movie recommendation: Twilight Samurai

[Darcy]

This is a very excellent film that shows a realistic portrayal of the lives of lower class samurai during the Edo period. It's set towards the end, where the samurai have the impression that their time is wrapping up.

 

It is away from the stereotypical samurai movie, and I think is probably my favorite film to come out of Japan after having digested for a couple of days.

 

The fighting is very realistic and well done, but mostly it shows that the samurai life was for many of them very different from what we may have in mind. Because of this, I think it is an important movie for people who collect swords to watch, as it will help adjust our understanding away from the overly romanticized versions and towards more realistic impressions.

 

It is also beautifully shot and directed, and the acting is all very top notch. I was very impressed with this film and highly recommend it. Even the wives who are only just barely tolerant of their pet sword collectors would enjoy sitting down and viewing this film I think, the story is very strong.

[Pete Klein]

This is also one of my favorites Darcy. I would also recommend these two which are also based on stories by Shuhei Fujisawa;

 

Ame Agaru (After the Rain) and

Semi Shigure (A Chorus of Cicada) my latest favorite.

 

They also are eminently watchable as they have real plot lines and are not typical Chanbara (Chambara).

[Rich T]

Also, just a provocative is "When the Last Sword is Drawn". This is more a swash buckling samurai flick but right up there with Twilight in my opinion. That and Sword of Doom.

 

We like to get back on the film track, it is one we like to revisit from time to time,

 

Still to date, my favorite Japanese film has nothing to do with Nihonto, but shows true samurai spirit, the main character is a woman. The film is Black Rain (not that Michael Douglas rubbish), it was made in the late 40's or 50's in Hiroshima and tells of a father, trying to find a husband for his daughter before any signs of radiation sickness might show after the bombing. It is a very poignant, even to this day and very sad. Moody, dark and holds you till the end.

 

cheers

 

Rich

[Brian]

Just by co-incidence, I have Twilight Samurai sitting at home right now, and haven't watched it yet.

I will be sure to make some time this comming weekend, and will keep an eye open for the other titles mentioned.

 

Thanks all,

 

Brian

[remzy]

*shakes fist at Darcy*

I went on a amazon shopping spree because of you!!!!

 

Hehe

Remy

[bdgrange]

Hello all

 

"The twilight Samurai" is a film directed by Yamada and is excellent.

It stars a very fine actor Hiroyuki Sanada, rec'd best actor award.

Some may recall his support role as Ujio in "The last Samurai" with

Tom Cruise. The female star in Twilight Samurai is Rie Miyazawa who

also rec'd Best Actress award for this portrayal. She does a great

job in a new film by Korededa called Maborosi, After Life. A gentle comedy drama featuring bushido seeking humor through revenge.

Curiosly there is another film called "The Hidden Blade" also directed by Yamada that parallels Twilight Samurai with excellent sword play.

Last but not least is another new film by Yamada again, called "Bushi no Ichibun". It has a great ending in spite of tragic circimstances.

All of these are unlike most Japanese films and have good endings.

I am also reminded of "After the Rain" which is one of my favorites.

best

bdgrange

[pcfarrar]

Semi Shigure (A Chorus of Cicada) my latest favorite.

 

Anyone have any idea where I can get a copy of this movie with english subs?

[Pete Klein]

I bought mine from Merlin at the San Fran show. I haven't seen anything available but if I find any I'll post it. It's superb.

[Bungo]

The film is Black Rain (not that Michael Douglas rubbish).....................

 

yo, dude, I like Black Rain ( the one with Michael Douglas und Andy Garcia ).

Extremely entertaining and don't tell me you felt sorry for Sato at the mud figthing scene !!

 

milt the ronin

[remzy]

Hehe Milt.. i liked it too! .. well from what i can remember..

I couldnt find the old version of "black rain" tho.. if anyone know where to fetch it, let us know?

thanks !

[Bungo]

yeah, lot better than that Sean Connery flick about sensei /sahai relationship( OR WHATEVER, SOUNDS SOMETHING LIKE THAT )........enough already, that's truely a piece of crap !!

 

milt the ronin

[Ed]

I am not sure about the newer releases but most of the old classics can be purchased through Merlins web site "SamuraiDVD".

 

http://www.samuraidvd.com/

[pcfarrar]

I am not sure about the newer releases but most of the old classics can be purchased through Merlins web site "SamuraiDVD".

 

http://www.samuraidvd.com/

 

Does every DVD on that site have english subs?

[Mike]

Just saw yesterday the film "The hidden blade" very strong one, such as "Twilight samurai". Mike

[Ed]

Does every DVD on that site have english subs?

 

Peter,

As far as I know they all do, but if in doubt you should confirm with Merlin prior to ordering.

[pcfarrar]

Peter,

As far as I know they all do, but if in doubt you should confirm with Merlin prior to ordering.

 

Thanks Ed, I bought a copy of "A Chorus of Cicada" from Merlin in the end.

[Guest reinhard]

A "must see". Way above Hollywood trash like the "last samurai" and the like.