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1
The Wanderers
1973
Kon Ichikawa
Chambara
Kon Ichikawa, Konshiro Kuzui
“ Follows the fluctuating fortunes of three friends in feudal Japan who are ronin: masterless warriors, who wander from castle to castle, selling their services to whichever lord will fill their rice bowls. These are not the YOJIMBO Super Samurai but rather the rank and file, the spear-carriers. The irony is that even though they use the servants' entrance, they still feel themselves bound by the samurai code of Bushido; and this tension leads to tragedy. „
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2
The Third Contest
1965
Tetsuya Yamauchi
Chambara
“ When Mondonosuke, a young sword student has a bad dream about his sensei being killed in a duel, he decides to return to Edo to see if he needs help. In the 3 years since he left, he has mastered the secret sword style "Sadanami-giri", that was begun by Sir Ikkaku, who had taken Mondonosuke under his wing after he had been expelled from Master Katakura Ikkansai's Dojo. „
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3
Seventeen Ninja
1963
Yasuto Hasegawa
Ninja/Chambara
“ A dangerous pact has been signed by Tadanaga, the son of Shogun Hidetada, to prevent his brother Iemitsu from becoming the third Shogun. In a time where highly skilled ninja organizations carry out secret missions, Iga Jigoza's group of seventeen ninja must find a way to infiltrate the enemy's stronghold and steal the pact from Negoro ninja Saiga Magokuro „
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4
Bohachi: Code of the Forgotten 8
1973
Teruo Ishii
Pinku/Chambara
Keiichi Hashimoto, Keizo Mimura
“ In P***O PERIOD DRAMA, Tetsuro Tanba plays a nihilistic ronin who faces down the ""Clan of the Forgotten Eight"", who got their name because they lost all their basic emotions like conscience, gratitude, loyalty, shame etc. With his sword Onibouchou (literally: Ogre's Kitchen Knife!) Tanba's character hacks into their ranks in ways that has limbs and severed heads fly everywhere and the blood flows in rivers! On his way, he only stops to take every woman he meets, forcefully if need be! Written by Caterpillar „
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5
The Ceiling at Utsunomiyo
1956
Nobou Nakagawa
Chambara
Katsuji Tsuda
“ Around a perfunctory premise of a rich merchant wishing to marry a kind-hearted young woman against her and her boyfriend's will, a plot is spun of betrayal in the highest levels of the Tokugawa shogunate. The wandering ronin Ryutaro finds himself in the middle and chooses the girl's side, pitting himself against the merchant's minions, a band of loud-mouthed yakuza and a mysterious samurai who hides his face beneath a hood and wields his sword with only one hand - using the other to nervously twirl a pair of walnuts.The actual machinations of the plot against shogun Iemitsu that is at the heart of the proceedings remain unclear until the very end, though the title is a big clue. Nakagawa leaves the audience in the blind, drawing them into Ryutaro's investigation. He peppers the goings-on with ambivalent and off-beat characters and striking locations. Tanba's hooded, walnut-twirling samurai makes for a very peculiar villain and the actor succeeds in making the character's potentially silly nervous tic seem eerily sinister. When the hood finally comes off, the film takes a sharp turn into horror territory that announces the shape of things to come for Nakagawa. ~ from Midnight EyeThis is a highly unusual, fast and complex plot combining elements of period drama, chambara and kaidan with Nakagawa's trademark flamboyant visual touches. „
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6
Tales of the Taira Clan
1955
Kenji Mizoguchi
Jidaigeki
Masaichi Nagata
“ Special Forces commander Captain Tadamori returns to Kyoto after successfully defeating the uprising of pirates in the western sea of Japan. But because the high courtiers dislike career soldiers gaining power and influence, they ignore the will of ex-Emperor Toba and refuse to reward the captain. Reward recommender Lord Tokinobu is punished, and the captain sends his son Kiyomori to the Lord's residence, where he falls in love with Tokiko, the Lord's daughter. Meanwhile, Kiyomori finds out that he is possibly the ex-Emperor's son.. „
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7
Demon Spies
1974
Takashi Tsuboshima
Ninja
“ Deep in the mountains of feudal Japan, a group of children endure cruel and unorthodox training in order to become the Shogunate's most secret and deadly weapons - the Demon Spies! Their true identities are hidden - even from each other. Behind their demon masks, they are educated in the deadly arts of infiltration, espionage, assassination - and seduction! If they survive to become strong enough to kill their teachers, they will become - the Demon Spies! Sent on a suicide mission to uncover a deadly conspiracy, five inexperienced Demon Spies must infiltrate a powerful fief, discover the location of its secret arsenal, and destroy it. But Lord Shogen, the Demon Hunter, plans to brutally interrogate, ingeniously torture, and cruelly execute - the Demon Spies! Written by AnimEigo „
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8
Shadow Hunters
1972
Toshio Masuda
Chambara
Yujiro Ishihara, Masahiko Kobayashi
“ Much like its Italian brother genre, the spaghetti western, Japanese chambara of the early 70's, after the golden age of samurai cinema in the 60's, was in desperate need for a breath of fresh air, for new ways to satisfy an audience tired of the same old offerings. SHADOW HUNTERS belongs to that particular niche that saw more titillating and bloodier pulpy b-movies bordering heavily on exploitation and infused with purely comic book sensibilities. Of course all these were already staples of the genre in the 60's and Shadow Hunters, without any lofty ambitions it must be said, follows the path of Nemuri Kyoshiro and other popular low-brow chambara characters, with the violence and blood amplified and some female nudity thrown in for good measure.The plot and dialogues never rise above comic-book pulp, as three dishonoured ronin called the Shadow Hunters come to the aid of an impoverished clan fighting to secure its f*ture against the greedy paws of an ailing Tokugawa Shogunate. Escorting an envoy of the clan en route to Edo, the three ronins hack and slice their way through Shogunate agents, ninjas and spies, leaving behind them a trail of blood and chopped limbs and pausing enough to reminisce in flashback of how the Shogunate wronged them. Nothing we haven't seen in other, better movies but still boasting a capable body count and more than enough swordplay action to please the hardened chambara aficionado.What really detracts from it however is first the awful score, the kind of groovy jazz music one would usually encounter in pinku and yakuza films of the time and completely out of place in the context of rural 18th century Japan, and then Toshio Masuda's workmanlike-to-poor direction. Jubei's flashback of being made to act as the second (executioner) to the lord of his own clan, no more than a child, ends literally in a whirl of embarrassment. If you can ignore the above and done made your way through superior chambaras of the early 70's like the mighty LONE WOLF AND CUB series, this is good for 90 minutes of brainless fun. „
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9
Shadow Hunters: Echo of Destiny
1972
Toshio Masuda
Chambara
Yujiro Ishihara, Masahiko Kobayashi
“ "Echo Of Destiny", the kinetic second film in the Shadow Hunters saga, is a tale rich in intrigue, betrayal, and gory death. Retained by a great daimyo to escort an illegal cannon to safety, three "Shadow Hunters" must carve their way through a legion of ninjas (and more of those sexy female assassins) in order to complete their mission. „
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10
The Homeless Drifter
1964
Kenji Misumi
Chambara
“ This is the story of a ‘Drifting Crow’, which is slang for a homeless wanderer, who seeks the murderer of his father, brutally cut down by an armed robber. The killer has eluded the authorities after pulling the job, leaving 5 guards dead on the side of the road. This collaboration between Raizo as star, and Misumi Kenji as director ranks as one of the most unique films that they did together. Exciting action right up to the thrilling climax „
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11
Trail of Blood
1972
Kazuo Ikehiro
Chambara
“ Can a sinful man change and find peace? It's unlikely in gang-plagued Japan. Jokichi of Mikogami, a drifter (and hired sword), goes straight after protecting a woman in distress: they marry, have a son, and Jokichi pursues his father's craft. After three years, the gangs he embarrassed when he saved his wife find the family and leave Jokichi in grief, vowing revenge. To parry his terrible swift sword, rival gangs join forces, hiring a prostitute to pose as a woman needing help and breaking the code of honor to double cross the drifter. He finds unlikely allies: a thief who aids him for fun and a one-eyed swordsman who may be Jokichi's equal in skill and honor. A woman watches „
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12
Fearless Avenger
1972
Kazuo Ikehiro
Chambara
“ Thirsting for revenge, Jokichi rashly attempts to assassinate the evil Chogoro but ends up being captured by Yakuza. His life is spared by Boss Juzaburo, in order that the harmony of an important commemoration not be further disturbed. Though now even more of an outcast, Jokichi is asked by another Yakuza boss, Umezo, to guard Oyuki, the wayward daughter of Juzaburo. The tragic consequences of this assignment will lead him into a deadly trap and a final confrontation with Chogoro. „
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13
Slaughter in the Snow
1973
Kazuo Ikehiro
Chambara
Kikumaru Okuda
“ In feudal Japan, women are vulnerable, in need of protection, and capable of deception. Jokichi of Mikogami, a drifter, has not yet fully revenged the death of his wife and son. He searches for Kunisada C**ji, who in turn has hired the knife-throwing Windmill Kobunji to kill him. Kobunji and Jokichi meet in the winter, near Sasago Pass, when both have rescued women: Jokichi has saved the lute-playing Oyae whose clan and whose lover want her dead; Kobunji has rescued Oharu, a well-born woman married to an innkeeper. Is this rescue a whim or something deeper? And why does Jokichi become the consumptive Kobunji's protector? What ultimately will Jokichi do about Oyae? Written by „
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14
Three Yakuza
1965
Tadashi Sawashima
Chambara
“ Toei Films presents a film like no other. This is the tale of three Yakuza gamblers who traveled Japan during the samurai era living by their wits and sword skills. Told in 3 separate vignettes, each part tells the story of a different drifter’s life. This is a superb film, with great action complemented by gripping stories.Part 1: Starring Nakadai Tatsuya is the story of a man on the run after killing 2 Hasshu Officials to avenge his Boss. He must make a life or death decision as he is asked to protect a gang from attack.Part 2: Starring Matsukata Hiroki and Shimura Takashi as a pair of gamblers chased out of a crooked game who must fight not only their pursuers, but the ghosts of their pasts as well.Part 3: Starring Nakamura Kinnosuke as a wanderer who wants to live according to the Yakuza Code, but is not sure that he can do so when asked to save a town from an evil official. „
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15
Killers Mission
1969
Ozawa Shingehiro
Chambara
“ Two notorious forces in Japanese exploitation cinema before either hit their nadir. A few years later, director Ozawa was responsible for two Streetfighter films and Tomisaburo Wakayama went on to star in the Lone Wolf series. While this film doesn't rise to the questionable levels of either series, it certainly has it's moments.Ichibei is sent by the Shogun to stop the Dutch from selling rifles to the Satsuma clan in the south. Ichibei stocks up on all his gadgets and bombs and sets out. Along the way he meets up with a cowardly ronin and a female spy who is nearly his match. We also find out he is impervious to viper venom and can turn his sword scabbard into a telescope. Intrigue and action occur as he makes his journey towards the Dutch ship carrying the armaments.The film is tongue in cheek with obvious nods to the spy thriller and it's rather bloody. We can see glimpses of the f*ture Lone Wolf series as the overweight Tomisaburo Wakayama ably jumps, flips and slices his way thru the action scenes. There's also some pinku style woman torture for those who need this stuff. The direction is planted firmly in Japanese TV action style which sometimes is very good and other times just quickly filmed and sort of sloppy. The music is pure TV action themes and gets quite annoying unless you have an appreciation of it. The main problem with this film is that it moves at a snappy pace for the first 50 minutes and then stalls out in a number of talking samurai in discussion scenes. The last ten minutes pick up as Ichibei finally gets to the Dutch but the fun is diminished. About fifteen minutes of the film has Ichibei pose as a blind masseuse which is sort of fun since Wakayama's brother, Shintaro Katsu was playing Zatoichi at the time. This is the second film Wakayama poked fun at his more successful brother. „
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16
Ninjutsu Gozen-Jiai (Koga Ninja)
1957
Tadashi Sawashima
Ninja/Chambara
“ It's special effects galore in the first film from noted director SAWASHIMA Tadashi,as the ninja of Koga and Iga Clans square off against each other. During the Age Of Wars (Sengoku Era), Tokugawa Ieyasu and Toyotomi Hideyoshi are vying for power and each uses their secret weapons in order to try and defeat the other. Momochi Sandayu of the Iga, along with his disciple Ishikawa Goemon are ordered by Ieyasu to assassinate Hideyoshi and get the blueprints for the hidden fortress within Osaka Castle.Meanwhile the Koga group organizes to try and defend the castle for the peace of the nation. Beating off every trick from Sandayu,Torawakamaru protects the drawing, and when Ieyasu figures out a way to hold amatch between Koga and Iga the two masters fight the greatest ninja battle ever held. The effects are truly spectacular in this classic ninja film from Toei. It has never been released on video, and this is the first opportunity to see it in the West. „
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17
Chushingura (47 Samurai)
1962
Hiroshi Inagaki
Jidaigeki
Sanzumi Fujimoto, Hiroshi Inagaki
“ Lord Asano (Yuzo Kayama) won't bribe the corrupt Kira (Chusha Ichikawa), a court protocol expert who procedes to do everything possible to discredit the young and idealistic Lord. Asano is forced to pay a fortune to have a building's worth of floormats replaced overnight to pacify the selfish and greedy Kira, but he still won't bribe him. To make Asano grovel, Kira withholds vital protocol information for an important meeting. Finally Asano cannot bear the humiliation, loses his head, and attacks. He is subdued after only wounding the cowardly Kira. Drawing a sword within the Shogun's palace is a capital offense, and Asano's sentence is carried out with yet more protocol ending in a formal seppuku ceremony: Asano disembowels himself with a knife and is decapitated by a headsman.Asano's fate isn't the end of grief; his estate and castle are forfeit, and his vassals, including his family and the 47 samurai who serve him, are left both destitute and dishonored, banished from royal life. Expecting the 47 to defend the castle in a renegade outlaw battle, the Shogun's agents are surprised when their leader, Kuranosuke Oishi (Koshiro Matsumoto) not only surrenders it, but does repairs first. The samurai scatter and those that settle nearby are the source of constant gossip. Are they really pacified, or do they secretly plot to get revenge against Kira for their lamented Lord Asano? How will honor be regained, and their conflicting obligations to their Lord and their Shogun be satisfied? „
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18
Nemuri Kyoshiro: Full Moon Swordsman
1969
Kazuo Mori
Chambara
“ The epic tales of Nemuri Kyoshiro, the "Son of the Black Mass" near their conclusion as a young Matsukata Hiroki takes over the role upon the death of Ichikawa Raizo.Expert swordfighting abounds as the half-breed ronin runs afoul of the twin brother of the Shogun’s heir, who secretly plans to replace his brother and rule the nation. The deep running conspiracy includes some of the most powerful members of the Ruling Council. Meanwhile Kyoshiro must find a way to defeat some of the most skillful fighters he has ever faced.Matsukata Hiroki’s swordsmanship shines as he brings the character to a new level. Brilliant and exciting! „
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19
Nemuri Kyoshiro: Flyfot Swordplay
1969
Kazuo Ikehiro
Chambara
“ The epic tales of Nemuri Kyoshiro, the 'Son of the Black Mass' come to their ultimate conclusion with Matsukata Hiroki having taken over the role upon the death of Ichikawa Raizo. A chance meeting with another half-Caucasian ronin, leads Kyoshiro into a deadly series of encounters as he tries to save the lad's life and turn him away from the Satsuma Spy group's band of vicious assassins. The series ends on a high note as the superior sword skills of Matsukata Hiroki make this one of the most exciting motion pictures to come out of Japan. Entertainment at its finest, this is one of the most violent films of that era. A must-see! „
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20
Shinsengumi: Band of Assassins
1970
Tadashi Sawashima
Jidaigeki
Hiroshi Inagaki, Toshiro Mifune, Yoshio Nishikawa
“ SHINSENGUMI (aka BAND OF ASSASSINS, 1970) is a large-scale Japanese samurai drama based on actual events and historical figures. It tells the tale of what is essentially a paramilitary group of citizens who become swordsmen in the service of the Shogun in his conflict with the Emperor during the final years (1863-1868) of the Tokugawa Shogunate. This conflict, precipitated by the opening of Japan to the west, paralleled America's own Civil War, which happened roughly around the same time (1861-65). The result, in Japan, was the onset of the Meiji Restoration, which led to Japan restoring the Emperor to power, adapting to new knowledge from the west, and emerging as an industrial and world power in its own right „
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21
Tange Sazen: The One Eyed Swordsman
1963
Seiichiro Uchikawa
Chambara
“ Tanba Tetsuro is 'Tange Sazen', the one-eyed, one-armed samurai master who fights for the underdogs during the Japanese age of shoguns. The amazing feats of this extraordinary man will astound you. In 1730, the Tokugawa Shogunate orders the Yagyu Clan to repair a huge shrine. Since it cannot refuse the Shogunate's request, the impoverished Yagyu Clan tries to raise funds by obtaining a sword which holds the key to a wondrous, hidden treasure. After learning the sword's secret, Tange-Sazen sides with the Yagyu Clan, but his motive seems to be more than just pure interest in the treasure... „
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22
The Gambling Samurai
1960
Senkichi Taniguchi
Jidaigeki
Sanezumi Fujimoto
“ C**ji Kunisada returns to his home village to find that Jubei Matsui, the corrupt magistrate, has been responsible for virtually destroying Kunisada's family. A final tragedy leads Kunisada to join with a band of rogues living in the forest in robbing from the rich and giving to the poor, always with an eye toward avenging himself on Magistrate Matsui. The legend of Kunisada C**ji, a renowned figure of Japanese lore on a par with Robin Hood, has provided material for several movies, this one, starring the greatest samurai film star of all-time, Toshiro Mifune! (aka ""Gambling Samurai"") „
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23
Shogun's Shadow
1989
Yasuo Faruhata
Jidaigeki
Shigeru Okada
“ Iemitsu, Tokugawa Shogun III, hates his eldest son Takechiyo; all his love is given to his younger son Tokumatsu. One day, he orders Takechiyo to an initiation rite in Yedo (today's Tokio). Takechiyo lives far away under the surveillance of Hotta Masamori, head of the Skura clan, where he was also raised. Hotta does suspect some kind of treachery, but he can not ignore the direct command of the Shogun. Therefore, he starts on his travel with Takechiyo and seven accompanying samurais. A large army under the command of Iba Shoemon, a vassal of the Shogun, attacks their night camp in the vicinity of a copper mine. Hotta dies in this first battle, but Takechiyo and the samurai manage to escape. They are chased by the army, and several skirmishes between the small force and the larger army follow. Written by Guido Roessling „
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24
The Fort of Death
1969
Eiichi Kudo
Chambara
“ Eiichi Kudo's 1969 film is the personification of the Samurai western. I have unfortunately never been able to find a print of this film, and so I have never seen it and know very little about the plot. If anyone can help me on this you can email me at stef.science@gmail.com. Thank You „
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25
Hawk of the North
1959
Toshizaku Kono
Jidaigeki
“ During the latter part of the 16th Century, Japan's Warring States era was coming to a close. While Toyotomi Hideyoshi as Regent had basically taken control of the country, wars still raged on in the north. The "Hawk of the North" Date Masamune, a daring young warrior, had crushed almost all of his enemies in the region. Then setting his eyes on Hatakeyama's lands the young warlord was about to face his greatest challenge. Ripped from the pages of Japanese history, this exciting motion picture is filled with giant battle scenes and bloody swordplay. This is one of the greatest epics from the last days of civil war, as Japan headed for the generation of peace that was to follow. „
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26
Kagemusha
1980
Akira Kurosawa
Jidaigeki
Francis Ford Coppola, Akira Kurosawa, George Lucas, Tomoyuki Tanaka
“ In 1572, there is a civil war in Japan, and three powerful clans, leaded by the lords Shingen Takeda (Tatsuya Nakadai), Nobunaga Oda (Daisuke Ryu) and Ieyasu Tokugawa (Masayuki Yui), dispute the conquest of Kyoto. When Shingen is mortally wounded, the Takeda clan hides the incident and uses a poor thief to be the double of the strategist Shingen and keep the respect of their enemies. Along the years, Kagemusha incorporates the spirit of the warrior of the dead warlord. „
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27
Killing in Yoshiwara
1960
Tomo Uchida
Jidaigeki
“ "Killing in Yoshiwara" a.k.a. "Yoshiwara: The Pleasure Quarter" is an enthralling glorious melodrama set in the infamous red light district of old Edo. A successful and wealthy textile industrialist from the provinces, who is beloved by his employees for his kindness, cannot find a wife because of a disfiguring birthmark on his face. Even the courtesans in Yoshiwara refuse to entertain him, until an indentured peasant prostitute, Tamarazu, takes the unsavoury assignment and treats him with brash tenderness. "The scar is not on your heart," she scoffs, and the grateful businessman falls madly in love with her, ultimately losing his fortune in the expensive quest to purchase her freedom. The lively evocation of life in Tokyo's pleasure quarters, the detailed portrait of social life, the sumptuous set and costume design, the widescreen cinematography, and the performance by frequent Uchida leading man Chiezo Kataoka are flawless. „
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28
7 Miles from Nakayama
1962
Kazuo Ikehiro
Chambara
“ Another rare gem of a movie starring the late Ichikawa Raizo as a traveling gambler who takes a job as a lumberjack in the mountains near Edo during the samurai era. When he and his Boss vie for the same woman it’s bound to lead to trouble. After a corrupt official stages a false raid of a gambling parlor, causing the players to leave their money on the table while making good their escapes, Masakichi decides to teach them a lesson which leads to more problems. When he winds up helping a young couple in peril his past comes back to haunt him. Filmed in glorious black and white, this unique story is filled with many surprises and strong swordplay „
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29
Hitokiri Gasa (Vanquished Foes)
1964
Sadatsugu Matsuda
Chambara
“ A skilled assassin's services are called upon to put an end to the ugly turf battle between two yakuza families, Mitsuwa and Aikawa. With an all-star cast that not only includes two of Toei's biggest stars Otomo Ryutaro and Okawa Hashizo, but also has a special guest appearance by famed Toho actor Shimura Takashi, this is one of the more serious films from Toei Studio during the golden age of samurai films. Forced by the code of the yakuza to put one's life on the line for a Boss who offered a meal and lodging, each side manages to get hold of powerful swordsmen who will stop at nothing to pay their obligations. A truly stunning motion picture that is not to be missed „
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30
The Third Ninja
1964
Toshikazu Kouno
Ninja/Chambara
“ During the Warring States Period, the struggle for absolute supremacy stood between two might warlords, Takeda Shingen, ruler of Shinano and Kai provinces, and Oda Nobunaga, ruler of Owari province. In an attempt to finish off his rival, Takeda sends his master ninja Chidoken to assassinate Oda Nobunaga. Three Iga ninja loyal to Nobunaga learn about the assassination plot and set out to intercept Chidoken. „
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31
Okatsu the Fugitve
1969
Nobuo Nakagawa
Pinku
“ Branded a criminal, Okatsu's vengeance knows no bounds! In the final episode of the LEGENDS OF THE POISONOUS SEDUCTRESS series, OKATSU THE FUGITIVE, Junko Miyazono appears one final time as the legendary swordswoman, but this time seeking a corrupt merchant responsible for the death of her parents. Betrayed by her fiancé, Okatsu finds herself aided in her quest by a handsome stranger – who happens to be as handy with a sword as she is! What is the reason for his kindness, and will Okatsu be able to prevail? Whatever the end may be, the restless spirits of her murdered parents drive Okatsu along her crimson-colored road of vengeance „
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32
Miyamoto Musashi: Zen and Sword
1961
Tomu Uchida
Jidaigeki
“ Miyamoto Musashi was the most famous swordsman in Japanese history. His legendary exploits have been portrayed in many books and films. The most famous version of his life story was written by Yoshikawa Eiji, and formed the basis of the Academy Award winning SAMURAI TRILOGY starring Mifune Toshiro which is the version most Americans are familiar with. While that trilogy is a great introduction to the samurai, it omits much of the most interesting and important parts of the story.The best and most complete version of the Musashi story was filmed 6 years later as a 5 part series starring Nakamura Kinnosuke and directed by Uchida Tomu. Needless to say, this has always been the most popular version of the Musashi story in Japan, with all the important developments and duels missing from the earlier production. This series also featured noted Yakuza star Takakura Ken in the pivotal role of Sasaki Kojiro, Musashi’s arch enemy, his last samurai role until 1994.Alternately known as ZEN & SWORD, or UNTAMED FURY we have the entire series available on home video with English subtitles for the very first time.Also known as UNTAMED FURY, this film starts as 2 survivors of the Battle Of Sekigahara struggle to escape. The two childhood friends, Takezo and Matahachi manage to get away, and are helped by a mother and daughter who rob the dead of their weapons and armor to sell for a modest living. When brigands come to take the women’s hoard, Takezo bravely steps forward and defeats them single-handedly. When he tries to go back to his hometown he’s hunted down like a dog by the victorious Tokugawa forces, and has to survive cruel treatment. This film introduces us to some of the main characters in Musashi’s life who are seen throughout the entire series „
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33
Miyamoto Musashi: Duel at Hannya Hilside
1962
Tomu Uchida
Jidaigeki
Hiroshi Okawa
“ Also known as DUEL AT DEVIL’S MASK PASS this film begins when, after spending 3 years of study in isolation, Takezo is brought before the Clan Lord and made a Samurai. At this time he receives the new samurai name that he is to be remembered for, Miyamoto Musashi. Now he travels Japan seeking to develop his sword skill, and goes to Nara near Kyoto to learn from the Hozoin Priests about their unique method of fighting with spears. Along the way he runs afoul of a group of ronin who have been terrorizing the area, and they must meet at Devil’s Mask Pass to see who will live. None of this is in the Mifune/Inagaki version of the Musashi story, though it is one of his greatest battles „
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34
Miyamoto Musashi: Enlightenment to the Two Sword Technique
1963
Tomu Uchida
Jidaigeki
Hiroshi Okawa
“ In this film, alternately known as THE WORTHLESS DUEL, Musashi has just slaughtered the vile ronin and vilified the Hozoin Priests for their duplicity, when he sets off to challenge the most famous sword fighting schools in Japan, the Yagyu and the Yoshioka. As the great Grandmaster Yagyu Sekishusai is refusing to meet the young swordsmen from Yoshioka, Musashi comes along looking to challenge the masters of both schools. This is from another part in the book which was not covered at all in the SAMURAI TRILOGY, and is really critical to the understanding of Musashi’s development as a martial artist. When Sasaki Kojiro comes into the picture, the final element is there for the rest of the story to play out. But first Musashi must defeat Yoshioka Seijuro in a challenge against the successor of that famous style „
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35
Miyamoto Musashi: Duel at Ichijoji Temple
1964
Tomu Uchida
Jidaigeki
“ After defeating Yoshioka Seijuro in a match, Miyamoto Musashi has become a marked man. Countless people want revenge against him for a variety of reasons, and he is challenged by the Yoshioka family to a rematch, only since the new titular head of the Yoshioka school is a mere child, they can bring in over 100 skilled samurai to fight him in the most memorable version of the famous showdown with the Yoshioka by the lonesome pine tree near Ichijoji Temple. This is the most action packed entry in the series as should be expected. Unlike the whitewash given to Musashi in the earlier version from Toho, Musashi does not hesitate to carry out what needs to be done in order to win a duel against 100 men! „
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36
Miyamoto Musashi: Duel at Ganryu Island
1965
Tomu Uchida
Jidaigeki
Shigeru Okada, Hiroshi Okawa
“ The final showdown between the two rival swordsmen comes on Funajima Island when Musashi has to somehow find a way to defeat the 37" long sword that his arch enemy Kojiro uses for his "Swallow-tail" cut. While the clan lord who backs Kojiro plans to ambush Musashi, the time is ripe for one of Musashi’s most famous tricks, that of using an oar to defeat the extremely long sword of his arrogant foe! But how can he escape the vengeance of those who are defeated? „
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37
The Purple Killer
1964
Yasuo Hasegawa
Ninja/Chambara
“ A sequel to the popular samurai-ninja movie ""On Patrol"". Ukyonosuke's mission to avenge his father's death continues. He discovers that a mysterious note written by his father, Inspector Sena, let to Sena's murder 18 years ago. As Ukyonosuke continues further with his invest-igation into the conspiracy to uncover the truth behind Sena's death, he must confront those eager to take his life. „
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38
Ansatsu (Assassination)
1964
Masahiro Shinoda
Chambara
“ Assassination (or Ansatsu) marked Masahiro Shinoda's first attempt at a period film, and is widely considered to be his finest achievement. Previously gaining fame and status alongside Nagisa Oshima and Kiju Yoshida, challenging established Japanese cinema with tales of reckless youth, The Dry Lake (1960) and the seminal yakuza drama Pale Flower (1964) Shinoda graduated from Shochiku, where, like Shohei Imamura, his grounding was working as an assistant to Yasujiro Ozu.The story of Assassination begins with the events of 1853 when "four black ships" — the foreign steamboats of Commander Matthew Perry — anchored at Edo Bay, sparking civil unrest and the major political maneuvering that saw the end of the Tokugawa Shogunate. At a time when assassination had become a disturbing political tool, Shinoda's film follows Hachiro Kiyokawa (Tetsuro Tamba), an ambitious, masterless samurai whose allegiances drift dangerously between the Shogunate and the Emperor. Filmed in richly stylish black and white 'Scope by cinematographer Masao Kosugi, Shinoda's film explores the character of Kiyokawa as he singlehandedly attempts, against a backdrop of betrayal and abrupt violence, to prevent the outbreak of civil war.With an award-winning score by Toru Takemitsu (Pitfall, The Face of Another) and a deft, twisting narrative structure, Assassination's profound nihilism has a striking contemporary resonance which fiercely displays the director's skill and individual vision. The Masters of Cinema Series is proud to present Assassination for the first time on home video in the West. „
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39
Samurai Spy
1965
Masahiro Shinoda
Ninja/Chambara
Shizuo Yamauchi
“ Years of warfare end in a Japan unified under the Tokugawa shogunate, and samurai spy Sasuke Sarutobi, tired of conflict, longs for peace. When a high-ranking spy named Tatewaki Koriyama defects from the shogun to a rival clan, however, the world of swordsmen is thrown into turmoil. After Sasuke is unwittingly drawn into the conflict, he tracks Tatewaki, while a mysterious, white-hooded figure seems to hunt them both. By tale’s end, no one is who they seemed to be, and the truth is far more personal than anyone suspected. Director Masahiro Shinoda’s Samurai Spy, filled with clan intrigue, ninja spies, and multiple double crosses, marks a bold stylistic departure from swordplay film convention. „
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40
Female Demon Ohyku
1968
Yoshihiro Ishikawa
Chambara
Shigeru Okada
“ Female Demon Ohyaku is the first in a trilogy of films that are often considered a precursor to the Pinky Violence film that became very popular in 1970's Japan. One of the things I love most about the Pinky films is the cinematography; and the colour schemes used in many of them are a big bonus. This early one is filmed in black and white and so doesn't benefit from a striking colour scheme; but that really doesn't hold it back in the cinematography department as this film really is beautiful! Revenge is an extremely common Pinky theme and that is the one shown here. We focus on a young girl who was almost killed by her mother as a child. She's rescued by the circus and grows up to become a tight rope walker. She later catches the attention of a local thief and the pair hook up and try to rob the local mint; but things go awry when they are caught, tortured and the man she has fallen in love with is killed. Our heroine is sent to a prison camp and forced to work in the mines; but while there she plots her revenge on those that took her man from her...The film doesn't contain as much blood and nudity as some of the later entries in the genre; and it's an overall artier affair, but there's still more than enough here to satisfy the average Pinky Violence fan. The film moves at a steady pace throughout and is always entertaining enough; but things really pick up in the final third and last half hour of the film is not far at all from being as good as this genre gets. Director Yoshihiro Ishikawa implements a range of interesting and diverse characters into the mix; our central character is a fine balance of good looks and athletic ability and certainly fits the bill for this sort of film. Some of the most interesting scenes take place between her and the tattooist lesbian wife of the prison boss - although I do wish more was made of that relationship. Everything builds up to a bloody revenge and once Ohyaku starts to get her own way; the film is incredible. We get treated to one of the best murder scenes in any Pinky flick, followed by a nail biting torture sequence. Overall, this really is an excellent slice of classic Japanese cinema and I'm certainly looking forward to seeing the rest of the trilogy!by The_Void (Beverley Hills, England) „
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41
Fencing Master
1962
Harumi Mizuho
Chambara
“ Written by one of cinema’s greatest directors, Kurosawa Akira, TATESHI DANPEI is a story about the fight to keep the art of the samurai sword fighting scene alive in a Japan that is becoming ever more modern.The year is 1917 in the city of Osaka. The age of the samurai is a rapidly fading memory and Japan is moving on. Ichikawa Danpei, an aging man of traditions, is consumed by his passion for the art of sword fighting. In these times he finds his art through working as a "Tateshi" (swordfight choreographer) for the "Shinkokugeki" (New National Theater Company), the most popular troupe in Japan, led by the great actor Sawada Shojiro.As Danpei builds up his reputation as the greatest swordfight choreographer, he finds that the entertainment world is also changing. For him, his art is his life and he fights to keep the traditions alive, ignoring all else. He may well achieve his vision, but what will be the ultimate cost? (honkytonk on KG) „
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42
Kisaragi Sword
1962
Yasushi Sasaki
Chambara
Koichiro Ogura, Naoyo Taguchi
“ This is the tale of seven master swordsmen who band together to play an active role against the group planning to kill the 8th Tokugawa Shogun, Yoshimune and take over his position. Included in the group are a chivalrous robber, a highly skilled magistrate, and a masterless samurai for hire, just to name a few. The screenplay is based on the novel "Kisaragi Kenshi" written by the distinguished author GOMI Yasusuke. Some of the greatest luminaries of the silver screen star in this highly entertaining production, as the Owari Clan aims to annihilate the Tokugawa Shogunate by sending men to Kodenmacho Prison to start a riot. Meanwhile, chief government magistrate O'OKA Echizen has become suspicious of what's going on, and has begun to investigate. The master of Mikazuki Castle, RYUDO Tsukinosuke, who is an official in Aki (old name for Hiroshima), and Yoshimune's best friend is called upon to help. Can he save the life of his friend, or will the evil plot win out? „
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43
Yagyu Bugiecho (part 1)
1957
Hiroshi Inagaki
Ninja/Chambara
Tomoyuki Tanaka
“ In the Tokugawa Era, the clan of Lord Yagyu has hidden away three scrolls containing clan secrets which, if revealed, would cause revolution and disaster for the clan. The information is divided among the three scrolls, all of which must be possessed for the secrets to be understood. When Princess Yuhime steals the scrolls, Tasaburo, a samurai with magical powers, and his brother Senshiro are sent to retrieve them. Written by Jim Beaver „
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44
Yagyu Bugiecho (part 2)
1958
Hiroshi Inagaki
Ninja/Chambara
Tomoyuki Tanaka
“ In the Tokugawa Era, the clan of Lord Yagyu has hidden away three scrolls containing clan secrets which, if revealed, would cause revolution and disaster for the clan. The information is divided among the three scrolls, all of which must be possessed for the secrets to be understood. When Princess Yuhime steals the scrolls, Tasaburo, a samurai with magical powers, and his brother Senshiro are sent to retrieve them. In Part II, the search for the scrolls continues. Written by Jim Beaver „
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45
The Magioichi Saga
1969
Kenji Misumi
Jidaigeki
“ During the Sixteenth Century, ODA Nobunaga was gaining power with his right hand man kinoshita Tokichiro at his side. Recognizing that guns win wars, ODA tries to enlist the aid of SAIKA Magoichi, a flashy samurai with exceptional 'Yari' (Spear) skills and his troop of gunners. Powerful performances by some of Japan's greatest actors highlight this historical drama from brilliant director MISUMI Kenji. KATSU Shintaro as ODA Nobunaga matches wits with NAKAMURA Kinnosuke as Magoichi, the one man that is not afraid of him. Not widely known outside of Japan, this is a fine film with a rich tapestry of Japan and the people who united the nation „
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46
Red Shadow
1962
Shigehiro Izawa
Ninja/Chambara
Yoshio Mori, Shin Sugii
“ Fifteen years after Ishida Mitsunari lost in the battle of Sekigahara, Tokugawa Ieyasu foresees his unavoidable battle with Toyotomi Hideyori and goes into Fushimi Castle. At the night, Hattori Hanzo, the leader of 36 Iga members who were performing as guards of the castle, perceives the existence of a ninja and captures the sneaker. Unexpectedly, the ninja turns out to be a woman, and Hanzo rapes her. Years later, when the nation is under the rule of Iemitsu, the third Tokugawa shogunate, a magician pair of a mother and her child appears in a busy area in Edo. The mother is the woman ninja, who is actually a daughter of Mitsunari. The pair of mother and son ninjas is waiting for the opportunity to take revenge. They learn the opportunity has come, hearing that Iemitsu will hold a martial arts tournament on the premises of one of his direct retainer, Mizuno Jurozaemon. The winner will be awarded with 10 swords that were captured from Toyotomi family’s ware- house. Wakakage, the son ninja, sneaks into the mansion of Ono Jirouemon, a sword instructor of the shogunate and a judge of the tournament, and copies the written proceeding of the tournament. Then, he goes back to his mother, who orders him to steal the 10 swords! One of the best old-school ninja movies, including an all-star cast and tons of cool action, not to be missed! „
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47
Hunter in the Dark
1979
Hideo Gosha
Jidaigeki
Ginichi Kishimoto, Masayuki sato, Shigemi Sugisaka
“ Yataro Tanigawa, a one-eyed hired assassin, impresses yakuza boss Gomyo Kiyoemon with his skill. Gomyo hires Tanigawa as his bodyguard, or yojimbo, to protect him during an inter-clan conflict. Tanigawa quickly rises in stature in the clan, but finds his boss's enemies almost overwhelming. „
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48
Wicked Priest
1968
Kiyoshi Saeki
Chambara
“ It is a wonderful movie with the genius actor Tomisaburo Wakayama. Wakayama is extraordinary and the story of the film is very good with very emotion. It is a movie that have to be seen by all the Wakayama's fan. Shinkai, the character played bye Wakayama is closed of the famous Zatoïchi played by the brother of Wakayma the great Shintaro Katsu. And Wakayama, in his character, look very like his brother in his character of Zatoïchi. More, Wakayama him-self sing very well the songs of the film. Shinkai is the predecessor and announce the character of Ogami Itto of the Babycart's movie with his moral code, his violence and his kindness to the women and the children. „
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49
Crimson Bat: The Blind Swordswomen
1969
Sadatsuga Matsuda
Chambara
“ Crimson Bat, the Blind SwordswomanWe meet our heroine Oichi as a young child, who has just been being abandoned by her mother - not sure what happened to father, but we later discoverMom's a prostitute, so can probably fill in the blanks ourselves. To make matters worse, the tree under which Oichi takes shelter from a storm is struckby lightning, rendering her totally blind, in a way that's - probably wisely - left medically unexplained. However, she is then taken in by a kindgentleman, who brings her up, and on into adulthood.She's no luckier with her foster parent, who is murdered by a former associate, Devil Denzou (Amatsu); she is saved from the same fate by a wanderingsamurai. He sees her potential and trains her in the way of the sword, to the point where she has surpassed him. But she mentions the M-word - ""marriage"- and he, too, exits like a, er, bat out of hell. On subsequent travels, she uses her skills to save yet another man from being lynched, and eventually,all these disparate plot threads join up, more or less. Though others, such as the woman with a killer yo-yo [GoGo Yubari's ancestor?] just kinda driftout of the plot. „
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50
Cruel Story of the Shogunate's Downfall
1964
Tai Kato
Chambara
Shigeru Okada
“ This is one of the bloodiest black and white films from the mid-sixties. This film tell the brutal story of a young recruit to the Shinsengumi, the para-military force of ronin led by Kondo Isami, and made famous to the west in Sword of Doom. This is another view of that group without the usual whitewashing of their character. The full translation of the title tells it all. A Cruel Story set during the fall of the Tokugawa Shogunate. It's a powerful indictment of the brutality going on in Japan at the time in the name of keeping the West out of the country „
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50 Classic Samurai (Chambara, Jidaigeki) Films part 3 at 3/05/2011 8:58 PM