This Highly Recommended Japanese Warrior Movie Is Streaming for Free, and It's Never Been More Relevant
Similar to its predecessor, the latest production from the acclaimed game developer, Ghost of Yōtei, pays tribute to famous Japan's cinema artists via exclusive display settings. Whereas Ghost of Tsushima included just a grayscale homage to the timeless cinema of Akira Kurosawa, the new game features a collaboration with the cult series director Shinichirō Watanabe for a display option that adds lo-fi beats. Additionally, it offers a director-inspired feature that enhances gore and dirt in combat and positions the camera closer to the action.
The director is known for a wide-ranging collection of films, with his films covering gritty crime stories, children's entertainment, and live-action manga adaptations. But if you’re looking for a entry point, viewers appreciating the samurai sword fights of Ghost of Yōtei should see the director's the action film, a bloody good Japanese film.
An Iconic New Version featuring Powerful Drama
First shown in the year 2010, this film is a remake of the original movie of the same name from filmmaker the original creator. The story centers on a group of killers who, heavily outmatched, embark to kill the sadistic the evil ruler (played by Goro Inagaki) before he can entering the ruling body. Other lords fear that his promotion would lead to internal conflict due to his a trail of aristocratic deaths in his wake, yet his family connections to the Shōgun have kept him safe from justice.
Because of the lord's deeds and a violent climax, the film is hardly a flick for those who are squeamish. It begins with a character protesting the lord's rise by committing seppuku, the traditional act by cutting the stomach. The lord’s sadistic acts go beyond mentions by other characters, viewers see them. He shoots projectiles at defenseless servants, and assaults a female before decapitating the man.
The heroes are justified, certainly.
The samurai the leader (played by Koji Yakusho) is assigned taking out Naritsugu. The majority of the opening acts of this story is spent establishing Naritsugu’s threat while the assassin gathers companions. He and his assassins move to a town where they can ambush the villain (fighting foes on the route). Once the group arrives, Takashi hits his stride.
The Spectacular Conclusion featuring Well-Choreographed Battles
The ending reveals why this movie is now such a popular warrior movie. The assassins don’t just lie in wait for the lord to deliver himself their blades. Outnumbered 13 to 200, and need to employ everything at their disposal to take down the enemy army. Namely, converting the whole village of the setting as a weapon. (The people, who thankfully flee and aren’t caught up of the violence.) The location becomes a weapon; the group construct numerous snares and defenses that might envy Kevin McAllister jealous, employing every strategy to secure an advantage in the battle to come.
The fight is glorious — and well-staged. There is no the jerky camera of other thrillers muddying up the sequences, or straightforward moments requiring too many edits. Instead, wide shots and excellent choreography leave no room for unclear scenes, rendering an naturally gripping prolonged conflict more enjoyable. The combat is easy to see, even as countless enemies pounce on (and are slaughtered by) one fighter in a scene of blades, as an instance.
How This Film Remains Timeless
Watching again the film, it's clear why the creators links increased blood and mud with the director; the combatants are drenched in the mess. None emerges unharmed, and the remaining fighters at the end are covered in the dirt and blood. Plus, it appears very realistic, with few computer graphics applied solely to explosions throughout the village. The realism of the outfits, scenery, and action lend this film an almost classic vibe; it’s 15 years old by now, and appears as if it may have debuted recently.
Whenever players fans need a break from experiencing samurai action and only desire to see some samurai action, it's wise to watch the movie. Takashi's samurai flick matches ideally with the experience, and is a must watch for all enthusiasts of the genre.
