This Highly Recommended Japanese Warrior Film Can Be Available for Zero Charge, and It's Never Been More Relevant
Similar to the original, the recent release from Sucker Punch Productions, Ghost of Yōtei, pays tribute to celebrated Japan's cinema artists via exclusive display settings. Where Ghost of Tsushima featured solely a grayscale nod to the iconic warrior movies of the legendary director, the sequel sees a partnership with the cult series director the visionary for a presentation mode that adds relaxing rhythms. Additionally, it offers a Takashi Miike Mode that increases blood and mud in fights and positions the view nearer to the fight.
The director is known for a diverse collection of films, with his films encompassing violent gangster tales, children's entertainment, and animated series brought to life. Yet, when searching for a starting point, fans enjoying the blade battles of this title needs to check out the director's the samurai epic, an excellent samurai flick.
A Timeless New Version including Intense Thrills
Released in the year 2010, the movie updates of the classic of similar name from filmmaker Eiichi Kudo. It follows a team of assassins who, vastly outnumbered, venture to kill the sadistic Lord Matsudaira Naritsugu (acted by the performer) before he can entering the Shogunate Council. Various leaders are concerned that his ascent would trigger internal conflict as he’s left a trail of aristocratic deaths following him, and his family connections to the Shōgun have kept him safe from justice.
Because of Naritsugu’s actions and a blood-filled final act, this movie is not a movie for those who are squeamish. It begins with a character protesting Naritsugu’s ascent by committing seppuku, the ceremonial death by disembowelment. The villain's brutality go beyond mentions by the cast, viewers see them. He fires arrows at helpless workers, and rapes a woman before beheading her husband.
The assassins are in the right, to say the least.
The fighter the leader (played by Koji Yakusho) takes on the mission of taking out Naritsugu. The majority of the initial segment of the movie focuses on detailing his menace as the assassin gathers companions. The group journey to a location where they plan to trap Naritsugu (battling adversaries on the route). Once the group arrives, the director really gets cooking.
The Grand Finale and Well-Choreographed Battles
The film’s final act reveals why 13 Assassins is now such a beloved warrior movie. The assassins do not simply hide for their target to walk into their weapons. Facing 200 with only 13, and have to use all available resources to overcome the opposing side. Namely, transforming the whole village of the setting into a trap. (But not its citizens, who safely escape and aren’t caught up of the violence.) The town itself is used as a tool; the group build numerous snares and barriers that could inspire Kevin McAllister jealous, employing every strategy to secure an advantage in the conflict ahead.
The confrontation is spectacular — and clear to watch. You won’t find the unsteady footage of a Bourne film muddying up the scenes, or simple sequences using too many edits. On the contrary, panoramic angles and excellent choreography avoid visual confusion, making an inherently thrilling extended battle sequence even more impressive. The action is always clear, even as numerous foes pounce on (and fall to) a lone swordsman in an arena of swords, for example.
Why 13 Assassins Is Timeless
Revisiting the film, you can see why the developers connects increased blood and mud with Takashi; the combatants just get caked in the elements. No one emerges unharmed, and the remaining fighters when it's over are covered in the aftermath. It also feels very grounded, with limited digital effects employed only for detonations around town. The practicality of the costumes, scenery, and fight scenes provide the movie a certain timeless feel; despite its age currently, but looks like it may have debuted just now.
If players users want to rest from experiencing samurai action and just want to watch plenty of samurai action, it's wise to check out this film. The director's samurai flick complements excellently with the experience, and should not be missed for any fans of samurai stories.
