This is a big-budget film about the end of the era of the samurai in Japan. I'm not going to say it's much of a samurai film, because it would be disingenuous to call it such. There's really not much fighting or swordplay. In fact, the main character appears to be a samurai only in the literal sense - he's some sort of Japanese noble that works in some administrative post, being some sort of logistics or accounting employee in a filthy kimono who doesn't even own a proper sword. There are some fights, but it's mostly dialogue.
Probably devotees of Japanese history will find it most interesting how the old order is coming apart at the seams. Leaders are hesitant to order harakiri when they apparently would have otherwise and clan members are reluctant to do it when ordered. Girls are being educated in things that used to be the domain of boys and you can see some gun training in the backround. The old order is on the brink of changing, and we see subtle signs of this through the life trials of this middle class widower.
Unfortunately, this character is not very compelling. He keeps turning down good opportunities just because he's shy and stubborn. He's completely unadventurous and rejects every opportunity for betterment unless forced. At one point an official from his clan yells at him for babbling a bunch of nonsense when a task is requested of him, as does his own uncle. They were probably trying to make him out as this humble good guy, but he just turns out seeming feeble and anxious. The scolding he takes from various characters is well-deserved.
It's a well-crafted film, but the protagonist isn't great and there's really not much samurai-ing going on.
Honourable Mentions: Harakiri (1962) This movie focuses on dialogue and a tragic storyline as well, but I found it more compelling of a samurai film than this one. In fact, I think it's the best of the bunch.
Probably devotees of Japanese history will find it most interesting how the old order is coming apart at the seams. Leaders are hesitant to order harakiri when they apparently would have otherwise and clan members are reluctant to do it when ordered. Girls are being educated in things that used to be the domain of boys and you can see some gun training in the backround. The old order is on the brink of changing, and we see subtle signs of this through the life trials of this middle class widower.
Unfortunately, this character is not very compelling. He keeps turning down good opportunities just because he's shy and stubborn. He's completely unadventurous and rejects every opportunity for betterment unless forced. At one point an official from his clan yells at him for babbling a bunch of nonsense when a task is requested of him, as does his own uncle. They were probably trying to make him out as this humble good guy, but he just turns out seeming feeble and anxious. The scolding he takes from various characters is well-deserved.
It's a well-crafted film, but the protagonist isn't great and there's really not much samurai-ing going on.
Honourable Mentions: Harakiri (1962) This movie focuses on dialogue and a tragic storyline as well, but I found it more compelling of a samurai film than this one. In fact, I think it's the best of the bunch.