As a connoisseur of cinema, especially from the land of the rising sun, I must say that diving into the world of samurai films is like stepping into a time machine, transporting oneself to an era of honor, courage, and unwavering loyalty. Among these masterpieces, the one that leaves an indelible mark on my soul is “Throne of Blood” by Akira Kurosawa.
Stories about Samurais, a significant cinematic genre in Japan’s film industry from the very beginning, have recently seen a surge in popularity worldwide.
Last month, the critically acclaimed historical series “Shogun,” produced by and starring Hiroyuki Sanada, broke Emmy records by earning the most awards in a single year of any TV show to date. This period drama, which delves into power struggles during Japan’s Edo era, also became Disney+ and Hulu’s most-watched series worldwide.
Even though the success of “Shogun” has been astounding, it’s clear that we gamers, along with Disney’s content executives, are in for a bit of a wait before we can dive back into this epic world. The good news is that “Shogun” has been renewed for two more seasons! However, the first season was adapted from James Clavell’s 1975 best-selling novel, and the show’s narrative arc came to a close right at the end of the book. FX and “Shogun’s” creators, Justin Marks and Rachel Kondo, are taking quite a daring leap by continuing the story without any well-known precursor material to lean on. Writing, shooting, and releasing another 10 episodes could take anywhere from months to years if production begins as loosely estimated in summer 2025.
Luckily for fans turned on by Shogun to the cunning machinations of feudal Japanese lords, swordsmen, concubines and ladies in waiting, the well of samurai storytelling that inspired Shogun and Clavell’s book is very deep indeed. Samurai television and filmmaking, referred to as jidaigeki in Japanese (which translates as ‘period drama’), spans multiple sub-genres and dates back over 100 years, saddling Japan’s so-called Golden Age of filmmaking — the post-War period of the 1950s and 1960s, when a remarkable number of masterpieces were created.
To keep Shogun enthusiasts entertained in the meantime, The Hollywood Reporter reached out to Shozo Ichiyama, artistic director of the Tokyo International Film Festival, who graciously shared his top 10 favorite samurai movies from throughout cinema history. Ichiyama, a true cinephile with an impressive annual movie-watching count of around 700 films, is also an experienced film producer and professor at Tokyo University of the Arts. Here are his carefully selected recommendations, listed in alphabetical order for your viewing pleasure. Enjoy!
13 Assassins by Eiichi Kudo (1963)
This film, produced by Toei Group in the 1970s, is a remarkable period drama that served as inspiration for this year’s opening movie at the Tokyo International Film Festival, “Eleven Rebels,” according to Ichiyama. The film, titled “13 Assassins, ” is set in 1844 during the Tokugawa shogunate, following the events portrayed more lightly in FX’s “Shogun” series. It tells the story of a group of assassins who pledge to eliminate a corrupt Lord whose reckless behavior dishonors the bushido code of honor for the samurai class. A critically praised remake of this tale was directed by modern filmmaker Takashi Miike in 2010.
Hero of the Red-Light District by Tomu Uchida (1960)
According to Ichiyama, the movie is a masterpiece from Tomu Uchida, known for period dramas, featuring the renowned actor Kataoka Chiezo. The plot unfolds against the opulent backdrop of Yoshiwara and narrates a heart-wrenching tale. The story revolves around a prosperous fabric trader, who is socially ostracized due to a birthmark on his face, making it difficult for him to find a spouse. He crosses paths with a compassionate slave prostitute, and their bond blossoms into love. In an attempt to rescue and marry her, he sets in motion a sequence of events that ultimately leads to a tragic end.
Humanity and Paper Balloons by Sadao Yamanaka (1937)
Sadao Yamanaka’s final masterpiece was made before his untimely death at age 29 during World War II, as stated by Ichiyama. This film, set in a tenement house, shows the interwoven lives of diverse individuals. A timeless jidaigeki classic in Japan, it portrays the unforgiving life under the shogunate. It is speculated that its controversial themes displeased the imperial government upon its release, which may have led to Yamanaka’s deployment to China, ultimately resulting in his death. Despite being nearly 90 years old, this film remains relevant with its sharp social commentary and undeniable appeal as a work of cinema.
Kenki by Kenji Misumi (1965)
In a tranquil rural backdrop, Kenki’s narrative unfolds, portraying the poignant tale of a benevolent individual transformed into an assassin by Ichikawa Raizo, a renowned figure in period dramas. Misumi is recognized globally for his productions such as the Lone Wolf and Cub film series and the enduring saga about the blind swordsman Zatoichi. Kenki is a story of ascendancy and downfall, detailing the transformation of a man from tending flowers peacefully to engaging in more sinister activities following his expertise in a unique sword-fighting art.
Daimajin (aka Majin, Monster of Terror) by Kimiyoshi Yasuda (1966)
Ichiyama comments that it’s a remarkable blend of period dramas featuring monsters, inspired by the Golem legend. Many young viewers found its grim portrayals distressing upon its release. Part jidaiki and tokusatsu (a type of live-action Japanese film known for heavy use of practical effects like Godzilla), Daimajin is a tale about a furious spirit (the titular Daimajin) trapped inside a massive ancient statue, who awakens to aid the remnants of a deceased lord’s children.
Peony Lantern by Satsuo Yamamoto (1968)
In a chilling, eerie retelling of an age-old ghost story, this gothic drama from the samurai era delves into the perils of befriending and meddling with the spirit world (meaning, even your sword won’t protect you). This film serves as a reminder that samurai movies can indeed evoke fear and dread like no other. As Ichiyama puts it, “This is a quintessential ghost story from the Edo era. The floating spirits are truly terrifying.
Red Lion by Kihachi Okamoto (1969)
Similar to ‘Eleven Bandits’, this film is a timeless samurai tale that portrays the final stand of individuals deceived and betrayed amidst the conflicts during the Meiji Restoration period. The distinguished Toshiro Mifune graces the screen in this production, sporting an impressive, voluminous red wig, as he assumes the role of a samurai unwittingly caught up in a political chess game. He is dispatched to his home village to convey the emperor’s latest tax reductions, only to find himself ensnared in a power struggle.
Samurai Rebellion by Masaki Kobayashi (1967)
Ichiyama remarks, “This masterpiece truly embodies the genre of dark period dramas that expose the absurdity of feudal society.” This film is another one in Mifune’s stellar career – no actor has ever carried themselves with more panache. A must-watch in The Criterion Collection, it narrates the tale of a reserved swordsman who ultimately takes a stand against his cruel Lord’s injustices. Kobayashi, a legend of Japanese cinema’s Golden Age, also created other iconic works such as the samurai epic “Harakiri” (1962), the epic trilogy “The Human Condition,” and the groundbreaking horror anthology “Kwaidan” (1964).
Singing Lovebirds by Masahiro Makino (1939)
An uncommon example of a melodious comedy film from the historical genre, jidaigeki, which were once abundant but are now scarce.” Makino notably directed this delightful production in merely two weeks following the illness of the lead actor in another movie he was working on. The film showcases Takashi Shimura, renowned for his role as the main samurai in Akira Kurosawa’s “Seven Samurai,” performing a musical number. Imagine a cheerful romantic-comedy musical, set against the harsh backdrop of feudal Japan, including an umbrella-centered dance sequence.
Throne of Blood by Akira Kurosawa (1957)
Ichiyama suggests that instead of choosing ‘Seven Samurai’, often lauded on such lists, you might want to consider Kurosawa’s adaptation of ‘Macbeth’ as his standout work. Although it has been moved into a completely different cultural setting, this film, with Mifune portraying the murderous Macbeth or his Japanese counterpart, the samurai warrior Taketoki Washizu, is generally regarded as one of the greatest cinematic interpretations of Shakespeare’s play. This opinion includes that of the late, esteemed literary critic Harold Bloom, who described it as ‘the most successful film version’.
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2024-10-31 06:25