This black and white samurai picture from 1967 takes place during a period of Japan during the Tokugawa era, when the samurai is falling from his place in society. The emperor will eventually replace the shogun as ruler of Japan and the feudal period which generated so many great pictures about loyalty is crumbling. It has none of the romance of that previous period just the reality of ronin. Some hold to Bushido, but many switch sides at will for survival or other ends.
It does have some great music. Many of the Japanese movies made today use the more modern music been written, but the older scores utilizing a more traditional sound appeal to me much more. I suppose if zombies are jumping out then a heavy metal score really works, but when two highly trained samurai are facing down in a black and white movie, with the dust swirling and eyes glaring, there is nothing like the bleak silence broken by staccato of drums or the hiss of the shakuhachi to enhance the drama.
It is a well made movie, but I am swayed by the period. I like a "hero" to anchor the movie. So there you have it. Much like Raging Bull with it's great film making and acting, I so hated Deniro's character, I have to defer rating the movie to those who can stomach it.
Jeez, there I am true to form, running instead of taking a stand! Yeah, but it's just a movie! I will say, no clives.
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