Movie No. 92 (2013): YOJIMBO
Yojimbo (1961)
Director: Akira Kurosawa
Cast: Toshiro Mifune, Tatsuya Nakadai
In Japanese, with English subtitles
As I was watching this film, I couldn't contain my admiration of the wonderfully photographed scenes, particularly the long shots. But, cinematography is just one of the wonders of this film. The other elements of the film stand out as well.
Director: Akira Kurosawa
Cast: Toshiro Mifune, Tatsuya Nakadai
In Japanese, with English subtitles
As I was watching this film, I couldn't contain my admiration of the wonderfully photographed scenes, particularly the long shots. But, cinematography is just one of the wonders of this film. The other elements of the film stand out as well.
If you're expecting values (that) the film tries to showcase, don't expect it to get it from this film. Nothing about the lead character is likable. How can like someone who sells his loyalty or alliance to the higher bidder? This is the premise of the film. A wandering Samurai finds himself in a village that is divided by two warring gangster groups. With the ultimate goal of getting rid of these elements so that the village becomes peaceful again, he executes a scheme that will result in the two groups engaging in an all-out war that will wipe out each other. Looks like noble, but his motive is doubtful (in my opinion). Perhaps that's what the film is trying to show. And looking at it on this perspective, the film succeeds. A truly classic masterpiece.
Rating: 4.0/4.0
Date seen: April 14, 2013
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