This is one of many samurai movies starring the great Toshiro Mifune. Here, he plays wandering swordsman Mohei, who is accepted by the Toyotomi clan in Osaka. Conflict erupts when the Osaka Castle is attacked by the opposing Tokugawa clan.
Even for a movie made in the early 1960s, the cinematography and special effects were realistic and believable, really capturing the intensity and trauma of war. The samurai action illustrates the courage and skills of Mohei and the love subplot between Mohei and Ai (Kyôko Kagawa) blends together with the plot well, enhancing the drama of the film.
It's not the most exciting or edge-of-your-seat material, but does give you a hour and a half of worthy entertainment.
Grade B.
Even for a movie made in the early 1960s, the cinematography and special effects were realistic and believable, really capturing the intensity and trauma of war. The samurai action illustrates the courage and skills of Mohei and the love subplot between Mohei and Ai (Kyôko Kagawa) blends together with the plot well, enhancing the drama of the film.
It's not the most exciting or edge-of-your-seat material, but does give you a hour and a half of worthy entertainment.
Grade B.