Review: SHOGUN'S SAMURAI can seem a bit overwhelming at first. As the rousing opening theme and credits come to a close, the narrator sets up the plot and whizzes through an exhaustive list of characters involved in backing one of the two heirs to the Shogunate. Though it looks like a Dramatis Personae from hell, once the narration ends Fukasaku's handling of the story and introductions to key characters flows perfectly and there are no problems in following the exciting blend of fiction and fact.

As Patrick Macias mentions in the [Adness] DVD's liner notes (a document you'll find to be much richer in the historical aspect of this film's creation than what little is touched upon in this review), SHOGUN'S SAMURAI was Kinji Fukasaku's first attempt at making a period film, only preceded by his 1972 TV series SURE DEATH!. The movie itself doesn't try to disguise its mixed history lesson. Strung together with could-have-beens and maybes, the narration proclaims in the end that what truly happened is not entirely known. This "What If?" script penned by Fukasaku along with Hiro Matsuda and Tatsuo Nogami puts interesting spins on what is known about this bit of history that has been told time and time again.

One big example of uncertainty is the tale of Yagyu Jubei (another character we have all doubtlessly seen before, whether it be in the anime NINJA SCROLL or films like SAMURAI REINCARNATION and the REBORN FROM HELL series) and the true fate of heirs Iemitsu and Tadanaga. Regardless of what may or may not have truly happened, the taste of what's brewing in Fukasaku's pipe is a sweet one.

Kinji Fukasaku's skill at drama and conspiracy shines in SHOGUN'S SAMURAI. Throw suits, guns, and a different dialect over everything else and you would have one of his finest yakuza movies, a genre that this Jidai Geki isn't far separated from. There's betrayal around every corner and an ever-developing sense that "something bigger" is really going on behind all of the disputing over the Shogun's heir. Aside from that correlation, which is a major result of all the in-house brewings and secrecy, this Fukasaku "joint" is just ridiculously epic. It's really important to watch the whole movie in one sitting, despite a few parts that some may find slow and consider taking a break on, the impact of the ending is inevitably dulled by consuming the film in smaller portions.

Action is crucial and the violence is never gratuitous. While it's not completely full of amazing swordplay, the battles in SHOGUN'S SAMURAI are spread out evenly and used to the maximum effect at focal points of particular moments of political conflict in the story. The intensity of the fights grows along with the scale as the movie progresses, and the final battles are brutal and heavily aided by some sporadic handheld camera action, really driving this home as a Fukasaku flick.

To say that the cast in this movie is astounding is an understatement. It's like a huge Japanese film nerd was given the ability to pick his dream cast and put them all in a rousing period epic. Sonny Chiba's first appearance in this film is just as you would expect it, revealing himself as the legendary Yagyu Jubei moments after cleanly lobbing a ninja's head off. It's a shame that Sonny Chiba is now more well-known in the US for his brief role in KILL BILL than anything else. For fans that have been living off of the cheapo sets like any of the hundred variations of STREET FIGHTER multi-packs or the more recent "Kill Chiba" movie collection, SHOGUN'S SAMURAI should be essential viewing. Add the fact that Tetsuro Tamba, Toshiro Mifune, Hiroyuki Sanada, and Kinnosuke Yorozuya front the star marquis and you have a deadly combination of legendary Japanese film figureheads.

Just watching the movie, you can imagine the Japanese trailer with endless strings of boastful slogans and enthusiastic selling points splattered across the screen. "A tough drama about strong people" is one set of characters actually strewn over the film during the trailer, and that sums up the movie, however general it might be. This plays into the fact that you can watch the movie without a "good guy" predetermined for you. While Iemitsu might seem the likely candidate for "evil", the true villains in the war for the Shogunate are those manipulating every facet of the struggle. The web of deceit is long, sticky, and strung in and out of characters to the point that you'll wonder what is or isn't a trap waiting to happen. Nobles, farmers, Samurai, Ronin, and more all play an equal part in deception and battle. There is a lot going on in the movie and it is all pretty damn fantastic.

SHOGUN'S SAMURAI is a long and rewarding watch. Period conspiracies make for a beefy viewing experience that everyone should enjoy to the fullest. There's no need to insert any "if you're a fan of…" lines to this recommendation. If you haven't seen it yet, watch it, period.

Review: In 1978, one of Japan's most accomplished directors, Kinji Fukasaku helmed Shogun's Samurai, his first samurai film. Better known for his gritty and sometimes controversial crime dramas, Kinji would go on to complete his last and most controversial film in 2000, namely Battle Royale. Shogun's Samurai was a uniquely ambitious effort that came together at a time when Japan's film industry had already collapsed upon itself resulting in limited financing for even modest productions.

Combining the stately intrigue, romance, and scope of past classics with the visceral action that modern audiences demand, Shogun's Samurai is a supremely entertaining film. The principle cast includes practically all of Japan's key martial arts stars headlined by Sonny Chiba, with his two apprentices Etsuko Shihomi and Hiroyuki Sanada in supporting roles. The scale and visual splendor of the production is stunning while a gripping, fictionalized account of political conflict in 17th century Japan delivers the knock out blow.

The real star of the film is Kinnosuke Nakamura who plays Yagyu Tajima, a fencing instructor to Shogunate General Hidetada's first son, Iemitsu. Iemitsu is a stuttering young man with a large facial birthmark who is disliked by many, especially his own father who plans to pass the generalship to his second son, Tadanaga. Loyal to Iemitsu, ambitious, and ruthlessly cunning, Yagyu takes a calculated risk by having Hidetada poisoned to death. A struggle for the generalship begins as Tadanaga and his supporters including his mother, the Lord of Owari (Toshiro Mifune), and representative of the Emperor, Courtier Ayamaro (Mikio Narita) leave the Shogunate castle after failing to prove that Hidetada was murdered. By birthright, Iemitsu should be declared general by the Emperor, but the Emperor's courtiers plot to play both brothers against one another in an attempt to eradicate the position of Shogunate altogether. In response to these events, Yagyu sets in motion a brilliant political and military maneuver to discredit Tadanaga by making it appear that he killed an official representative of the Emperor. The displaced Negoro clan of ninja are recruited for this purpose and promised the return of their former land in return. The plan works and Tadanaga is forced into exile. Yagyu orders the slaughter of the Negoro to bury the truth, defeats a rival swordsman, and celebrates as Iemitsu is declared the third Shogunate General. But what Yagyu fails to take into consideration is that his own son, Jubei (Sonny Chiba) has close ties to the Negoro. A dramatic confrontation of Shakespearian proportions is in store. I'm proud to say that I called this scene in terms of what would happen before it actually did. It was the most dramatic and powerful finale I could imagine given the circumstances and Kinji let it happen. Bravo!

I relish historical epics, bow to Sonny Chiba, and respect Kinji Fukasaku, so I was already predisposed towards this film. But it thoroughly surpassed my expectations. The film is masterfully constructed with equal amounts of intrigue, action, and romantic angst. Kinnosuke is outstanding and presents a powerful and devious figure who shadows over everyone in a very subtle manner. His character is forced to confront challenges on every level that you could imagine and meets them all. His character presents an interesting contrast to Iemitsu whom Hiroki Matsukata convincingly portrays as a weak and naive leader to be easily manipulated by the cunning Yagyu.

For martial arts fans, Yagyu's rivalry with another swordsman, played by Tetsoru Tamba (The Water Margin) provides several fine action scenes including the best one midway through. The two confront each other indoors. Sensing trouble, Tetsoru turns, slashes a reed wall and runs out dripping blood from a sword cut. Chiba emerges clutching his own bloodied face. Tetsoru returns later to face Kinnosuke alone. Another great standoff features Chiba versus Mikio Narita, who plays Courtier Ayamaro. The courtiers are the Emperor's loyal aids and are portrayed as effeminate men with powdered faces and flowery clothing. I liken them to the Eunuchs of ancient China as portrayed, for example by Donnie Yen in Dragon Inn (1992). Unlike the rest, Mikio is deadly with a sword and nearly skewers Etsuko Shihomi. Later, a wild-looking Chiba now sporting an eye patch unleashes his full fury on Mikio. Another big martial arts star is a young Hiroyuki Sanada (Ninja in the Dragon's Den) whose impressive skills are not featured prominently enough this time even though he plays a member of the Negoro ninja clan. For ninja action, there is only one scene at the beginning of the film that features their sneaky exploits in black garb. And nothing comes close to the crazy wall climbing or burrowing tomfoolery one expects from camp classics like the similarly titled Shogun's Ninja (1982). This was a more action-oriented film clearly made to exploit the success of Shogun's Samurai.

Despite the polished production values and classical treatment, historians should check their accuracy meter at the door. Shogun's Samurai takes license with actual events during the Tokugawa reign in favor of presenting a more exciting story. In addition to the dramatic political and martial exploits, the film is rounded out with beautiful Reiko Ohara (Zatoichi Goes to the Fire Festival) playing a singer and love interest to Iemitsu while her flute accompanist (Yoshio Harada) pines for her affections. Even Sanada gets a little action with Mayumi Asano (The Bushido Blade), another trained ninja who thwarts an assassination attempt on Iemitsu. All of this is seamlessly tied together with the main plot.

Completing the film's excellent presentation includes Kinji's own brand of dynamic direction that features jarring angles and freeze frames. Cinematography that captures lush outdoor settings, intricate interiors, and colorful costumes adds to the film's luster, as does a modest, but complementary musical score from Toshiaki Tsushima. Unobtrusive narration scattered throughout the film keeps the broad events in focus. Add fine acting performances from this all-star cast, especially from Kinnosuke and Sonny Chiba and you have a bold, samurai epic that can be considered one of the best of it's kind.