Jôi-uchi: Hairyô tsuma shimatsu (1967)

Jôi-uchi: Hairyô tsuma shimatsu: Directed by Masaki Kobayashi. With Toshirô Mifune, Yôko Tsukasa, Gô Katô, Tatsuyoshi Ehara. The mother of a feudal lord’s only heir is kidnapped away from her husband by the lord. The husband and his samurai father must decide whether to accept the unjust decision, or risk death to get her back.

“SAMURAI REBELLION is not one of the best known Japanese films, although it deserves to be. It is very in theme to the masterful HARAKIRI from the same director, and with this film he matches that filmu0026#39;s raw emotional power. Itu0026#39;s a must for Toshiro Mifune fans…. he delivers one of his finest performances as a jaded elder samurai. He once again gets to share screen time with Tatsuya Nakadai, who has a small but memorable supporting role. The always reliable Toru Takemitsu delivers a fine score made up mostly of Japanese instruments, and Kobayashiu0026#39;s direction is flawless…. this film is filled with memorable set pieces, and itu0026#39;s just the sword fight scenes, although those are pretty incredible too. This is one of about six Kobayashi films available in the west (HARAKIRI, KWAIDAN, and the HUMAN CONDITION trilogy make up the rest)… thatu0026#39;s a shame because, based on the quality of these works, he clearly stands among the greats of Japanese cinema.”