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Regular
Price $29.95
Starring:
Morio Kazama,
Mitsuru Fukikoshi,
Tomoyasu Hotei,
Tamaki Ogawa,
Mari Natsuki,
Directed By:
Hiroyuki Nakano,
Rated: Unrated
Release Date: 1999
Studio: Tokyo Shock
Format:
Animated,
Black & White,
Color,
DVD-Video,
Subtitled,
NTSC,
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Customer Reviews for
A Film By Hiroyuki Nakano: Samurai Fiction
Samurai noir with modern twists
"Old ninja habits are hard to break"
So says an old guy dropping clumsily from the ceiling. This movie uses a razor sharp visual style, along with vibrant color sequences, humor, and cool music to appeal to Western audiences. It also pays homage to some classic samurai stories.
Heishiro is set to receive a noble promotion in a grand ceremony. But the precious family sword gets stolen by Kazamatsuri, a lethal warrior whose swordsmanship is unrivaled. So Heishiro hunts him down with his two friends, Kurosawa and Suzuki.
Now these three talk much better than they fight. It's pretty much like the three stooges. Humorous, but this story doesn't particularly bestow any honor or nobility to the samurai. Despite its lack of any real emotional weight, it still is an entertaining ride with impressive camera work. The vast majority of the film is in black and white. Worth a look.A Film By Hiroyuki Nakano: Samurai Fiction
A movie all could enjoy
Very enjoyable movie. It had a great story, enough action to keep people interested in that happy and also made me laugh quite a bit. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because I hated the rock & roll music in it.A Film By Hiroyuki Nakano: Samurai Fiction
Excellent Samurai Satire: It's Definitely Different!
"Samurai Fiction," by director Hiroyuki Nakano delivers as both a drama and an absurdly funny satire. Now, one does not usually hear the sound of an electric guitar blasting away in a samurai flick. Moreover, to be truthful, I usually like to hear the shimasen playing, or the sound of Taiko drums beating in my samurai films--but for this film, I will make an exception. The film is in black and white, and as mentioned before, one gets the sound of an electric guitar blasting away. Yet, it works. This is not your typical samurai film, in the mode of Kurosawa, nonetheless, it is an appealing tribute in many ways, especially with the black and white film. However, it is updated to a more modern audience. The films narrative begins in the year 1696.
The film deals with three main characters. The first one is the antagonist, who is a ronin by the name Kazamatsuri (Tomoyasu Hotei). He is extremely skilled with the sword, and has killed many. Further, he has stolen the sword given to the Inukai clan by Lord Tokugawa, over 80 years ago. For the honor of the clan, the sword must be returned. If the sword is not taken back, the clan will be dissolved. Which introduces us to the second charcter named Heishiro Inukai (Mitsuru Fukikoshi). He claims that he will take back the sword, and dispense with Kazamatsuri. This to the chagrin of the father, who is the head of the clan. Therefore, he sends two ninjas to look out for his son. Heishiro Inukai is not as good with the sword as Kazamatsuri. The father knows this, therefore, for the protection of his son, these ninjas are to look out for him. The third samurai, who no longer wishes to wield a sword is Hanbei Mizoguchi.
Hanbei Mizoguchi is one of the funniest characters in the film. However, the entire film has its share of funny characters and moments. It is due to the intervention of Hanbei that Heishiro Inukai is spared after an altercation with Kazamatsuri. Heishiro Inukai vows to hunt Kazamatsuri down until he has the sword, and avenges one of his friends death at the hands of Kazamatsuri. Hanbei is skilled, and Kazamatsuri knows this and promises that he will return the sword if Hanbei will fight him in a duel. However, Hanbei has had his fill of killing many years ago. There are some funny interactions between Hanbei and Heishiro that were just hilarious. Along the way on his journey, Heishiro falls in love with Hanbei's daughter, which is a story in itself I don't wish to divulge.
Will Heishiro and Kazamatsuri have a duel? Or will Hanbei decide to pick up the sword again even though he has vowed not to do so? There are some very good action scenes in the film, but it is the satire I especially enjoyed. Now, I know there are purists out there who do not like this film because it is not your usual samurai film. And thats okay. I like Kobayashi and Kurosawa to name just two great directors of samurai films. But once in awhile a film like this is refreshing. I found the film entertaining, exciting and funny. And once again, this is a different sort of samurai film that is just as good as some of the old classics. I recommend the film highly. I own it, but to be on the safe side, I recommend that you rent it first. It is a great film, and will one day belong right up their with some of the all-time classic samurai films, if it isn't already. [Stars: 5+]A Film By Hiroyuki Nakano: Samurai Fiction
Not cool.
Not cool at all. I've seen most of the early Samurai movies and if you are a true fan you will not like this. Everything about this movie- from the fake B&W to the stupid jump cuts is just bad and silly. No drama, just parody of convention. It's like a 6th grader watched too much Quentin Tarrantino and Kurosawa, (both of whom I love), and tried to make a movie. The music choices are dumb- the camera angels are ridiculous. Not good-bad. Bad-bad.A Film By Hiroyuki Nakano: Samurai Fiction
Awesome!!! A real samurai story
If you like people flying around and play fighting then don't get this!! This is how the samurai fought, thought, and lived. Great cinematography, music and storyline!! I never get enough of this one!A Film By Hiroyuki Nakano: Samurai Fiction
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