Samurai Rebellion
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VHS Movie Reviews of Samurai Rebellion
Movie Review: Excellent movie in the "serious" Janpanese movie making tradition
Summary: 5 Stars
I bought thi one and came to deeply regret the ones I recently bought which, in my view, have departed from the fine Japanese movie making tradition led by Directors who have given us "Rashomon", "The seven Samurais", "Ran", "Yojimbo", "The bridge of resurrction", "Samurai fiction", "the twilight Samurai", etc...
"Samurai rebellion" should stand tall among Japanese movie masterpieces/
T. Newin
Movie Review: A grim fable of loyalty and love
Summary: 5 Stars
In a Japanese movie, if a samurai falls in love it is bound to end badly. Unquestioned, absolute loyalty is expected to be given to you lord, a theme as canonized in the myriad versions of the 47 Loyal Ronin. A samurai who loves might doubt this loyalty, and feel himself torn between love and duty, or giri and ninjo, as it is said in Japanese.
"Samurai Rebellion" ("J?i-uchi: Hairy? tsuma shimatsu" literal title "Rebellion: Receive the Wife") plays with these familiar themes, already well established by the chambara, or sword-fight, genre. The difference here is director Kobayashi Masaki and lead actor Mifune Toshiro, each an absolute virtuoso of their respective games.
In these talented hands, the film rises to an entirely different level. Kobayashi's amazing eye for imagery and Mifune's cool, possessed genius are captivating. The story is a slow political chess match. The samurai Isaburo (Mifune), an aging relic from a different time, subtly directs one end of the board. Lord Masakata on the other end, a decadent buffoon who seeks pleasure and status, commanding loyalty out of tradition rather than respect. In the middle are the game pieces. Isaburo's young son Yogoro, being guided into what his father hopes is a better life, one with honor, love and self-respect. Yogoro's wife Ichi, misused by the Lord and now demanded back. Tatewaki, an honorable Samurai, the only one a match for Isaburo's sword-skill.
But all is not politics, for underneath the game board is dynamite with a long, slow fuse. A fuse which Lord Masakata lights when he finds himself on the losing side of the game. The explosion is an incredible spectacle, allowing Mifune to flex his acting muscles in a different direction, becoming the super-samurai of unparalleled skill in a way that only Mifune can. It ends in duel between Isaburo and Tatewaki, long time friends and sad enemies. It ends badly.
"Samurai Rebellion" is head-and-shoulders above your standard chambara film, on par with Kurosowa, and that is saying something. A powerful story, moving imagery and engrossing acting. Definitely something to watch for any fan of the genre.
Movie Review: A grim fable of loyalty and love
Summary: 5 Stars
In a Japanese movie, if a samurai falls in love it is bound to end badly. Unquestioned, absolute loyalty is expected to be given to you lord, a theme as canonized in the myriad versions of the 47 Loyal Ronin. A samurai who loves might doubt this loyalty, and feel himself torn between love and duty, or giri and ninjo, as it is said in Japanese.
"Samurai Rebellion" ("J?i-uchi: Hairy? tsuma shimatsu" literal title "Rebellion: Receive the Wife") plays with these familiar themes, already well established by the chambara, or sword-fight, genre. The difference here is director Kobayashi Masaki and lead actor Mifune Toshiro, each an absolute virtuoso of their respective games.
In these talented hands, the film rises to an entirely different level. Kobayashi's amazing eye for imagery and Mifune's cool, possessed genius are captivating. The story is a slow political chess match. The samurai Isaburo (Mifune), an aging relic from a different time, subtly directs one end of the board. Lord Masakata on the other end, a decadent buffoon who seeks pleasure and status, commanding loyalty out of tradition rather than respect. In the middle are the game pieces. Isaburo's young son Yogoro, being guided into what his father hopes is a better life, one with honor, love and self-respect. Yogoro's wife Ichi, misused by the Lord and now demanded back. Tatewaki, an honorable Samurai, the only one a match for Isaburo's sword-skill.
But all is not politics, for underneath the game board is dynamite with a long, slow fuse. A fuse which Lord Masakata lights when he finds himself on the losing side of the game. The explosion is an incredible spectacle, allowing Mifune to flex his acting muscles in a different direction, becoming the super-samurai of unparalleled skill in a way that only Mifune can. It ends in duel between Isaburo and Tatewaki, long time friends and sad enemies. It ends badly.
"Samurai Rebellion" is head-and-shoulders above your standard chambara film, on par with Kurosowa, and that is saying something. A powerful story, moving imagery and engrossing acting. Definitely something to watch for any fan of the genre.
Movie Review: An Obscure Jewel
Summary: 5 Stars
I am a big Kurosawa fan, so I don't make the following statement lightly: this film is as good as any thing Kurosawa directed.
The film explores the boundaries of loyalty; loyalty to the clan, loyalty to Bushido, loyalty to family, and, most importantly, loyalty to Love.
It is set in peacetime in the 17th century; the civil wars are over, and there's not much for the protagonist samurai (Toshiro Mifune)to do except his bureaucratic clan duties. The head of the clan forces Mifune's son to marry a cast-off mistress. Mifune and his son then discover what a jewel the woman is when surrounded by a family's love. The clan leader later demands the woman back. Simple plot. However, this demand for the woman's return brings all the competing loyalties into conflict. What Mifune and his son (and the woman) decide to do by way of response is noble, truly noble. They show their ultimate loyalty to the love they have for each other. Of course, this draws down on them confrontation with the clan, with Bushido, and with every norm of samurai life of the time.
The lesson I get from this movie is that one must live (and die) for the very best of values; the love between people.
I hope that Criterion makes this into a DVD. The film deserves it.
Movie Review: A Japanese Jane Austen -- except for everyone dying
Summary: 5 Stars
I just saw this film and it was not what I expected. It is not in any usual sense an action flick--much more an exploration of the complexity of marriage, family, and clan in feudal Japan.
The Jane Austen analog is real: the heros of the movie seek personal happiness (and honor--it IS a Japanese movie) while others mainly manuever for status and position.
Most of the movie is very non-violent, but the brief periods of violence are graphic in a style I do associate with this genre.