Samurai Fiction
1998 ‘SF: Episode One’ Directed by Hiroyuki Nakano
Synopsis
Three centuries ago, a precious sword has been stolen by Kazamatsuri -- the sword, which historic and symbolic value is priceless for the clan (Shogun Tokugawa donated it to clan 80 years before that, at the same time that he established them as the local rulers). Lord's counselor's young son Heishiro goes to retrieve the sword himself to protect the clan from the shame or possible demise. He is accompanied with two friends, Shintaro and Tadasuke, and followed by the ninjas of the clan. After Kazamatsuri wounds Heishiro and kills one of his friends, the young aristocrat still wants revenge more than sword itself, but meanwhile have to recover from his wounds, in the small forest house of a lonely samurai and his daughter. At the same time, Kamazatsuri stays in nearby town in the entertainment center run by Okatsu and falls into her. The older samurai tries to dissuade Heishiro from fighting with Kamazatsuri, but is himself gradually drawn into the conflict.
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Popular reviews
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Having seen earlier today a film that drifted off into parody country where it instead could have paid homage, this one shows how it should be done.
It's humorous but never condescending, it has real characters, it is creative in ways of editing and not least in the use of music. All this without never letting the story out of sight. I must also mention the stunning photography largely done in black & white with wide-angle lenses.
I absolutely loved this film.
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Incredibly stupid all around.
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Having seen earlier today a film that drifted off into parody country where it instead could have paid homage, this one shows how it should be done.
It's humorous but never condescending, it has real characters, it is creative in ways of editing and not least in the use of music. All this without never letting the story out of sight. I must also mention the stunning photography largely done in black & white with wide-angle lenses.
I absolutely loved this film.