The Must-Watch Samurai Flick Is Available for Free, with Timeless Appeal
Similar to the first installment, the recent release from Sucker Punch Productions, the action title, celebrates famous Japanese cinema artists by means of exclusive display settings. Whereas the initial game had only a black-and-white homage to the iconic warrior movies of the legendary director, the follow-up sees a partnership with the popular anime creator the acclaimed artist for a visual style that introduces chill music. Additionally, it offers a special Miike setting that enhances blood and mud in battles and positions the camera nearer to the fight.
Miike is known for a varied body of work, including movies covering gritty crime stories, kids’ movies, and live-action manga adaptations. Yet, when searching for a starting point, fans who love the samurai sword fights of Ghost of Yōtei needs to watch Takashi's the samurai epic, an excellent warrior movie.
A Classic Reimagining including Intense Action
Released in 2010, 13 Assassins reimagines of the original movie of identical title from filmmaker the pioneering director. It follows a band of killers who, facing overwhelming odds, set out to kill the cruel Lord Matsudaira Naritsugu (played by the talented actor) to prevent him from entering the Shogunate Council. Various leaders worry that Naritsugu rising to power would cause civil war as he’s left a legacy of noble blood in his wake, while his familial ties to the Shōgun have protected him.
Due to his cruelty and a gory ending, the film is hardly a movie for the faint of heart. It begins with a character resisting Naritsugu’s ascent by taking his own life, ritual suicide by slicing through one’s abdomen. The villain's brutality are not merely hinted at by the cast, they’re shown. He aims bows at helpless workers, and assaults a female before killing her spouse.
The assassins are justified, to say the least.
The fighter Shimada Shinzaemon (played by the renowned actor) takes on the mission of eliminating the lord. The majority of the initial segment of the film focuses on showing Naritsugu’s threat while Shinzaemon gathers companions. He and his assassins then travel to a town where they set a snare for the villain (fighting foes on the route). Once the group arrives, Miike hits his stride.
The Spectacular Finale and Clear Fight Scenes
The film’s final act reveals why 13 Assassins stands as such a popular samurai film. The assassins are not passive for Naritsugu to deliver himself their blades. Facing 200 with only 13, and have to use all available resources to take down Naritsugu’s forces. Specifically, transforming the location of Ochiai as a weapon. (The people, who get away and stay out of the bloodshed.) The setting turns into an advantage; the group set up various devices and obstacles that could inspire the fictional hero jealous, using all means to secure an advantage in the upcoming fight.
That battle is glorious — and well-staged. You won’t find the shaky cam of modern action movies muddying up the action, or straightforward moments needing a million cuts. Rather, wide shots and superb fight planning leave no room for visual confusion, turning an already exciting extended battle sequence all the better. The combat is easy to see, when many opponents pounce on (and get killed by) a single warrior in a field of katanas, as an instance.
How 13 Assassins Remains Relevant
Returning to this classic, viewers notice why the creators connects more gore and dirt with the director; the assassins and their foes just get caked in the mess. Not a single person emerges unharmed, and the remaining fighters at the end are soiled by the dirt and blood. It also feels very authentic, with few computer graphics employed only for blasts around town. The realism of the costumes, sets, and fight scenes lend the movie something of a timeless feel; though it's been years today, yet appears as if it may have debuted recently.
If Ghost of Yōtei users take a pause from engaging in samurai action and only desire to see some warrior battles, fans ought to view 13 Assassins. Takashi's samurai flick matches ideally with the experience, and is essential viewing for any fans of samurai stories.
