🔗 Share this article

Much like the first installment, the new release from the creators of Ghost of Tsushima, the action title, honors celebrated Japanese filmmakers through special presentation modes. Where the initial game featured only a monochrome nod to the classic samurai films of Akira Kurosawa, the sequel sees a joint effort with Samurai Champloo director Shinichirō Watanabe for a display option that adds relaxing rhythms. Additionally, it offers a special Miike setting that increases violence and grime in combat and puts the camera closer to the action.

Takashi Miike boasts a varied body of work, with his films spanning bloody yakuza epics, family-friendly films, and live-action manga adaptations. Yet, when searching for a place to start, fans appreciating the samurai sword fights of the game needs to see Takashi's the samurai epic, a bloody good samurai flick.

A Classic Reimagining including Gripping Thrills

Released in 2010, 13 Assassins updates of the original movie of identical title from filmmaker the pioneering director. The story centers on a team of assassins who, heavily outmatched, venture to kill the cruel Lord Matsudaira Naritsugu (portrayed by the performer) before he can becoming part of the government assembly. Different nobles fear that his ascent would lead to internal conflict due to his a trail of high-born victims following him, yet his relations to the Shōgun have left him unpunished.

Owing to the lord's deeds and a gory ending, 13 Assassins is not a film for the faint of heart. The story starts with a figure protesting the lord's rise by performing ritual suicide, the ceremonial death by cutting the stomach. His cruel behavior are not merely hinted at by the cast, they’re shown. He aims bows at defenseless servants, and assaults a female then beheading her husband.

The heroes have good reason, certainly.

The fighter the leader (brought to life by the renowned actor) is assigned killing the antagonist. The majority of the initial segment of the movie is spent detailing Naritsugu’s threat while Shinzaemon recruits allies. The team move to a village where they can ambush their target (fending off enemies during the trip). After their arrival, the director ramps up the action.

The Grand Conclusion featuring Immersive Fight Scenes

The film’s final act shows why this movie has become such a cherished samurai film. The heroes are not passive for their target to walk into their weapons. They’re 13 against 200, and must utilize every trick to overcome the enemy army. Namely, converting the whole village of the place as a weapon. (The people, who thankfully flee and stay out of the carnage.) The location is used as a tool; the group set up various devices and defenses that would make Kevin McAllister impressed, employing every strategy to secure an advantage in the conflict ahead.

The fight is amazing — and well-staged. There is no the unsteady footage of modern action movies obscuring the scenes, or straightforward moments using excessive editing. On the contrary, wide shots and excellent choreography prevent unclear scenes, rendering an naturally gripping prolonged conflict even more impressive. The action is easy to see, when countless enemies attack (and get killed by) one fighter in an arena of swords, for example.

Why 13 Assassins Stays Timeless

Revisiting the film, viewers notice why Sucker Punch associates enhanced violence with the director; the characters are drenched in the elements. Not a single person comes out unscathed, and those left standing at the end are soiled by the aftermath. Additionally, it seems very authentic, with limited digital effects used just for blasts throughout the village. The realism of the attire, scenery, and action give 13 Assassins an almost classic vibe; it’s 15 years old today, yet looks like it could have been released last week.

Whenever Ghost of Yōtei fans need a break from engaging in warrior combat and simply prefer to view plenty of blade combat, it's wise to view 13 Assassins. The director's action movie pairs perfectly with this title, and is a must watch for every devotee of the genre.