Films/DVD Asylum

Posted by tinear (A) on November 22, 2008 at 11:46:51

same director's more recent samurai epic, "The Hidden Blade."
If you like American Westerns, you also will enjoy this thoughtful character study which sees a seemingly mild-mannered samurai (before the depicted events, he had never drawn his sword to do anything but to sharpen it he wryly shares with his love) forced, because of the rigid clan system of feudal Japan, to challenge a close friend to a duel to the death.
In fact, no Western for many years can rival this film in its purity, its clarity of good versus evil, and the dilemma created when duty, honor, and friendship collide.
Yes, it does somewhat resemble the earlier film of director Yoji Yamada, but only superficially. This film stands alone and is a very worthwhile contribution to the samurai film tradition.
The lead actor, his two friends, the evil Retainer, the love interest, the sword teacher (a reserved and small part but skillfully and unforgettably portrayed), and several other minor characters were well cast and acted.
Yes, it builds to a climax but, unlike in many Westerns and samurai films, the resolution is crisply orchestrated, novel, and decisive--- it also evokes a major theme in the film, the viability of honor in the rapidly modernizing world.
Don't miss this gem.