Samurai Films by Thorne Roland

Author:Thorne, Roland [Thorne, Roland]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781842434789
Publisher: Independent Publishers Group
Published: 2008-11-01T06:00:00+00:00

ANALYSIS

Samurai Assassin is a film rich with irony, suspense and violence. Directed by Kihachi Okamoto, who also made the thoroughly entertaining Sword of Doom and Kill!, Samurai Assassin is without doubt a standout samurai film.

The rich vein of irony that runs through Samurai Assassin is by far the film’s most distinguishing feature. If you’ve skipped the above plot summary hoping not to spoil the film, then I suggest you stop reading this analysis, and see Samurai Assassin as soon as you can. Unfortunately, it is impossible to discuss this film without referring to some of the revelations contained within the plot.

Niiro Tsuruchiyo is so desperate to become an employed samurai that he joins a group of conspirators, who seek to kill Li Naosuke, a daimyo who has earned the ire of several clans. Li turns out to be Niiro’s father, who could potentially make him a samurai, but Niiro, ignorant of this and desperate to impress the other clans, brutally kills Li. Furthermore, Li is the only man holding the Shogunate government together; without him, it will collapse, taking with it the samurai class. Niiro is completely unaware of the self-destructive nature of his actions, and there is a delicious sense of irony to this plot, which stays with the viewer for some time after the film. The scene of Niiro triumphantly staggering along, with Li’s head on the end of his sword, is not only disturbing, but also strangely satisfying, as it serves to cement the ironic tone of Samurai Assassin. Like all good tragedies, we know how this film is going to end, and like many samurai films, Samurai Assassin doesn’t take the easy road with a happy ending. As we are left with the image of Niiro with his father’s head on the end of his sword, we can only wonder at what will happen to him when he discovers the truth of what he has done.

Okamoto’s direction in Samurai Assassin is of the high standard that fans have come to expect of him, especially in the battle scenes. The epic and extremely gory battle at the end of the film has got to be one of the finest in the genre. It begins with rapidly cut shots of the conspirators preparing themselves for the arrival of Li’s entourage. They perform fast actions, checking swords, shutting umbrellas and kicking their sandals off – creating an impression of tension and anticipation. Once the battle actually starts, Okamoto spares no blood. The screen is filled with flailing bodies, striking at each other any way they can, covered in their own blood and that of their enemies. This all takes place on a thick cover of snow, which is quickly stained a dark colour. Snow falling from the sky also obscures the audience’s view, creating a sense of chaotic confusion, which is suitable for the frenetic scenes taking place. Niiro’s beheading of Li is particularly gory, with blood literally filling the entire screen.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.