Classic Samurai and Bushido

List creator: hneline1 Created on: April 28, 2002 - 11:41 PM PDT Description: Classic films that all samurai buffs should watch. There are more but these are the best ones in this catalog--not a bad start.

show images/hide images

	movie title	related list	average rating	MPAA rating	watch	rent	buy
	Seven Samurai (Criterion Collection) (1954)
If you must see only one samurai flick, see this classic. It has all the elements in this exemplary film by Akira Kurosawa --honor, sacrafice, swords, death, internal conflict, class conflict...
	47 Ronin (1941)			Not Rated
This is based on a well-known Japanese legend about masterless samurai trying to maintain honor when faced with social stigma and disgrace.
	Yojimbo (Criterion Collection) (1961)			Not Rated
Akira Kurosawa tells the tale of a masterless, wandering samurai with nothing to lose, who may or may not save a town from gang violence. One of my favorite samurai flicks and rather funny too.
	Sanjuro (Criterion Collection) (1962)			Not Rated
In this sequel to Yojimbo, Sanjuro the masterless samurai once again shows his honor despite his outward appearance of sloth and uncaring.
	The Hidden Fortress (Criterion Collection) (1958)			Not Rated
Haven't you watched this yet? George Lucas said that this movie inspired him to make Star Wars. It's also a great exploration of loyalty, honor, courage and depravity.
	Rashomon (Criterion Collection) (1951)
Not really a samurai flick, but it's an intense psychological exploration of truth set in medieval Japan, where the same story is told from many viewpoints. Which one is fact?
	Samurai I: Musashi Miyamoto (Criterion Collection) (1955)			Not Rated
	Samurai II: Duel at Ichijoji Temple (Criterion Collection) (1955)			Not Rated
	Samurai III: Duel at Ganryu Island (Criterion Collection) (1956)			Not Rated
The "Samurai" series about Musashi Miyamoto is a great story of dreams, love, skill, and courage.
	Chushingura (1962)			Not Rated
This is a retelling of the same tale in "Forty-Seven Ronin", just as good and dramatic.
	Ran (1985)
A stunning film by Akira Kurosawa, loosely based on King Lear. Be prepared for cinematic bloodshed.
	Zatoichi: The Tale of Zatoichi (I) (1962)			Not Rated
	Zatoichi: The Tale of Zatoichi Continues (II) (1962)
No samurai drama list would be complete without mention of the blind swordsman. Have fun. ;-)