Reviews (31)

Excellent Film and Action!
SWORD OF DOOM is one of the masterpieces of samurai, and action, cinema but certain aspects of it are difficult for non-Japanese audiences or viewers not familiar with the historical background of the subject.

Toshiro Mifune, who gives a fine performance as fencing master Toranosuke Shimada, once said in an interview, "We [the Japanese producers and filmmakers] know that many samurai films are shown outside of Japan, but we make no attempt to cater to that market." SWORD OF DOOM is a perfect example. It was made for Japanese audiences who are familiar with the original story which had been filmed and staged many times and was well-known. The Japanese audience is expected to be as familiar with the plot and historical details as an American audience watching a film about the Civil War or the Old West is expected to be.

Here are some plot points that may make the film a bit easier to understand for new viewers or for other viewers who previously watched it and got tripped up on some details. I know I did the first time I saw it theatrically. If you found the film difficult on the first viewing, give it another chance. And maybe these notes will help!

* In one scene, the main character Ryunosuke Tsukue changes his name to Yoshida after killing an opponent during a duel. The name change isn't explained in any detail. A subtitle simply identifies a sign outside his house as "Yoshida." Some characters now refer to him as Yoshida and others as Tsukue. Again, remember that Japanese audiences are probably familiar with the change.

* Tsukue first meets Shimada at his fencing school. Tsukue wants to challenge the student who won his match with "a splendid Do attack." This referrers to Kendo, the Japanese martial art of fencing. In Kendo, participants wear headgear and leather armor and fence with bamboo swords. Only certain areas on the body are legitimate striking points: the top of the head, the forearms, and the sides. When Tsukue defeats his opponent, Shimada says, "Men. He won." He's referring to a point scored, not addressing his students!

* In one scene, a title informs the viewer, "The Shinsen Group is formed!" The Shinsen Group (Shinsengumi) were a para-military group of swordsmen who vowed to protect the Tokugawa Shogunate which was losing its once vast power. Shinsengumi fought against anything that might weaken the Shogunate; including foreign influences and internal factions. The Shinsengumi have been portrayed many times in movies and TV shows. In some cases, they are portrayed as self-sacrificing patriots loyal to their country. In others, they are portrayed as a fascist military group killing anyone who opposes them or the Shogunate. Toshiro Mifune starred in and produced an excellent film about them called BAND OF ASSASSINS (SHINSENGUMI). Hopefully, AnimEigo will eventually release this.

* The final scene. What exactly happens? Does Tsukue kill dozens of men and then die? Does he survive to face the brother of the man he killed? Or is the entire battle only in his deranged mind? It's the last scenario. When Tsukue ran out of men to kill, his warped mind invented more. Of the three versions I've seen, (this version, a trilogy of films made in the 1950s by Tomu Uchida and another trilogy made in the 1960s by Kenji Misumi) this is the only version that doesn't explicitly show that Tsukue is imagining the final battle.

* What does happen to Tsukue? If you'd rather not find out, skip to the next paragraph. Tsukue is blinded during an explosion and becomes more of a sympatric figure. The avenging brother finally has a chance to settle with him during a violent storm. He hesitates to kill the nearly defenseless Tsukue. A flood washes Tsukue away to his death.

SWORD OF DOOM is a fantastic film to watch. The director, Kihachi Okamoto, was one of the most impressive visual stylists working in film. The final scene holds up beautifully today. The acting is excellent all around. Nakadai as Tsukue gives one of the screens best performances. Few actors could create such disturbingly nihilistic characters as Nakadai does in this performance. The character is a perfect contrast to Mifune's Shimada. Both are highly skilled swordsmen but Mifune knows that "an evil soul is an evil sword."

Now this is what a film should be...
This is perhaps the greatest non-Kurosawa (Director of: Seven Samurai, Yojimbo, etc..) Samurai film ever! (a) It has some of the greatest looking swordplay I've ever seen. (b) The protagonist is a bad guy (read: anti-hero) who looks and acts pure evil. (c) Toshiro Mifune is in it (though his part is short, he still takes out about 20+ guys in less than ten minutes). (d) Finally, it has what I would call the greatest samurai movie ending ever (what can I say, I like not knowing what exactly befalls the villain)! If just one of these does not make you want to buy this film, you're insane! My only complaint is that there is no DVD version!

Great movie, but abrupt ending!
I really enjoyed the heavy atmosphere and fight scenes in this movie, but was disappointed with the abrupt ending. I would have also liked to see more character development, particularly concerning Ryunosuke. It would have been interesting to see what the cause of his "evil" tendencies was. Overall, it was a very interesting, enjoyable movie and exposes the audience to other Japanese samurai films not directed by Kurosawa.

2 good fights, no story
First of all, I have to say that it was a very strange film. It was so poorly edited that transitions between scenes taking place in different times and places were unclear. You are watching one scene and then suddenly it's a year later, suddenly it's winter or suddenly you are with some group of people who just showed up in the film out of the blue. The film had a very strange pace -- slow moving scenes cut together like some sort of montage, some sort of loose collection of subplots that never meet.

I wouldn't have been so disappointed with the way the movie played if it wasn't for the compelling performances in it. The screen presence of Tatsuya Nakadai (Kagemushu, Ran) made it hard to look away. Though he was reserved there was an underlying madness that screamed out at every moment. His slow gait brought a horror element to every scene. It was a splendid performance wasted on a choppy film with no real story to tell other than, "This guy is evil."

[warning: spoilers]

I mentioned that the subplots never meet, that isn't entirely true but it seems so, especially at the end. There is no revenge, there is no answer - you are just left with a man gone mad. It's like they ran out of film. The final fight is brilliantly laid out, the villain lashes out like a drunk surgeon and it is a bloodbath. Then suddenly, the movie ends right in the middle of all this chaos. The character is forever trapped in a burning nest of vipers. He will forever be tormented there in my mind. Interesting but not satisfying.

The best moment in the film is the sword fight between Toshiro Mifune's character and forty assassins. Toshiro Mifune (The Seven Samurai, Yojimbo, Sanjuro, Rashomon) plays the head of a martial arts school who is training the brother of a man that the main character killed. When attacked by assassins, Toshiro slices them to pieces Yojimbo style and berates their leader. Then, he walks away unharmed.

There is never a duel between the main character and the brother of the man he killed. There is never a duel between him and Toshiro Mifune. The girl at the end isn't rescued. It isn't clear if the villain dies or not. We don't know what happened to his baby. Virtually all the subplots are left wide open. The film seems unfinished. It's crazy. I don't care what kind of statement we are supposed to get from that, there is no excuse. It's lazy. I didn't like it. I liked the two major swordfights. The rest of the movie looked cool but had nothing to offer. Watch Sanjuro again and don't bother with this film unless you really want to see the two sword fights. Toshiro's fight with the assassins was quite spellbinding.

film noir meets chambara
this film is a classic. the entire aesthetic of the film reminds me of the classic brooding dark film noirs of the forties and fifties. the antagonist of the film is doomed from the start, his evil ways eventually end up being his undoing, but not before tallying up a huge body count. sword of doom is definately a must see for samurai and film noir fans alike. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Boasting some of the most impressive swordplay in the history of samuraiepics, Sword of Doom is a visceral masterpiece of violent style andpowerful substance. Illustrating the timeless adage that "an evil soul wields anevil sword," this highly stylized classic is driven by the fierce and fearsomeperformance of Tatsuya Nakadai as Ryunosuke, a sociopathic samurai whosesoul--and sword--are vicious instruments of evil. Having mastered a highlyunconventional style of fencing, Ryunosuke welcomes an exhibition match at afencing school run by master swordsman Shimada (Toshirô Mifune, in a small butpivotal role), where he kills his opponent after promising not to. Flagrantlyviolating all codes of honor, Ryunosuke eventually finds himself challenged fromall sides; even his own henchmen rally against him, and director Kihachi Okamotostages confrontations that are as beautiful as they are graphically violent. AsRyunosuke descends into pure, bloodthirsty insanity, Sword of Doom endswith a freeze-frame that's unforgettably intense. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (31)

Excellent Film and Action!
SWORD OF DOOM is one of the masterpieces of samurai, and action, cinema but certain aspects of it are difficult for non-Japanese audiences or viewers not familiar with the historical background of the subject.

Toshiro Mifune, who gives a fine performance as fencing master Toranosuke Shimada, once said in an interview, "We [the Japanese producers and filmmakers] know that many samurai films are shown outside of Japan, but we make no attempt to cater to that market." SWORD OF DOOM is a perfect example. It was made for Japanese audiences who are familiar with the original story which had been filmed and staged many times and was well-known. The Japanese audience is expected to be as familiar with the plot and historical details as an American audience watching a film about the Civil War or the Old West is expected to be.

Here are some plot points that may make the film a bit easier to understand for new viewers or for other viewers who previously watched it and got tripped up on some details. I know I did the first time I saw it theatrically. If you found the film difficult on the first viewing, give it another chance. And maybe these notes will help!

* In one scene, the main character Ryunosuke Tsukue changes his name to Yoshida after killing an opponent during a duel. The name change isn't explained in any detail. A subtitle simply identifies a sign outside his house as "Yoshida." Some characters now refer to him as Yoshida and others as Tsukue. Again, remember that Japanese audiences are probably familiar with the change.

* Tsukue first meets Shimada at his fencing school. Tsukue wants to challenge the student who won his match with "a splendid Do attack." This referrers to Kendo, the Japanese martial art of fencing. In Kendo, participants wear headgear and leather armor and fence with bamboo swords. Only certain areas on the body are legitimate striking points: the top of the head, the forearms, and the sides. When Tsukue defeats his opponent, Shimada says, "Men. He won." He's referring to a point scored, not addressing his students!

* In one scene, a title informs the viewer, "The Shinsen Group is formed!" The Shinsen Group (Shinsengumi) were a para-military group of swordsmen who vowed to protect the Tokugawa Shogunate which was losing its once vast power. Shinsengumi fought against anything that might weaken the Shogunate; including foreign influences and internal factions. The Shinsengumi have been portrayed many times in movies and TV shows. In some cases, they are portrayed as self-sacrificing patriots loyal to their country. In others, they are portrayed as a fascist military group killing anyone who opposes them or the Shogunate. Toshiro Mifune starred in and produced an excellent film about them called BAND OF ASSASSINS (SHINSENGUMI). Hopefully, AnimEigo will eventually release this.

* The final scene. What exactly happens? Does Tsukue kill dozens of men and then die? Does he survive to face the brother of the man he killed? Or is the entire battle only in his deranged mind? It's the last scenario. When Tsukue ran out of men to kill, his warped mind invented more. Of the three versions I've seen, (this version, a trilogy of films made in the 1950s by Tomu Uchida and another trilogy made in the 1960s by Kenji Misumi) this is the only version that doesn't explicitly show that Tsukue is imagining the final battle.

* What does happen to Tsukue? If you'd rather not find out, skip to the next paragraph. Tsukue is blinded during an explosion and becomes more of a sympatric figure. The avenging brother finally has a chance to settle with him during a violent storm. He hesitates to kill the nearly defenseless Tsukue. A flood washes Tsukue away to his death.

SWORD OF DOOM is a fantastic film to watch. The director, Kihachi Okamoto, was one of the most impressive visual stylists working in film. The final scene holds up beautifully today. The acting is excellent all around. Nakadai as Tsukue gives one of the screens best performances. Few actors could create such disturbingly nihilistic characters as Nakadai does in this performance. The character is a perfect contrast to Mifune's Shimada. Both are highly skilled swordsmen but Mifune knows that "an evil soul is an evil sword."

Now this is what a film should be...
This is perhaps the greatest non-Kurosawa (Director of: Seven Samurai, Yojimbo, etc..) Samurai film ever! (a) It has some of the greatest looking swordplay I've ever seen. (b) The protagonist is a bad guy (read: anti-hero) who looks and acts pure evil. (c) Toshiro Mifune is in it (though his part is short, he still takes out about 20+ guys in less than ten minutes). (d) Finally, it has what I would call the greatest samurai movie ending ever (what can I say, I like not knowing what exactly befalls the villain)! If just one of these does not make you want to buy this film, you're insane! My only complaint is that there is no DVD version!

Great movie, but abrupt ending!
I really enjoyed the heavy atmosphere and fight scenes in this movie, but was disappointed with the abrupt ending. I would have also liked to see more character development, particularly concerning Ryunosuke. It would have been interesting to see what the cause of his "evil" tendencies was. Overall, it was a very interesting, enjoyable movie and exposes the audience to other Japanese samurai films not directed by Kurosawa.

2 good fights, no story
First of all, I have to say that it was a very strange film. It was so poorly edited that transitions between scenes taking place in different times and places were unclear. You are watching one scene and then suddenly it's a year later, suddenly it's winter or suddenly you are with some group of people who just showed up in the film out of the blue. The film had a very strange pace -- slow moving scenes cut together like some sort of montage, some sort of loose collection of subplots that never meet.

I wouldn't have been so disappointed with the way the movie played if it wasn't for the compelling performances in it. The screen presence of Tatsuya Nakadai (Kagemushu, Ran) made it hard to look away. Though he was reserved there was an underlying madness that screamed out at every moment. His slow gait brought a horror element to every scene. It was a splendid performance wasted on a choppy film with no real story to tell other than, "This guy is evil."

[warning: spoilers]

I mentioned that the subplots never meet, that isn't entirely true but it seems so, especially at the end. There is no revenge, there is no answer - you are just left with a man gone mad. It's like they ran out of film. The final fight is brilliantly laid out, the villain lashes out like a drunk surgeon and it is a bloodbath. Then suddenly, the movie ends right in the middle of all this chaos. The character is forever trapped in a burning nest of vipers. He will forever be tormented there in my mind. Interesting but not satisfying.

The best moment in the film is the sword fight between Toshiro Mifune's character and forty assassins. Toshiro Mifune (The Seven Samurai, Yojimbo, Sanjuro, Rashomon) plays the head of a martial arts school who is training the brother of a man that the main character killed. When attacked by assassins, Toshiro slices them to pieces Yojimbo style and berates their leader. Then, he walks away unharmed.

There is never a duel between the main character and the brother of the man he killed. There is never a duel between him and Toshiro Mifune. The girl at the end isn't rescued. It isn't clear if the villain dies or not. We don't know what happened to his baby. Virtually all the subplots are left wide open. The film seems unfinished. It's crazy. I don't care what kind of statement we are supposed to get from that, there is no excuse. It's lazy. I didn't like it. I liked the two major swordfights. The rest of the movie looked cool but had nothing to offer. Watch Sanjuro again and don't bother with this film unless you really want to see the two sword fights. Toshiro's fight with the assassins was quite spellbinding.

film noir meets chambara
this film is a classic. the entire aesthetic of the film reminds me of the classic brooding dark film noirs of the forties and fifties. the antagonist of the film is doomed from the start, his evil ways eventually end up being his undoing, but not before tallying up a huge body count. sword of doom is definately a must see for samurai and film noir fans alike. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

NOT Lone Wolf and His Cub, Go Elsewhere for Them
AnimEigo, the primary outlet for Japanese animation has dug up a series of wonderful 1960s and 70s swordfight films. Most of the American viewers seem to know only Lone Wolf and His Cub, but this series has unearthed unexpected gems such as LADY SNOWBLOOD, RED LION and SAMURAI ASSASSIN, with remarkably pristine prints, widescreen presentation and extremely well-done subtitles (which come in dual colors of yellow and green to indicate ongoing conversations)which actually take care to explain historical backgrounds of these feudal dramas. SAMURAI ASSASSIN, penned by Hashimoto Shinobu, co-screenwriter of all of Kurosawa-Mifune Toshiro collaborations (except for RED BEARD)and the author of the incredible HARAKIRI, may well be the best period piece directed by Okamoto Kihachi, a John Sturges/Robert Aldrich of Japan. Mifune Toshiro plays a masterless samurai who wants to make it big by joining a band of Loyalist assassins, plotting to kill the arch-conservative Shogunate official, Ii Naosuke, circa 1860. Hashimoto and Okamoto portrays Mifune's character as a tragic anti-hero, and the band of assassins, who in real history are given the status of heroic figures comparable to the patriots in the American Revolution, are depicted here as political terrorists of the worst sort, led by a serpentine conspirator, who is the very personification of cold-blooded calculation. (Supremely played by Ito Yunosuke) SAMURAI ASSASSIN is actually a complicated political thriller and you wouldn't enjoy it at all if you don't like following subtitles closely. Those who are expecting body parts flying and blood gushing every five minutes will be sorely disappointed. However, because of the tight storytelling, when the violence does come it is jolting, savage and tragic. The very last sequence, as assassins rushing to attack Ii's palanquin and entourage as snowstorm rages, is one of the most incredible swordfight scenes ever filmed, and the last, insane, triumphant soliloquy of Mifune will remain etched in your memory. I do wish this excellent movie gets released in DVD (AnimEigo apparently will discontinue the release of non-animation output on VHS format) but I also hope that AnimEigo, Home Visions or some other specialty agencies release all of Okamoto's non-samurai films, including his outrageous, controversial and madly entertaining DESPERADO OUTPOST films.

Toshiro Mifune in a film based on the Saurada Gate incident
"Samurai Assassin" is based on a historical event in 1860 when a group of assassins waited by Saurada Gate inside Edo castle to assassinate the lord of the House of Ii, who is high up in the ruling Tokugawa Shogunate. This is a Japan on the verge of major changes, represented by the American ships in the harbor. However, the assassins think one of them is a traitor. The main suspects are Tsuruchiyo Niino (Toshiro Mifune), a ronin who wants to become a samurai so that his unknown father will declare himself, and Kurihara Einosuke (Keiju Kobayashi) a high-born samurai who strikes up a friendship with Niino. The characters are developed and the tension builds under the wonderful conclusion, which takes place in a world of falling snow that lends an unearthly beauty to the bloody carnage.

This 1965 film offers a nice mix between the historical samurai films of the Fifties (e.g., "The 47 Ronin") and Chan-Bara bloodbaths of the late Sixties (e.g., the "Lone Wolf and Cub" films). It is not so much a true marriage of the two traditions but more beginning in the one approach and ending more decidedly in the other. The film is two hours long but this is not really a concern because of the brisk pacing by director Kihachi Okamotoand the increasing complexity of the story. Of course in front of the camera is Mifune's riveting performance highlighted by Hiroshi Murai's cinematography. "Samurai Assassin" is a film that should appeal to fans of diverse genres of samurai films. I certainly appreciate the sense of history and the detailed narrative that is created, because for me the sword play and the blood-letting always ends up being secondary considerations. The significance of a person's death matters more than the creative way in which they are sliced and diced by the samurai hero.

pretentiously overcooked
People who think this is a great samurai movie aren't dumb, just deluded. Mifune bought the story for himself, probably thinking he could equal Kurosawa's humanist insight. That's not shameful; but the story ain't that good. The buildup takes forever, and the main plot device is lame beyond belief. Film students will love this, but not real people. This is to samurai cinema as Shane is to Westerns, beautifully produced, over-earnest and bloated, larded with the cliches rather than the vigor of the genre.

A Samurai Film That Stings Emotionally
I've never been as emotionally affected by a samurai film
as Samurai Assassin! The reason? The director made the
right decision to take his time and allow character
development! That's not all that common within this genre...

Philosophically, there is no right and wrong; these are
just men with conflicting ideas as to the right road for
Japan's future.

The snowy fight scenes in the final moments of the film
are well choreographed... [Bravo!!!] If you find yourself
thinking of William Shakespeare, with regards to poetic
irony, then you'll surely understand why I used the
phrase, "Stings Emotionally".

Mifune is in top form!! You'll watch this one more than
twice! I assure you......

Toshiro Mifune in a fantastic film.
This a wonderful movie with an intricate plot and storytelling. Not only is Toshiro Mifune great in this film but so is the rest of the cast. Great film work and an excellently filmed sword battle scene as a finale. This ranks as one of the top samurai films I have seen. A must see for anyone who doesn't mind following subtitles. The plot in this movie gets involved so you have to pay attention. It isn't hard to do though because this is a gripping powerful movie. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Samurai movie fan must see.
If your a Toshiro Mifune fan or a Shintaro Katsu fan this movie will be entertaining. If you happen to be both, like myself, you'll find it fascinating.

Comparing this film to the likes of Yojimbo, Aka Hige, or The 7 Samurai isn't really appropriate. It would be like Classic American Western to Spaghetti Western, both are western genre but not really comparable.

Toshiro Mifune (the bodyguard) and Shintaro Katsu (the blind masseur Ichi) hook up as opportunists playing two yakusa syndicates against each other. Does this sound familiar?

The predictable theme and general story line lets the really subtle relationship build between Ichi and the Yojimbo. It evolves to be a bit more complex and fun than the typical Japanese morality play.

Excellent Movie
I loved this movie and found it very entertaining. I don't know what the other reviewer was griping about but Toshiro Mifune's character was very much like his hard drinking, money grubbing of a samurai in Yojimbo. The performance of both lead actors was enough to keep me watching the entire movie with total interest.

Great DVD of a fun movie!
This DVD is absolutely worth getting!

The picture quality is fantastic and the movie is fun too. Katsu Shintaro turns in his usualy good performance as Zatoichi, and Toshiro Mifune is always fun to watch, especially in roles similar to Yojimbo.

This DVD has some good extras, great video, and good audio. Add all that to a good film, and there's no reason not to buy this DVD!

Be warned!
First things first, for those that are concerned (and I'm sure you will be as I was), Toshiro Mifune is NOT playing the Yojimbo character from the Kurosawa movies. The title is purely a cash-in, though I'm not sure if it is for the modern Western market or the original title translates as such and was designed to con the Japanese market. The only other film I know of where Mifune genuinely plays the Yojimbo character is "Ambush at Blood Pass" which was the film the both actors completed after this one. In all respects, this is a bad film sadly. It has a few nice moments but its clear this was a commercial venture utilising the two most famous male Japanese actors and characters at the time. In all honesty, I know little about the Zatoichi character, but imagine that the original film must be far superior to this. I couldn't really recommend this film to anyone unless you're a hardcore fan of Japanese Cinema or of the two actors. There are many, many better films of the genre to choose from. Even "Ambush at Blood Pass" which is not a great film is still significantly superior to this one. "Zatoichi versus Yojimbo", like many Japanese films of the time seems confused over what audience its aiming at. The result is an unsatisfactory soup of part comedy, part slasher, part period drama, part morality tale which limps from moment to moment. As said previously, some of these scenes are nice in themselves, but the overall effect is somewhat bland with some scenes almost cringe-worthy. For the uninitiated, always try a Kurosawa film first, if not (and you are interested in Samurai films from an historical perspective) then you may prefer to look at the films of Mizoguchi or Kobyashi. If you just want to see a good samurai flick with Mifune in it, then you may want to look at films such as "Red Lion", "Samurai Assassin" or "Samurai Banners" which are more rounded films and are currently available. As said, I don't know much about Zatoichi, but I would imagine the original and early films are better than this one and worth the effort. Still, I hope this proves useful, it would have saved me money!

entertaining for the Toshiro Mifune/Samurai flick fan
Not your typical action movie. Fights scenes aren't spectacular but enjoyable. Must be able to pay attention to the not-so-obvious plot advancing scenes. If you are into Toshiro Mifune/Samurai movie, you will enjoy this long but entertaining movie ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Samurai movie fan must see.
If your a Toshiro Mifune fan or a Shintaro Katsu fan this movie will be entertaining. If you happen to be both, like myself, you'll find it fascinating.

Comparing this film to the likes of Yojimbo, Aka Hige, or The 7 Samurai isn't really appropriate. It would be like Classic American Western to Spaghetti Western, both are western genre but not really comparable.

Toshiro Mifune (the bodyguard) and Shintaro Katsu (the blind masseur Ichi) hook up as opportunists playing two yakusa syndicates against each other. Does this sound familiar?

The predictable theme and general story line lets the really subtle relationship build between Ichi and the Yojimbo. It evolves to be a bit more complex and fun than the typical Japanese morality play.

Excellent Movie
I loved this movie and found it very entertaining. I don't know what the other reviewer was griping about but Toshiro Mifune's character was very much like his hard drinking, money grubbing of a samurai in Yojimbo. The performance of both lead actors was enough to keep me watching the entire movie with total interest.

Great DVD of a fun movie!
This DVD is absolutely worth getting!

The picture quality is fantastic and the movie is fun too. Katsu Shintaro turns in his usualy good performance as Zatoichi, and Toshiro Mifune is always fun to watch, especially in roles similar to Yojimbo.

This DVD has some good extras, great video, and good audio. Add all that to a good film, and there's no reason not to buy this DVD!

Be warned!
First things first, for those that are concerned (and I'm sure you will be as I was), Toshiro Mifune is NOT playing the Yojimbo character from the Kurosawa movies. The title is purely a cash-in, though I'm not sure if it is for the modern Western market or the original title translates as such and was designed to con the Japanese market. The only other film I know of where Mifune genuinely plays the Yojimbo character is "Ambush at Blood Pass" which was the film the both actors completed after this one. In all respects, this is a bad film sadly. It has a few nice moments but its clear this was a commercial venture utilising the two most famous male Japanese actors and characters at the time. In all honesty, I know little about the Zatoichi character, but imagine that the original film must be far superior to this. I couldn't really recommend this film to anyone unless you're a hardcore fan of Japanese Cinema or of the two actors. There are many, many better films of the genre to choose from. Even "Ambush at Blood Pass" which is not a great film is still significantly superior to this one. "Zatoichi versus Yojimbo", like many Japanese films of the time seems confused over what audience its aiming at. The result is an unsatisfactory soup of part comedy, part slasher, part period drama, part morality tale which limps from moment to moment. As said previously, some of these scenes are nice in themselves, but the overall effect is somewhat bland with some scenes almost cringe-worthy. For the uninitiated, always try a Kurosawa film first, if not (and you are interested in Samurai films from an historical perspective) then you may prefer to look at the films of Mizoguchi or Kobyashi. If you just want to see a good samurai flick with Mifune in it, then you may want to look at films such as "Red Lion", "Samurai Assassin" or "Samurai Banners" which are more rounded films and are currently available. As said, I don't know much about Zatoichi, but I would imagine the original and early films are better than this one and worth the effort. Still, I hope this proves useful, it would have saved me money!

entertaining for the Toshiro Mifune/Samurai flick fan
Not your typical action movie. Fights scenes aren't spectacular but enjoyable. Must be able to pay attention to the not-so-obvious plot advancing scenes. If you are into Toshiro Mifune/Samurai movie, you will enjoy this long but entertaining movie ... Read more