A Samurai Chronicle: an earnest and heavy-going lesson in how to live a good life with grace, compassion and humility
Takashi Koizumi, “A Samurai Chronicle” (2014) I’m afraid that these days the Japanese just don’t
Category: Japanese Films
Reviews of films from Japan.
The Makioka Sisters: a flat commentary on tradition and modernisation alike through a soap opera plot
Kon Ichikawa, “The Makioka Sisters” (1983) Admittedly this is a beautifully shot film and its
Conflagration: a competent critique of modern Japan and an unreal quest for beauty and purity
Kon Ichikawa, “Conflagration / Enjo” (1958) Based on the novel “The Temple of the Golden
Becoming a legend through humility and earning grace in “Samurai III: Duel at Ganryu Island”
Hiroshi Inagaki, “Samurai III: Duel at Ganryu Island” (1956) Inagaki’s third and last installment in
Samurai II: Duel at Ichijoji Temple – bridging two films capably with character and thematic developments
Hiroshi Inagaki, “Samurai II: Duel at Ichijoji Temple” (1955) Its predecessor in the Musashi Miyamoto
Samurai I: Musashi Miyamoto – the early days of a famous swordsman celebrated with ambition and energy
Hiroshi Inagaki, “Samurai I: Musashi Miyamoto” (1954) One of the most famous people in Japanese
Mixing samurai sword action, gore and political commentary on “Lady Snowblood: Love Song of Vengeance”
Toshiya Fujita, “Lady Snowblood: Love Song of Vengeance / Shurayukihime: Urami Renga” (1974) At the
Lady Snowblood: questioning the pursuit of vengeance in a society undergoing rapid social and economic change
Toshiya Fujita, “Lady Snowblood / Shurayukihime” (1973) Based on a manga and the inspiration for
The Wind Rises: a dishonest, cowardly film that supports current Japanese militarism
Hayao Miyazaki, “The Wind Rises / Kaze tachinu” (2013) Miyazaki’s swansong film is a fictional
Floating Weeds: a graceful work of compassion for human frailties
Yasujiro Ozu, “Floating Weeds” (1959) In the hands of a lesser director, the soap opera