This Must-Watch Japanese Warrior Movie Can Be Streaming for No Cost, and It's Never Been More Relevant
Much like the original, the latest production from the creators of Ghost of Tsushima, Ghost of Yōtei, honors renowned Japan's cinema artists through special presentation modes. While Ghost of Tsushima included solely a monochrome nod to the iconic warrior movies of the master filmmaker, the new game sees a collaboration with the cult series creator the acclaimed artist for a presentation mode that introduces lo-fi beats. It also includes a Takashi Miike Mode that enhances gore and dirt in battles and puts the camera nearer to the fight.
Miike boasts a diverse filmography, with his films spanning bloody yakuza epics, children's entertainment, and comic book movies. But if you’re looking for a place to start, viewers enjoying the sword combat of Ghost of Yōtei should check out Miike’s 13 Assassins, a bloody good warrior movie.
An Iconic Reimagining with Powerful Drama
Released in the year 2010, 13 Assassins updates of the classic of identical title from filmmaker the original creator. The story centers on a team of assassins who, vastly outnumbered, embark to take down the cruel Lord Matsudaira Naritsugu (acted by Goro Inagaki) before he can joining the government assembly. Other lords fear that Naritsugu rising to power would lead to a nation divided since he has created a trail of aristocratic deaths behind him, and his relations to the Shōgun have protected him.
Due to the lord's deeds and a violent climax, 13 Assassins is not a flick for the faint of heart. The story starts with a figure protesting his promotion by performing ritual suicide, the ceremonial death by slicing through one’s abdomen. The villain's brutality go beyond mentions by other characters, viewers see them. He aims bows at innocent people, and rapes a woman prior to killing her spouse.
The heroes are in the right, to say the least.
The warrior Shimada Shinzaemon (played by Koji Yakusho) takes on the mission of killing the antagonist. Much of the opening acts of the movie focuses on showing Naritsugu’s threat as Shinzaemon gathers companions. The group journey to a village where they can ambush Naritsugu (battling adversaries along the way). When they reach, Miike hits his stride.
The Grand Conclusion and Immersive Battles
The film’s final act reveals why the film has become such a beloved warrior movie. The heroes do not simply hide for their target to walk into their swords. Outnumbered 13 to 200, and have to use every trick to overcome Naritsugu’s forces. In particular, transforming the location of the setting as a weapon. (The people, who thankfully flee and stay out of the violence.) The town itself becomes a weapon; the group construct numerous snares and defenses that would make the Home Alone character jealous, employing every strategy to secure an advantage in the conflict ahead.
The confrontation is glorious — and easy to follow. Viewers avoid the unsteady footage of modern action movies confusing the scenes, or basic fights requiring a million cuts. On the contrary, broad views and excellent choreography avoid visual confusion, rendering an naturally gripping long fight more enjoyable. The action is consistently understandable, when numerous foes pounce on (and get killed by) one fighter in a scene of blades, for example.
How The Movie Is Relevant
Returning to the film, it's clear why Sucker Punch links more gore and dirt with the director; the characters just get caked in the mess. No one emerges unharmed, and the remaining fighters by the conclusion are coated with the grime of battle. Additionally, it seems very authentic, with minimal CGI applied solely to detonations in the setting. The realism of the outfits, scenery, and action lend 13 Assassins a certain enduring quality; though it's been years currently, and seems it may have debuted recently.
Whenever players players take a pause from playing warrior combat and only desire to watch a bit of blade combat, it's wise to check out this film. Takashi's samurai flick pairs perfectly with the game, and should not be missed for every devotee of samurai stories.
