A pleasant narrative due to the chemistry between Kenichi Matsuyama and Kiichi Nakai and the satisfying delivery of a visual and narrative climax.
Category: Jidaigeki
The Pass: Last Days Of The Samurai (2022) review [Fantasia Film Festival]
A very engaging samurai narrative that does not only offer an intriguing glance at one of the most important crossroads of Japanese history, but also a melodramatic exploration of one subject’s function in it.
Travels of Hibari and Chiemi 2: The Lovebird’s 1000 Ryo Umbrella (1963) review
“A highly enjoyable sequel that, once more, delivers heart-warming light-heartedness, comical action-sequences, and touching musical moments.”
Travels of Hibari and Chiemi: The Tumultuous Journey (1962) review
“This film remains, after all these years, a highly enjoyable narrative that succeeds to please the spectator with heart-warming light-heartedness, comical action, and beautiful musical moments.”
Gonza the Spearman (1986) review
“A fabulous narrative that offers a satisfying exploration of the tragedy of phallic ambition and the destructive potential of desire.”
Punk Samurai Slash Down (2018) review
“Ishii’s narrative meanders a bit too much, but it luckily never outstays its welcome.”
Yokai Monsters: Along With Ghosts (1969) review
“A very enjoyable fantastical horror period-drama that excels in creating an unsettling spooky atmosphere.”
Daimajin (1966) review
“A wonderful and refreshing blend between the jidai-geki/chanbara and the kaiju genre.”
Onibaba (1964) review
A veritable horror classic.
Short Movie Time: Go Seppukku Yourselves (2021) review [Japan Cuts 2021]
“An enthralling audiovisual experience and a powerful critique of the Japanese political system.”
Lady Snowblood: Love Song of Vengeance (1974)
Introduction With Lady Snowblood: Blizzard of the Netherrealm (1973), an adaptation of Kazuo Koike’s popular manga Lady Snowblood (1972 – 1973), Toshiya Fujita created a beautiful, strong demonic woman who turns killing people, with her sharp sword, into an elegant art. Fujita’s sequel about this deadly beauty is, contrary to first narrative, not based on…
Ohyaku: the Female Demon (1968) [review]
a very enjoyable revenge-narrative that, surprisingly, still holds up well today.
Crazy Samurai Musashi (2020) review [Fantasia 2020]
“Sakaguchi reveals that what truly stirs the imagination of the spectator is not shining special effects, but true skill and physicality of the actor’s presence.”
Short Movie Time: A Wolf’s Calling (2019) [Japan Cuts 2020]
“A powerful subjective statement against the prowling nature of the Japanese police.”
From hero to violator: An introduction to pre-war Jidai-geki cinema. (Part 1)
A deep and detailed exploration of the beginning of cinema in Japan.
psycho-cinematography 