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Sanjuro (1962)

Sanjuro (1962)
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Set in the mid-19th century when the disintegration of a rigid social structure was turning the once wealthy into paupers, or vice-versa, this kinetic drama by acclaimed Akira Kurosawa features the hero Sanjuro (Toshiro Mifune), one of many samurai whose once traditional positions were fast disappearing. In this tale of false perceptions and truth, of honor and dishonor, Sanjuro is a character who captures and holds attention from the moment he appears on screen. When he arrives in a small city, he discovers that a band of nine men are anxious to overthrow the corrupt ruling elite. Physically strong and agile, mentally sharp and clear-headed, Sanjuro still has an deep commitment to justice and honor underneath his dirty, abrasive, and cynical exterior. The nine men may doubt his nobility, but that is because they are only looking skin deep. While the sword fighting and action scenes are memorable, it is Toshiro Mifune's characterization and Kurosawa's camera eye that enhance the story. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, Rovi

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Starring:
Toshiro MifuneYuzo Kayama, (more)
Director(s):
Akira Kurosawa
Format(s):
DVD  |  Blu-ray
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Synopsis of Sanjuro

Set in the mid-19th century when the disintegration of a rigid social structure was turning the once wealthy into paupers, or vice-versa, this kinetic drama by acclaimed Akira Kurosawa features the hero Sanjuro (Toshiro Mifune), one of many samurai whose once traditional positions were fast disappearing. In this tale of false perceptions and truth, of honor and dishonor, Sanjuro is a character who captures and holds attention from the moment he appears on screen. When he arrives in a small city, he discovers that a band of nine men are anxious to overthrow the corrupt ruling elite. Physically strong and agile, mentally sharp and clear-headed, Sanjuro still has an deep commitment to justice and honor underneath his dirty, abrasive, and cynical exterior. The nine men may doubt his nobility, but that is because they are only looking skin deep. While the sword fighting and action scenes are memorable, it is Toshiro Mifune's characterization and Kurosawa's camera eye that enhance the story. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, Rovi

Theatrical Feature Running Time:
96 mins

Complete Cast of Sanjuro


Director(s):
Akira Kurosawa
Writer(s):
Akira KurosawaRyuzo KikushimaHideo Oguni
Producer(s):
Ryuzo KikushimaTomoyuki Tanaka
Categories:
Action / Adventure
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    Member Reviews
     
    Nicholas O.

    I don't think it is Akira KUrosawa's most astonishing movie visually. What amazes me most is his ability to allow the viewer to connect and associate with the character. His role in this movie becomes one someone in the 21st century can quickly associate with, without idealizing violence, or grossly misinterpeting bushido. The final conflict is great......if you watch closely, you see something not often seen in Japanese sword play. Sanjuro does a left handed draw to defeat his opponent. Why this is, I am not sure, maybe used to reflect the akward nature the hero, his inability to truly conform.......or maybe the distance between he and his opponent was so small he was forced to compensate, or die. Teaching us a lesson, in the end, good or bad life lived, if you force yourself to stay within the confinment of your social structure, it will eventually be your demise....or maybe, it just looked cool with the camera angle.....don't know....

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    Frank J.

    If you like samurai movies, this is a classic that is sure to be a favorite. The humor is subtle and the plot intricate enough to keep your interest.

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    Kenneth P.

    I really like both Kurosawa as a director and Mifune as an actor so I'm prejudiced, but I love this film. My favorite film of the genre and just a great movie in general. Watch it once for the subtitles and then watch it again just for the visuals. So many folks are turned off by subtitles but please try for this one. It's worth the work.

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