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Minoru Oki Movies

2000  
 
Makoto Shinozaki's genre-bending film concerns three aging World War II veterans living in modern day Japan who are wrestling demons from the past, while trying to come to terms with their rapidly approaching mortality. Ito, a charming widower, is shocked to discover that he might be falling in love; Kijima lives a solitary life, mourning the family that was taken from him during an enemy firebombing; and Heihachi is a restaurant owner who learns that his wife has terminal cancer. Entering into the mix is a cult-like group, Utopia, who trains impressionable young adults with the purpose of scamming the elderly out of their entire savings. When Kijima, Ito, and Heihachi figure out that Utopia has been working their evil on them, they use their suppressed anger to take a final stand once and for all. Equal parts romantic comedy, war drama, and thriller, asurerarenu Hitobito (Not Forgotten) is also a moving commentary on the universal topic of aging, set in a contemporary Japan that is still trying to find its post-World War II identity. ~ Kimber Myers, Rovi

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Starring:
Tatsuya MihashiMinoru Oki, (more)
 
1974  
 
Add Shogun Assassin 5: Cold Road to Hell to Queue Add Shogun Assassin 5: Cold Road to Hell to top of Queue  
Ogami faces his biggest challenge yet as a desperate Retsudo forms an alliance with the remaining members of the Yagyu clan to slay the Lone Wolf once and for all. Ogami has already killed most of Retsudo's family, but the evil ruler still has one last trick up his sleeve. Now surrounded on all sides by hundreds of fierce warriors. Ogami realizes that this is one battle he may not walk away from. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

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Starring:
Tomisaburo WakayamaJunko Hitomi, (more)
 
1955  
 
Adapted from a story by Mitsuzo Sasaki, The Impostor is set in the feudal Japan of the 1600s. Two aspiring Shogun warriors vie for the throne of the entire country. One of the two is an impostor, but it is he who gains the upper hand through deception and chicanery. The present leader, played by Utaemon Ichikawa, is subject to extortion when his lovely sister (Keiko Kishi) is kidnapped by the phony's minions. Contemporary American reviewers found the stylish acting of the principals to be more humorous than profound. Modern-day filmgoers, accustomed to the traditions of the Japanese cinema, may be more charitable. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

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Starring:
Utaemon IchikawaKeiko Kishi, (more)