Kiru

This amusing period drama is a concentration of Okamoto Kihachi's essence, coordinating dynamic action and a sense of humor with ingenious cuts that enthrall. Undertaking a plot similar to Korosawa's "Sanjuro", the film sheds light on the heartlessness of the warrior class and is a reflection on society through two contrasting protagonists: a failed, wandering samurai, portrayed by Nakadai Tatsuya, and a reckless youth from the peasant class, portrayed by Takahashi Etsushi. Supporting characters are all distinctively portrayed to evolve a vivid crowd drama.
Text: Morimune Atsuko, catalog TOKYO FILMeX 2006
Photo: © 1968 TOHO Co., Ltd.