Movie No. 33 (2016): THE TWILIGHT SAMURAI
The Twilight Samurai (2004)
Director: Yoji Yamada
Cast: Hiroyuki Sanada, Rie Miyazawa
In Japanese, with English subtitles
The daughter of a low-level samurai narrates her father's story during the waning years of the Edo Era. During these years when master-less samurais wander, Seibei, now a widower, raises her two daughters and takes care of his senile mother in one roof. He works as errand boy for the clan for a meager stipend. His seemingly simple living gets shaken when he learns about his childhood friend's divorce from an abusive husband. Then comes the clan's task for him that he's hesitant to do - to kill a fellow samurai.
Director: Yoji Yamada
Cast: Hiroyuki Sanada, Rie Miyazawa
In Japanese, with English subtitles
The daughter of a low-level samurai narrates her father's story during the waning years of the Edo Era. During these years when master-less samurais wander, Seibei, now a widower, raises her two daughters and takes care of his senile mother in one roof. He works as errand boy for the clan for a meager stipend. His seemingly simple living gets shaken when he learns about his childhood friend's divorce from an abusive husband. Then comes the clan's task for him that he's hesitant to do - to kill a fellow samurai.
Is it just I who thinks this movie is one that can be in the line-up of Father's Day movies? The sacrifices and dedication of a father to his family are clear to be major components of the major story lines, the other story lines being about the way of the samurai during the unfortunate period and the romantic link between Seibei and his childhood friend.
This film captures the rustic milieu beautifully, which enhances the film's "personality." It is so gentle despite a few instances of violence. The narrative flows with ease and there are no fancy editing tricks. The lead actor is really into character.
The film was nominated in the Best Foreign Language Film category of Academy Awards in 2005.
Rating: 4.0/4.0
Date seen: July 3, 2016
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