Movie Review: Samurai Saga

Since my next entry on this forum is going to be a long bitchy rant I thought I would keep this one simple and more fun.

While I’m no movie connoisseur I know what I like, what I find entertaining, and with the cost of movie tickets what types of movies I’m willing to pay to see. Even with these parameters I still find myself less and less impressed with what Hollywood has to offer. Sure there are some movies that are good for killing an hour or two, that I see because my wife and/or children are interested in, but I can’t remember the last time I left a theatre feeling like I truly got my monies worth. Then again, I can barely remember the last time I even went to the movies. Basically because I’m still working on a backlog of DVD’s of movies I’ve missed.


However, I recently did see a movie which exceeded my expectations, and that if I ever find on DVD will definitely be added to my collection.

That movie is titled “Aru Kengo No Shogai,” (Life Of An Expert Swordsman), or as it is better known in the West, “Samurai Saga.”

Filmed in 1959 and directed by Hiorshi Inagaki, Samurai Saga is basically the story of Cyrano De Bergerac with a Japanese twist.

Toshiro Mifune plays the lead, and his role is both humorous and emotionally touching. Especially when he dies in the arms of the woman he has always loved, but thought he could never have due to his physical deformity (big ugly nose). The use of light, the cherry blossoms falling, and his ghost evoke numerous feelings of loss and unfulfilled desires Mifune’s Cyrano has had to live with all his life.

While many might wonder how a French tale of a physically impaired warrior poet would translate, it translates extremely well. Of course some changes were made, but anyone who knows the tale of Cyrano would instantly recognize the characters, events, and key plot elements.

From the opening scene at the theatre where Mifune’s Cyrano character makes fun of his deformed nose while showing his mastery of fencing, to the classic scene of Cyrano in the bushes wooing the woman he loves on behalf of another suitor, the movie evokes emotions ranging from laughter to tears. The pace is excellent, and the use of colors, cinematography, and choreography only add to the overall experience.

Of course the movie also has plenty of swordplay, a battle scene (most likely its weakest moment since it looks like stock footage), intrigue, and suspense.

Clearly, this movie may not be one of Mifune’s masterpieces, but it is worth watching.