Recently seen movies #131

Ichi (Japan, 2008) – 2,5/5

Female Zatoichi is not a new invention (Crimson Bat, 1969) but nevertheless an idea that deserves to be repeated. Gravure idol Haruka Ayase stars, and Fumihiko Sori, whose previous work was the anime problem waste Vexille (2007), directs. The outcome works mainly because the concept is so good, and Haruka’s face looks rather nice as well. That is easily her strongest asset. The only reason why her lack of charisma and acting skills don’t stand up is that most people around her fare even worse, with the villains Riki Takeuchi and Shido Nakamura being the worst offenders towards the art of acting. Sori’s directing is routine, which is also true to the screenplay and soundtrack. The brief fight scenes are ok although Ayase – who does her own fighting – doesnt really convince with her katana handling skills. In the end, despite all its flaws, Ichi is passable entertainment. However, everything it does has been done better before in films such as Azumi (2003).

Recently seen movies #96

Aragami (Japan, 2003) – 3/5

Kitamura’s contribution to the Duel project doesn’t differ significantly from most of his other movies in terms of style. But has interesting starting point that slightly resembles classic European horror tales; a wounded warrior (Takao Osawa) finds shelter from a distant temple. The owner (Masaya Kato), a self-assured loner, welcomes his guest, but seems unwilling to let the man go when his wounds have healed. It’s 60 minutes of dialogue followed by 20 minutes of fighting. The single room setting provides Kitamura with plenty of changes to play with his trademark 360 degree camera spin. Soundtrack, acting and action are all decently good, but there’s a bit of overlength to such a simple story. Humour is sparse, but well used.

Recently seen movies #71

Hitokiri (Japan, 1969) – 4/5

Hideo Gosha’s most famous film is also one of the greatest jidai geki movies ever made. Shintaro Katsu, in one of the best roles of his life, plays a samurai who mindlessly follows his master (Tatsuya Nakadai) and believes the more people he kills the more respect he will get. The screenplay is terrific and avoids many of the genre’s cliches. Gosha manages to keep the film rather realistic without having to sacrifice any of the entertainment value. At 135 minutes Hitokiri doesn’t feel stretched but instead almost too short. Cult writer/actor Yukio Mishima appers in a supporting role.

Recently seen movies #52

Killer’s Mission (Japan, 1969) – 4/5

The Street Fighter director Shigero Ozawa helms a supremely cool samurai spy pic with the one man army Tomisaburo Wakayma in the lead. The main villain is played by none other than Toei’s greatest yakuza baddie Bin Amatsu. Add Koji Tsuruta in a cameo, and female ninjas played by Tomoko Mayama and Yumiko Nogawa, and you know what we’re into; first grade high bodycount entertainment. The only notable weakness is the slow moving 20 min episode that comes after the halfway. The rest is pure retro chambara gold. Also look out for Wakayma making fun of his real life Zatoichi brother.

Recently seen movies #32

Sword of the Beast (Japan, 1965) – 3,5/5

Mikijiro Hira plays the memorable lead role in Hideo Gosha’s second movie. Although the storyline is not the most original, the characters and cinematography are very good. The director keeps the film moving swiftly. An enjoyble and rather dark samurai film but not one of the best examples of the director’s exceptional talent. Gosha was one of the most important Japanese directors, however this and the stylish chambara adventure Tange Sazen: The Secret of the Urn are his weakest from the 60’s.

Recently seen movies #27

Okatsu the Fugitive (Japan, 1969) – 3/5

The final part the trilogy feels almost like a remake of Quick-Draw Okatsu. The storyline starts from the beginning, just like last time, with Miyazono playing a new lead character. While the trick didn’t hurt the second part, third time is starting to feel a bit too much already. The basic concept – Junko with a sword – works of course, but quality has gone down from the previous intalment. The last 25 minutes offers a satisfying conclusion, though, and the supporting cast features some good actors such as the charming Reiko Oshida (doesn’t kill anyone this time) and Tatsuo Umemiya.

Recently seen movies #26

Quick-Draw Okatsu (Japan, 1969) – 4,5/5

This sequel to Female Demon Ohyaku is where the heaven begins. Quick-Draw Okatsu is the cream de la cream of violent female swordplay movies. Junko Miyazono returns in different role as a woman raving for revenge. Although she gives a very solid performance she’s actually the weakest link in the cast. The first super delighter is Reiko Oshida, Toei’s purest gift to the female action genre. Appearing in one of the early roles of her career, she plays the mysterious samurai girl character with her trademark energy and delinquent attitude. Both girls handle the sword well, but are naturally overshadowed by the sword god Tomisaburo Wakayama. This time he’s not casted as the comic relief or respected yakuza boss but his own badass himself. The lone wolf, a one man army.

Recently seen movies #25

Female Demon Ohyaku (Japan, 1968 ) – 3/5

Junko Miyazono stars in this stylish and surprisingly story driven revenge film. Labeled as ”the original pinky violence film” by the US distributor Synapse Female Demon Ohyaku doesn’t feature much more nudity than Miyazono’s tattooed back, but the violence is strong and bloody. The amount of action is small but the main point of the film lies undeniably elsewhere. While never boring the film feels like it could be a bit more exciting than it is now. Tomisaburo Wakayama has a small supporting role as a local yakuza boss.

Recently seen movies #15

Hunter in the Dark (Japan, 1979) – 4/5

Hideo Gosha’s late 70’s chambara flick reminds of his earlier film, Bandit vs. Samurai Squad, but avoids that film’s flaws. The storyline is less epic and quite simple in the end, but the characters’ backgrounds are handled skillfully. The cast is thoroughly impressive – Tatsuya Nakadai, Isao Natsuyagi, Shinichi Chiba and Tetsuro Tamba, just to mention a few – but especially Yoshio Harada is amazingly good as an assassin without memory. Gosha’s direction is visually stylish, but also aims at certain degree of realism. The fights are intense but very brutal.