THE TWILIGHT SAMURAI

Great For Drama Buffs

This beautifully crafted film combines a great backdrop, rich story and deep character development. This ain't your typical swordplay movie. Twilight Samurai faithfully depicts the transition between the end of the Edo period and the Meiji Restoration. Kind of like The Last Samurai, but better. The tone of the movie has a melancholy feel to it. You can't help but empathize with the main character, who is trapped within a drastic overhaul in his society and environment while trying to retain his personal honor.

The story is of Seibei Iguchi, who is played by Hiroyuki Sanada of Ring and The Last Samurai, interestingly enough. His wife has recently died of consumption and now he must take care of his two daughters and his sickly mother. Now a devoted family man and single parent, he feels detached to his duties as a samurai. He actually longs for a peaceful life as a peasant. His self-honor and death of his wife results in a distaste for violence as well. His integrity is tested on a few occasions and he is forced to confront foes. Although we see that he has unequalled skill as a swordsman he resists drawing his blade. However, his life changes when his childhood friend, Tomoe, returns home and a hope for a new life blossoms.

There is such a strong resonance left after seeing Sanada's character in this movie. But everything else falls perfectly in place as well. All the issues we observe during that time period are seamlessly presented in the film. Not only is its character development engrossing but we see clearly how everything in his environment has affected him. It's sometimes very touching and has hints of sweet humor in it. There are two short but very well done choreographed fight scenes in the movie. Again, this is not about the way of the samurai but the honor behind it. A must see!

Director: Yoji Yamada
Genre: Drama
Year: 2002
Rating: 8/8
On DVD at HKFlix