Comments on: Rank ‘em: Samurai Films http://www.rowthree.com/2009/01/25/rank-em-samurai-films/ Where Cinema is more than just $100 Million productions Sat, 11 Feb 2012 16:49:55 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: victor enyutin http://www.rowthree.com/2009/01/25/rank-em-samurai-films/#comment-62428 victor enyutin Tue, 09 Aug 2011 14:57:58 +0000 http://www.rowthree.com/?p=8109#comment-62428 “Yojimbo” by Akira Kurosawa can stylistically be considered as a “study” for his “Sanjuro” made (in) a year after “Yojimbo” (with the same main character played by (the) [a] unique [actor] in the history of cinema (actor) Toshiro Mifune). But thematically it is quite [an] independent film that concentrates on [the] specificity of economic fight between rivaling groups of entrepreneurs with taste for semi-legal or just [outright] illegal strategies of self-enrichment (the types we [are] today in [the] 21st century [so familiar with and] know only too well). Kurosawa uses a tiny (Japanese) provincial city [in Japan] of 19th century as a setting for metaphorizing of up-to-date behavior of international cast of predatory money-makers [like our own day global corporate CEOs]. Like we [are] today (after invented wars and financial collapses [and whole host of other disasters]) Kurosawa in “Yojimbo” thinks what to do in a situation when (a) pathological greed of [the] financial decision-makers endangers the life of (human) population[s]. Again, [as] (like) we [are] today, Kurosawa was disappointed [with the] (in) traditional idea of “revolutionary transformation” of a corrupt society – the experiencee of Soviet Union and Eastern Europe is enough to discourage us from this way. Instead, Kurosawa offers in his too films Sanjuro as, in essence, a role model for our hope. Instead of “revolution” as a strategy for social-psychological transformation of life Kurosawa offers “non-participation”. Sanjuro is [an] outsider by moral reasons. It is this status (under-status[ed]) “of not belonging” [that] colors his personality as [a] moral alternative to those who while being horrified by the cruelty of the system are doomed to participate in its everyday rituals because they share many of its conventions and prejudices. The intensity of “Yojimbo’s” critical energies joins the elaborateness of its analysis of today’s formal democracy’s vices and sins hidden under the beautiful [Universalist declaration of enlightenment and] make-up[s] of its proudly humane ideological pronouncements. “Yojimbo” is full of wit and humor, but also of human emotions, suffering and joy, and real problems. Victor Enyutin “Yojimbo” by Akira Kurosawa can stylistically be considered as a “study” for his “Sanjuro” made (in) a year after “Yojimbo” (with the same main character played by (the) [a] unique [actor] in the history of cinema (actor) Toshiro Mifune). But thematically it is quite [an] independent film that concentrates on [the] specificity of economic fight between rivaling groups of entrepreneurs with taste for semi-legal or just [outright] illegal strategies of self-enrichment (the types we [are] today in [the] 21st century [so familiar with and] know only too well). Kurosawa uses a tiny (Japanese) provincial city [in Japan] of 19th century as a setting for metaphorizing of up-to-date behavior of international cast of predatory money-makers [like our own day global corporate CEOs]. Like we [are] today (after invented wars and financial collapses [and whole host of other disasters]) Kurosawa in “Yojimbo” thinks what to do in a situation when (a) pathological greed of [the] financial decision-makers endangers the life of (human) population[s]. Again, [as] (like) we [are] today, Kurosawa was disappointed [with the] (in) traditional idea of “revolutionary transformation” of a corrupt society – the experiencee of Soviet Union and Eastern Europe is enough to discourage us from this way. Instead, Kurosawa offers in his too films Sanjuro as, in essence, a role model for our hope. Instead of “revolution” as a strategy for social-psychological transformation of life Kurosawa offers “non-participation”. Sanjuro is [an] outsider by moral reasons. It is this status (under-status[ed]) “of not belonging” [that] colors his personality as [a] moral alternative to those who while being horrified by the cruelty of the system are doomed to participate in its everyday rituals because they share many of its conventions and prejudices. The intensity of “Yojimbo’s” critical energies joins the elaborateness of its analysis of today’s formal democracy’s vices and sins hidden under the beautiful [Universalist declaration of enlightenment and] make-up[s] of its proudly humane ideological pronouncements. “Yojimbo” is full of wit and humor, but also of human emotions, suffering and joy, and real problems.
Victor Enyutin

]]> By: Steve http://www.rowthree.com/2009/01/25/rank-em-samurai-films/#comment-33572 Steve Fri, 14 Aug 2009 20:19:23 +0000 http://www.rowthree.com/?p=8109#comment-33572 A little late, but I wanted to add my choices...... (In no particular order) Harakiri (Kobayashi) Samurai Rebellion (Kobayashi) Seven Samurai (Kurosawa) Yojimbo (Kurosawa) Sanjuro (Kurosawa) Kill! (Okamoto) Sword of Doom (Okamoto) Ambush (Inagaki) Three Outlaw Samurai (Gosha) Sword of the Beast (Gosha) Samurai Wolf (Gosha) Really too many to even come close to limiting it to 10.... Goyokin (Gosha) Tale of Zatoichi (Misumi) Enter Kyoshiro Nemuri the Swordman / Chinese Jade (Tanaka) Adauchi / Revenge (Imai) Betrayal (Tanaka) More recent films….. Ronin Gai (Kuroki) Samurai Fiction (Nakano) Sea is Watching (Kumai - based on Kurosawa story) After the Rain (Koizumi - based on Kurosawa story) Dora Heita (Ichikawa – w/ Kurosawa and Kobayashi) Twilight Samurai (Yamada) Hidden Blade (Yamada) Love and Honor (Yamada) Vengeance for Sale (Okamoto) A Chorus of Cicadas / The Samurai I loved (Kurotsuchi) A little late, but I wanted to add my choices……

(In no particular order)

Harakiri (Kobayashi)
Samurai Rebellion (Kobayashi)
Seven Samurai (Kurosawa)
Yojimbo (Kurosawa)
Sanjuro (Kurosawa)
Kill! (Okamoto)
Sword of Doom (Okamoto)
Ambush (Inagaki)
Three Outlaw Samurai (Gosha)
Sword of the Beast (Gosha)
Samurai Wolf (Gosha)

Really too many to even come close to limiting it to 10….

Goyokin (Gosha)
Tale of Zatoichi (Misumi)
Enter Kyoshiro Nemuri the Swordman / Chinese Jade (Tanaka)
Adauchi / Revenge (Imai)
Betrayal (Tanaka)

More recent films…..

Ronin Gai (Kuroki)
Samurai Fiction (Nakano)
Sea is Watching (Kumai – based on Kurosawa story)
After the Rain (Koizumi – based on Kurosawa story)
Dora Heita (Ichikawa – w/ Kurosawa and Kobayashi)
Twilight Samurai (Yamada)
Hidden Blade (Yamada)
Love and Honor (Yamada)
Vengeance for Sale (Okamoto)
A Chorus of Cicadas / The Samurai I loved (Kurotsuchi)

]]> By: Mercurie http://www.rowthree.com/2009/01/25/rank-em-samurai-films/#comment-23606 Mercurie Tue, 27 Jan 2009 01:52:45 +0000 http://www.rowthree.com/?p=8109#comment-23606 I have to agree with you there, Murph. Once the Musashi Miyamoto trilogy picks up, it really picks up! I have to agree with you there, Murph. Once the Musashi Miyamoto trilogy picks up, it really picks up!

]]> By: murph http://www.rowthree.com/2009/01/25/rank-em-samurai-films/#comment-23582 murph Mon, 26 Jan 2009 22:29:02 +0000 http://www.rowthree.com/?p=8109#comment-23582 the first in the Musashi Miyamoto isn't the best. very restrained, very sentimental, but oh boy, after that, it really picks up. it is rivaled by few trilogies in my book. the first in the Musashi Miyamoto isn’t the best. very restrained, very sentimental, but oh boy, after that, it really picks up. it is rivaled by few trilogies in my book.

]]> By: Dave http://www.rowthree.com/2009/01/25/rank-em-samurai-films/#comment-23576 Dave Mon, 26 Jan 2009 21:49:01 +0000 http://www.rowthree.com/?p=8109#comment-23576 While I have yet to see many of the films on this list, I do love Seven Samurai, Rashomon, Ran and Yojimbo. I also liked the Zatoichi remake, and have a soft spot for the Lone Wolf and Cub series. While I have yet to see many of the films on this list, I do love Seven Samurai, Rashomon, Ran and Yojimbo. I also liked the Zatoichi remake, and have a soft spot for the Lone Wolf and Cub series.

]]> By: Bob Turnbull http://www.rowthree.com/2009/01/25/rank-em-samurai-films/#comment-23548 Bob Turnbull Mon, 26 Jan 2009 14:08:40 +0000 http://www.rowthree.com/?p=8109#comment-23548 I have to admit that the Musashi Miyamoto trilogy didn't fully grab me - oh it's excellent at times, but it didn't compel me as much as some of the others. One title not yet mentioned is Masahiro Shinoda's "Samurai Spy" - a beautiful looking film and equally as good as "Samurai Rebellion". Those two along with "Harakiri" and "Ran" would be my faves. A more recent film is "Samurai Fiction" - not your typical Samurai film as it's a bit satiric and more modernized (e.g. the music) all while being a nice tribute to the older films. I have to admit that the Musashi Miyamoto trilogy didn’t fully grab me – oh it’s excellent at times, but it didn’t compel me as much as some of the others.

One title not yet mentioned is Masahiro Shinoda’s “Samurai Spy” – a beautiful looking film and equally as good as “Samurai Rebellion”. Those two along with “Harakiri” and “Ran” would be my faves.

A more recent film is “Samurai Fiction” – not your typical Samurai film as it’s a bit satiric and more modernized (e.g. the music) all while being a nice tribute to the older films.

]]> By: Mercurie http://www.rowthree.com/2009/01/25/rank-em-samurai-films/#comment-23544 Mercurie Mon, 26 Jan 2009 04:46:42 +0000 http://www.rowthree.com/?p=8109#comment-23544 Okay, here goes. 10. Hitokiri (Tenchu) 9 Ran 8. Samurai Assassin 7. Seppuku 6. Samurai Rebellion 5. Kagemusha 4. Sword of Doom 3. Yojimbo 2. Musashi Miyamoto Trilogy 1. The Seven Samurai And while I wouldn't rank it with these films, I must say that I find myself watching the 2003 version of Samurai Resurrection (Makai Tensho) way too often. Just something about Yagyu Mitsuyoshi fighting undead samurai... Okay, here goes.

10. Hitokiri (Tenchu)
9 Ran
8. Samurai Assassin
7. Seppuku
6. Samurai Rebellion
5. Kagemusha
4. Sword of Doom
3. Yojimbo
2. Musashi Miyamoto Trilogy
1. The Seven Samurai

And while I wouldn’t rank it with these films, I must say that I find myself watching the 2003 version of Samurai Resurrection (Makai Tensho) way too often. Just something about Yagyu Mitsuyoshi fighting undead samurai…

]]> By: Colleen http://www.rowthree.com/2009/01/25/rank-em-samurai-films/#comment-23533 Colleen Mon, 26 Jan 2009 03:06:05 +0000 http://www.rowthree.com/?p=8109#comment-23533 3 Seven Samurai (Kurosawa, 1954) 2 Yojimbo (Kurosawa, 1961) 1 Samurai Rebellion (Kobayashi, 1967) I have a few of those on the list on my zip list, but I want to add Six String Samurai as an honorable mention....just cause. 3 Seven Samurai (Kurosawa, 1954)
2 Yojimbo (Kurosawa, 1961)
1 Samurai Rebellion (Kobayashi, 1967)

I have a few of those on the list on my zip list, but I want to add Six String Samurai as an honorable mention….just cause.

]]> By: Jonathan B. http://www.rowthree.com/2009/01/25/rank-em-samurai-films/#comment-23532 Jonathan B. Mon, 26 Jan 2009 02:58:40 +0000 http://www.rowthree.com/?p=8109#comment-23532 I definitely wouldn't put Hana in quite the same vein as The Twilight Samurai. They both attempt to deconstruct the myth of the samurai, although I would argue that Hana full out drops the romanticism of it all, whereas The Twilight Samurai still holds onto that notion by the very edges of its fingers (e.g. the ending). Both choose character over action, but both approach the subject matter of a failed samurai very differently (Hana, with a somewhat silly, lighter comedic touch... The Twilight Samurai, with depressing realism). The new Zatoichi? Not a huge fan. Still haven't caught the original though, which I have been wanting to for ages. I definitely wouldn’t put Hana in quite the same vein as The Twilight Samurai.

They both attempt to deconstruct the myth of the samurai, although I would argue that Hana full out drops the romanticism of it all, whereas The Twilight Samurai still holds onto that notion by the very edges of its fingers (e.g. the ending).

Both choose character over action, but both approach the subject matter of a failed samurai very differently (Hana, with a somewhat silly, lighter comedic touch… The Twilight Samurai, with depressing realism).

The new Zatoichi? Not a huge fan. Still haven’t caught the original though, which I have been wanting to for ages.

]]> By: Rusty James http://www.rowthree.com/2009/01/25/rank-em-samurai-films/#comment-23526 Rusty James Mon, 26 Jan 2009 01:56:25 +0000 http://www.rowthree.com/?p=8109#comment-23526 Abel Ferrera is definitefly directing. It'll be weird to have him working on a mainstream 150 mil+ production but I remain optomistic. I'm sure Jerry Bruckheimer as producer will help mature his sensibilities and reel in his artsy side. Michael Chiklis would've been great but of course he felt it was too similar to his role as vic mackey. I'm less enthusiastic about ex prowrestler John Cena in the lead role (and of course contributing the single from his latest album as a synergist tie in which should seriously amp up it's opening weekend returns and boffo box office!). This could be the break out film from the WWE production studio and may even dominate the coveted july 26th weekend. Working title: Detective Rapes-A-Lot Abel Ferrera is definitefly directing. It’ll be weird to have him working on a mainstream 150 mil+ production but I remain optomistic. I’m sure Jerry Bruckheimer as producer will help mature his sensibilities and reel in his artsy side.

Michael Chiklis would’ve been great but of course he felt it was too similar to his role as vic mackey. I’m less enthusiastic about ex prowrestler John Cena in the lead role (and of course contributing the single from his latest album as a synergist tie in which should seriously amp up it’s opening weekend returns and boffo box office!). This could be the break out film from the WWE production studio and may even dominate the coveted july 26th weekend.

Working title: Detective Rapes-A-Lot

]]> By: Kurt Halfyard http://www.rowthree.com/2009/01/25/rank-em-samurai-films/#comment-23522 Kurt Halfyard Mon, 26 Jan 2009 01:35:57 +0000 http://www.rowthree.com/?p=8109#comment-23522 <object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Ir8Y4iFrWk8&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Ir8Y4iFrWk8&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

]]> By: Kurt Halfyard http://www.rowthree.com/2009/01/25/rank-em-samurai-films/#comment-23521 Kurt Halfyard Mon, 26 Jan 2009 01:34:25 +0000 http://www.rowthree.com/?p=8109#comment-23521 Harvey Keitel, naturally. Actually, didn't Abel Ferrera loosely base Bad Lieutenant on Hanzo? /ha. Kidding. Harvey Keitel, naturally. Actually, didn’t Abel Ferrera loosely base Bad Lieutenant on Hanzo?

/ha. Kidding.

]]> By: Rusty James http://www.rowthree.com/2009/01/25/rank-em-samurai-films/#comment-23520 Rusty James Mon, 26 Jan 2009 01:33:27 +0000 http://www.rowthree.com/?p=8109#comment-23520 @ Kurt, who's been cast in the American remake? @ Kurt, who’s been cast in the American remake?

]]> By: Kurt Halfyard http://www.rowthree.com/2009/01/25/rank-em-samurai-films/#comment-23518 Kurt Halfyard Mon, 26 Jan 2009 01:25:45 +0000 http://www.rowthree.com/?p=8109#comment-23518 Kore-Eda's recent film, Hana Yori Mo Naho (aka HANA) is also an interesting recent (2006) take on the Samurai genre in the same vein as Twilight Samurai. It has a very gentle feel to it that can make it look slight on first viewing, but it is a very warm piece of moviemaking. Kore-Eda’s recent film, Hana Yori Mo Naho (aka HANA) is also an interesting recent (2006) take on the Samurai genre in the same vein as Twilight Samurai. It has a very gentle feel to it that can make it look slight on first viewing, but it is a very warm piece of moviemaking.

]]> By: Kurt Halfyard http://www.rowthree.com/2009/01/25/rank-em-samurai-films/#comment-23516 Kurt Halfyard Mon, 26 Jan 2009 01:18:05 +0000 http://www.rowthree.com/?p=8109#comment-23516 @Rusty, yep that is the one. But really, he only starts out raping them because he is looking for information to solve his case. BUT - Then the sex is so good that the women confess the information willingly so he can bring them to orgasm. Of course in between cases he keeps on a rigid exercise regimen of ritual fucking of the bag of rice then pounding it (his penis, not the rice) with a club. Yes, Japanese B-cinema doesn't get much better than the Hanzo series: <object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/tzCmbNATnt8&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/tzCmbNATnt8&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object> <strong>***That above embedded trailer is probab...er...DEFINITELY not safe for work***</strong> @Rusty, yep that is the one. But really, he only starts out raping them because he is looking for information to solve his case. BUT – Then the sex is so good that the women confess the information willingly so he can bring them to orgasm. Of course in between cases he keeps on a rigid exercise regimen of ritual fucking of the bag of rice then pounding it (his penis, not the rice) with a club. Yes, Japanese B-cinema doesn’t get much better than the Hanzo series:

***That above embedded trailer is probab…er…DEFINITELY not safe for work***

]]> By: Rusty James http://www.rowthree.com/2009/01/25/rank-em-samurai-films/#comment-23501 Rusty James Sun, 25 Jan 2009 23:13:24 +0000 http://www.rowthree.com/?p=8109#comment-23501 Kurt, is Hanzo the blade that series about the samuri detective who solves crimes by throwing women in a net and raping them? Kurt, is Hanzo the blade that series about the samuri detective who solves crimes by throwing women in a net and raping them?

]]> By: quietearth http://www.rowthree.com/2009/01/25/rank-em-samurai-films/#comment-23499 quietearth Sun, 25 Jan 2009 22:42:23 +0000 http://www.rowthree.com/?p=8109#comment-23499 Yup, although I wouldn't use the word mulched, and it's the first two.. Do you know how much Wu-Tang has sampled from that film? Yup, although I wouldn’t use the word mulched, and it’s the first two.. Do you know how much Wu-Tang has sampled from that film?

]]> By: murph http://www.rowthree.com/2009/01/25/rank-em-samurai-films/#comment-23498 murph Sun, 25 Jan 2009 22:40:31 +0000 http://www.rowthree.com/?p=8109#comment-23498 I wasn't a fan although the classic Zatoichi's are entertaining, especially the very first I wasn’t a fan although the classic Zatoichi’s are entertaining, especially the very first

]]> By: Kurt Halfyard http://www.rowthree.com/2009/01/25/rank-em-samurai-films/#comment-23496 Kurt Halfyard Sun, 25 Jan 2009 22:38:20 +0000 http://www.rowthree.com/?p=8109#comment-23496 I have a real softspot for Kitano's recent updating of Zatoichi, too. Probably not at the 'top' of anything, but very entertaining cinema! I have a real softspot for Kitano’s recent updating of Zatoichi, too. Probably not at the ‘top’ of anything, but very entertaining cinema!

]]> By: Kurt Halfyard http://www.rowthree.com/2009/01/25/rank-em-samurai-films/#comment-23495 Kurt Halfyard Sun, 25 Jan 2009 22:37:08 +0000 http://www.rowthree.com/?p=8109#comment-23495 Isn't Shogun Assassin the 'mulched together' version of the Babycart & Cub series? Isn’t Shogun Assassin the ‘mulched together’ version of the Babycart & Cub series?

]]> By: murph http://www.rowthree.com/2009/01/25/rank-em-samurai-films/#comment-23493 murph Sun, 25 Jan 2009 22:33:10 +0000 http://www.rowthree.com/?p=8109#comment-23493 throw in Ran, Sword of the Beast, Sanjuro and Ronin Gai and you have yourself a hell of a list throw in Ran, Sword of the Beast, Sanjuro and Ronin Gai and you have yourself a hell of a list

]]> By: murph http://www.rowthree.com/2009/01/25/rank-em-samurai-films/#comment-23492 murph Sun, 25 Jan 2009 22:31:18 +0000 http://www.rowthree.com/?p=8109#comment-23492 lol. Shogun Assassin is so ridiculous. lol. Shogun Assassin is so ridiculous.

]]> By: quietearth http://www.rowthree.com/2009/01/25/rank-em-samurai-films/#comment-23491 quietearth Sun, 25 Jan 2009 22:27:50 +0000 http://www.rowthree.com/?p=8109#comment-23491 Wait, where's Shogun Assassin? That should be #1! Wait, where’s Shogun Assassin? That should be #1!

]]> By: Kurt Halfyard http://www.rowthree.com/2009/01/25/rank-em-samurai-films/#comment-23489 Kurt Halfyard Sun, 25 Jan 2009 21:04:33 +0000 http://www.rowthree.com/?p=8109#comment-23489 Too Many to name. I love the surreal ending of SWORD OF DOOM. And where is the unique "Hanzo The Razor" trilogy (1972-74), Sword of Justice (1972) is one of my favourites. It's like Samurai, Police Procedurial and Blaxploitation all in one!! Too Many to name. I love the surreal ending of SWORD OF DOOM.

And where is the unique “Hanzo The Razor” trilogy (1972-74), Sword of Justice (1972) is one of my favourites. It’s like Samurai, Police Procedurial and Blaxploitation all in one!!

]]>