General discussion (non-Usagi Yojimbo related) about all things Japan -- Feudal Japan, Samurai, Ninjas, Anime & Manga, Chambara films, Japanese Pop Culture, Otaku, martial arts, history, sushi, giant robots, Godzilla... anything Japan-related!
I am very excited because I have been waiting for these two films to finally become available with English sub-titles on decently produced disks for quite a while now. They have been available in France for some time, but they have never had an official American DVD release.
GREAT KILLING, THE Dai Satsujin - 1964 - B/W -16:9 Widescreen - Extras
When a revolt is imminent, the suspects are quickly rounded up and arrested, but one escapes which leads to one of the most exciting and violent stories from master filmmaker Kudo Eiichi. With an all-star cast that perfectly brings 17th Century Japan to life, this tale brings together a mixture which includes a kindly drunken gambler, a mad monk, a philosopher and his niece, and a poor samurai. Together they launch a new plot against the government which brings about one of the greatest on-screen battles in movie history. A true classic and a cornerstone of Japanese Cinema.
In one of the greatest films to come from Japan, the lord of the Oshi fief is killed by his trespassing neighbor, the cruel and despotic Nariatsu, son of the former Shogun. After a biased investigation, the Oshi clan is blamed for what happened and sentenced to be disbanded. Eleven of the best samurai of the clan refuse the sentence and are willing to give their lives for justice. Noted director Kudo Eiichi reached the zenith of his career with this exciting film about the turbulent days of the Oshi clan! Featuring an all-star cast in one of the most memorable motion pictures from the Toei studio.
Receiving a confidential order from a senior executive of the Tokugawa Shogunate, 13 samurai warriors set about plotting to assassinate Matsudaira Nariaki, chief of the Akashi feudal clan who is extraordinarily cruel and lewd. The group has 60 days to achieve the goal by ambushing the Akashi procession returning from Edo after a one-year attendance. How can the 13 assassins, who are given only one chance and not allowed to fail, engage the 53-person procession and kill Nariaki? The assassins thrilling plan and actions reach the climax in a war of slaughter depicted with breathtaking, heroic reality.
If anyone is interested, The great Killing and Eleven Samurai are available for sale at $15 each, and Thirteen Assassins for $10, plus shipping through the KUROTOKAGI GUMI web-site at: http://www.kurotokagi.com/
Last edited by Steve Hubbell on Wed Jan 09, 2008 2:50 -0700, edited 2 times in total.
It's interesting to see that both "The Great Killing" and "13 Assassins" have the same cover; Quite economic...or has anybody made a tiny mistake here...?
Last edited by Thomas Froehling on Tue Jan 08, 2008 10:06 -0700, edited 1 time in total.
Greetings from overseas
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* Everybody is an alien.... in almost all parts of the universe !*
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Thomas Froehling wrote:It's interesting to see that both "The Great Killing" and "13 Assassins" have the same cover; Quite economic...or has anybody made a tiny mistake here...?
What are you talking about? They don't have the same covers! There is no mistake, you must be seeing things!
Thomas Froehling wrote:It's interesting to see that both "The Great Killing" and "13 Assassins" have the same cover; Quite economic...or has anybody made a tiny mistake here...?
What are you talking about? They don't have the same covers! There is no mistake, you must be seeing things!
Oh, ehm.....Ah, ehm, now I see; must have been my dirty glasses...
Greetings from overseas
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* Everybody is an alien.... in almost all parts of the universe !*
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Okay, now to get back to the topic of samurai films, here is another one directed by Eiichi Kudo. There was almost two decades between when Kudo made the first three films posted above and when he made this film, but I don't know if that really means anything significant.
I bought this a couple weeks ago but just got around to watching today.
Another superb performance by major star Takahashi Hideki as a graceful ronin swords man highlights this violent tale of old Japan. The ronin, Sako Kanbei has to rescue the beautiful Princess Tsubaki from danger while young samurai of the Numata Clan stand up against their corrupt Chief Retainer and evil clan mistress. Kanbei wants to develop his swordsmanship only for himself, he finds that he has been implicated in a crime and must fight for justice in the ultimate battle to redeem his innocence. The swordplay in this film is reminiscent of the Lone Wolf and Cub series with its brutal and extended action sequences and awesome finale. A powerful motion picture about honor, love and cold steel!
Excellent movie, very very enjoyable. You have to just love a film where the main character is in a sword fight against dozens of other samurai, and he is the one chasing them!
This one is also currently offered at the sale price of $10 (worth every penny of it) through the KUROTOKAGI GUMI web-site at: http://www.kurotokagi.com/
I am not sure if anyone is interested, but these are the latest Samurai films which I have ordered on DVD through the KUROTOKAGI GUMI web-site at: http://www.kurotokagi.com/
A sequel to the popular samurai-ninja movie ON PATROL. Ukyonosuke's mission to avenge his father's death continues. He discovers that a mysterious note written by his father, Inspector Sena, led to Sena's murder 18 years ago. As Ukyonosuke continues further with his invest-igation into the conspiracy to uncover the truth behind Sena's death, he must confront those eager to take his life. (TV Broadcast quality)
THE THIRD CONTEST Mondonosuke Sanban Shobu - 1965 - Color - Widescreen
When Mondonosuke, a young sword student has a bad dream about his sensei being killed in a duel, he takes it upon himself to return to Edo and see if his teacher needs help. In the three years since he left Edo, he has mastered the secret sword style "Sadanami-giri", that was originated by Sir Ikkaku, who had taken Mondonosuke under his wing after the young man had been expelled from Master Katakura Ikkansai's "Tenchi Jinen Dojo". This is perhaps the finest film performance by noted samurai actor Okawa Hashizo, the most popular of all Toei film stars. Expertly staged sword-fights and an intelligent story make this an exciting motion picture that you cannot miss! (TV Broadcast quality)
A skilled assassin's services are called upon to put an end to the ugly turf battle between two yakuza families, Mitsuwa and Aikawa. With an all-star cast that not only includes two of Toei's biggest stars Otomo Ryutaro and Okawa Hashizo, but also has a special guest appearance by famed Toho actor Shimura Takashi, this is one of the more serious films from Toei Studio during the golden age of samurai films. Forced by the code of the yakuza to put one's life on the line for a Boss who offered a meal and lodging, each side manages to get hold of powerful swordsmen who will stop at nothing to pay their obligations. A truly stunning motion picture that is not to be missed!
This is NOT the Hawaii Tv recording! Re-mastered from a new superior print! With removable English Subtitles and DVD Extras.
OK, This is mixed bunch of films here. The first one is a Zatoichi DVD I watched last night, I bought it a few weeks back from Merlin at www.samuraidvd.com and really enjoyed it. The second episode was very ... differant, to say the least.
ZATOICHI TV - GRAND FINALE
For the first time ever, the Grand Finale of the Zato Ichi story comes to DVD. These two episodes were written and directed by one of Japan's most distinguished filmmakers Teshigahara Hiroshi and elevate the Blind Swordsman from genre hero to fine art. After 25 feature films from 1962 through 1974, the television series lasted 4 years and helped keep alive the legend of the blind wandering gambler/masseur with the lightning fast sword. There were 100 episodes over the 4 seasons and while all of them are very good to excellent, this 2 part finale brings the series and the character to an exciting conclusion unlike anything that ever went before or after.
Episode 99: "The Rainbow Journey" takes Ichi to the inner chambers of a daimyo lord's concubine. A beautiful woman with a deadly secret holds the key to a treasure chest containing 1,000 gold coins. Can Ichi survive against the political activists who want to bring down the government with their bloody blades?
Episode 100: "The Dream Journey" intersperses Ichi's innermost fears and desires with the harsh realities of being a blind man who dreams only of being able to see the sun once more before he dies. With spectacular cinematography and plenty of dynamic swordplay, can Ichi conquer fear and defeat his most formidable adversary?
See Zato Ichi like never before in this stunning work of art!
The next three are films I have on order through the KUROTOKAGI GUMI web-site....
JUROKUMON KARASUDO: THE EDO FORTUNE-TELLER Jurokumon Karasudo - 1982 - Color - Fullscreen - Extras
An exciting tale about the life and times of Karasudo a traveling fortune-teller during Japan's Edo Period. There are plenty of twists and turns to the plot as the fortune-teller turns out to be more than he seems. Starring Amachi Shigeru, one of Japan's most ren-owned sword actors as Karasudo, who charges 16 mon for his fortune-telling skill, but asks for nothing when it comes to swordplay. His merciless blade is stained with
the blood of his enemies when he uncovers a sinister plot and finds that his martial arts skill must be called into action. An unusual and highly entertaining story, about a man not to be trifled with.
Re-mastered from a new superior print, with removable English subtitles.
I picked this one because it just sounded interesting. I do not believe I have seen anything featuring Shigeru Amachi or directed by Kiyotada Nagano, so I am going into this one blind.
NEMURI KYOSHIRO 2: "CONSPIRACY IN EDO CASTLE" Nemuri Kyoshiro 2 - 1993 - Color - Fullscreen - Extras
This is the second TV special of Nemuri Kyoshiro starring Tamura Masakazu. Story: Sakai Nobunari an Elder in 'Honmaru' (or the main enclosure) and Mizuno Tadakuni an Elder in 'Nishinomaru' (or the south-east enclosure) have been at odds behind the scenes over the marriage of Tokugawa Ieyoshi, heir to the Shogunate. Kyoshiro, who has come back in Edo after 3 years is involved in it against his will. It's because he gets to know Lady Mihoyo who is a spy for Sakai and looks exactly like his late mother. As she couldn't complete her mission she has nowhere to go. Kyoshiro shelters her from both parties that seek her life. The original story is from "Nemuri Kyoshiro Burai Hikae" written by Shibata Renzaburo. Not only is one of Japan’s greatest legends kept alive, but some secrets of Kyoshiro's past are finally revealed for the first time. You must see this film to learn the real story of the 'Full Moon' killer! With actor Tamura's superb and very stylish swordplay, a great storyline, and excellent music score, this is a must-have for any fan of Nemuri Kyoshiro!
This is NOT the Hawaii Tv recording! Re-mastered from a new superior print!
I have watched and enjoyed the first tv movie featuring Masakazu Tamura as Nemuri Kyoshiro, as well as a film called "The Flower Sword" which was good despite the title. Tamura is also in a revisionist version of Lone Wolf and Cub (Kozure Okami: Sono chisaki te ni) which was made in the early 90's.
It's a rare occasion when a noted filmmaker like Yamauchi Tetsuya gets to re-visit a previous film, and in this re-make of NINJA GARI, he not only does that, but has created an even better piece. While the original from 1964 starred the great old-time actor Konoe Jushiro, this version is perfectly cast with his son Matsukata Hiroki in the lead as Wadakuro, one of four ronin hired to fight against the Shogunate's plot to abolish the
Gamo Clan, who are struggling to reinstate their young heir Tanemaru as their Lord.
Facing the threat of the Koga Ninja, Wadakuro shows his own cruelty while on a personal vendetta. This is a very brutal film, with lots of realistic ninja action, violent deaths, a dark story line and is completely without any light-hearted 'humor' elements that Toei used to incorperate back in the golden era. And with Matsukata Hiroki's outstanding martial skills, the swordplay is even better in this one. This is definitely one of the best ninja movies ever made!
If I like this one, I might pick up the original b/w version as well.
The last one here is a film which was just offered through the special subscriber's only newsletter from Merlin at www.samuraidvd.com (sign up for his newsletter ASAP and get great offers at special reduced prices on brand new DVDs).
VENGEANCE IS SUCH A GREAT BUSINESS (Sukedachiya Sukeroku)
This is the final movie from Okamoto Kihachi, the filmmaker who directed such great movies as "Sword Of Doom", "Kill", and "Red Lion". With an equal mix of violence and humor he has forged a career that spanned over 4 decades and created some of the most memorable films to ever come out of Japan. This is no exception, and the hand of a master is evident in his treatment of this highly entertaining story.
In a world where vendettas are officially sanctioned, the people sometimes needed help in carrying out their vengeance. Sanada Hiroyuki stars as Sukeroku the Helper, a 'cool and rambling yakuza' that has made a business out of helping victims carry out their revenge. When he returns to his hometown to pay a visit to his mother's grave he meets a deadly ronin who carries a secret which eventually leads him into a vendetta of his own. With terrific performances by Sanada and Nakadai Tatsuya as the mysterious old ronin, this film brings back the golden era of Japanese cinema!
SANADA Hiroyuki, SUZUKI Kyoka, NAKADAI Tatsuya Music by: YAMASHITA Yosuke Directed by: OKAMOTO Kihachi
I am going to order this one very soon since I have liked everything I've seen starring Nakadai Tatsuya (Sword of Doom, Harakiri, Goyokin, etc) and everything directed by Kihachi Okamoto. Hiroyuki Sanada was also great in the Twilight Samurai.
If you have Dish network and get KungFu Network they play the restored Zatoichi films almost constantly. My friend and I are recording them to our DVRs as fast as they come out.
Also a great place for all kinds of Martial Arts films
WARNING, my FurAffinity site WILL have naughty Adult stuff on it.
