. (nt) - Jack G 15:15:36 04/12/05 (5)
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- Re: I'll third that . . . liked it a lot (nt) - townsend 20:23:31 04/12/05 (4)
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  - I'll fourth that - a little gem. nt - Alex S 21:15:21 04/12/05 (3)
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    - I'll fifth that. - TAFKA Steve 11:23:50 04/13/05 (2)
      The best "samurai" film I've seen in the last decade. Also, a surprising performance by Min Tanaka as the samurai refusing to commit suicide. Why surprising? Because Tanaka-san was my sensei in Butoh dance instruction and this was his first film acting role.
      And tinear, the name is "Sanada", not "Sagada."
      - Damn, sorry: what a dishonor to - tinear 07:21:40 04/15/05 (0)
        
        In Reply to: I'll fifth that. posted by TAFKA Steve on April 13, 2005 at 11:23:50:
        
        misspell his name...I hope you're around to "complete" my sepuku, i.e. an honorable man was allowed to just begin to insert the blade into his abdomen when his waiting comrade struck the decapitating blow.
        Your old instructor did a brilliant job; I heard he lost 40 lbs. for the role (take THAT DeNiro!).
      - 7th!! Excellent!!(nt) - JoeKool 21:46:03 04/14/05 (0)
        
        In Reply to: I'll fifth that. posted by TAFKA Steve on April 13, 2005 at 11:23:50:
        
        .

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