043 4 Hiroshi Inagaki's 1954 - 1956 three part color film , The Samurai Trilogy , is unlike many filmic trilogies for the very fact that it is , indeed , one exactly five hour long film , and not three separate linked films , for the first two films have no real endings . In this way it has much in common with The Lord Of The Rings trilogy . However , whereas those three are separate films , more or less , their source work is not . Yes , J.R.R . Tolkien's book is often printed in three separate volumes , but it is one work . This three part film is also derived from one singular literary work , from Eiji Yoshikawa's 1935 novel Musashi , loosely based upon the real life 17th Century Japanese folk hero , the samurai Musashi Miyamoto , who penned a classic book called The Book Of Five Rings . That all stated , the landscapes of Japan and sheer numbers of extras in this film are far more impressive , visually , than the CG crap that the Lord Of The Rings films spewed . Overall , The Samurai Trilogy is a good film , but while the narrative story gets better and tighter with each succeeding film , the visual quality of each succeeding film worsens on The Criterion Collection's three disks , both in the original film stock and the poor transfers .
If nothing else , this film , The Samurai Trilogy , can be seen as a sort of training ground for the great Toshiro Mifune to try out and perfect a wide range of acting styles and characters within character that he would unleash on the film lovers of the world throughout the rest of his career , be it in his films with Kurosawa , or long after . And , if a film can be said to have allowed something like that to happen , then its merits are certainly more than its flaws , melodramatic or not . But , even on top of that , a film like this acts as a sort of entrée into the greater and deeper art put out by the aforementioned masters , and allows those great works of art to be more greatly appreciated , for contrast can clarify what the mists of the ineffable do not . In such a spirit , thank you sensei Inagaki .
017 4 Toshiro mifune portrayed Musashi very well.This is a film for everyone.Action for the guys and a love story for the gals all rolled up into one.Even the guys will be touched by Otsu's on going pursuit after Musashi , because of her love for him.If the guys say they don't ; there not a man.Even though a lot of things were changed in making the movie from Eiji Yoshikawa's novel ; it still keeps in spirit of it.A job well done ! ! Read the novel . There's a whole lot more detail and events in it that the movie leaves out.Besides the movie , the novel is also a five star book .
022 4 This review is from :
Samurai Trilogy Box Set - Criterion Collection ( DVD )
While many point to the works of Akira Kurosawa as being the quintessential films about the samurai , I've been a huge fan of the Samurai Trilogy for decades now . It is based on the popular novel by Eiji Yoshikawa , and the Musashi Miyamoto character is played flawlessly by Toshiro Mifune . Great swordbattles , colorful backdrops , entangling politics , swooning damsels , humor , drama , classic soundtrack and a strong moral undertone make this the Gone With the Wind of medieval Japan . While many cite the historical discrepencies about Musashi , I say , enjoy these movies for what they are .
029 4 BOTTOM LINE :
It is the best take on the life-story of Miyamoto Musashi , based on the book by Eiji Yoshikawa . I say the best because the great Japanese actor - Toshirô Mifune is excellent as always and plays the lead so well , you believe he had Samurai ancestors .
I hope this movie never gets the voice-over treatment . To truly get the feel of this movie , it has to be heard in Japanese . Don't worry , it is subtitled in English .
030 4 This review is from :
Samurai Trilogy Box Set - Criterion Collection ( DVD )
This trilogy was made after the book Musashi by Eiji Yoshikawa , one of my favorite reads . The first movie was probably the closest to the book , while the second and third had only minor changes in the chronology of events ( compared to the novel ) . One thing to remember is that these movies were made in the fifties , so some of the story was altered to be more acceptable to society back then . About some of the dark moments in certain scenes , this is from being shot in dark environments , it doesn't really take much away from the experience as much as it adds a dark , confused , and dangerous atmosphere to the sword fights . Overall , it was very cool to see the story come to life on screen and I recommend it to anyone that is interested in Miyomoto Musashi and his development into one of Japan's greatest samurai .
031 4 This trilogy was made after the book Musashi by Eiji Yoshikawa , one of my favorite reads . The first movie was probably the closest to the book , while the second and third had only minor changes in the chronology of events ( compared to the novel ) . One thing to remember is that these movies were made in the fifties , so some of the story was altered to be more acceptable to society back then . About some of the dark moments in certain scenes , this is from being shot in dark environments , it doesn't really take much away from the experience as much as it adds a dark , confused , and dangerous atmosphere to the sword fights . Overall , it was very cool to see the story come to life on screen and I recommend it to anyone that is interested in Miyomoto Musashi and his development into one of Japan's greatest samurai .
051 4 This review is from :
Samurai Trilogy Box Set - Criterion Collection ( DVD )
The trilogy roughly follows Eiji Yoshikawa's famous book Musashi . Just think of it as cliffnotes because as the saying goes the book is always better than the movies .
Toshiro Mifune is a fantastic actor as always and Kaoru Yachigusa is breath-takingly beautiful . The drama is non-stop and theres only so much that can be incorporated into a 2 hour movie so there are some dis-continuity in the sequence of scenes . The climatic battles with the Yoshioko school , Baiken and Kojiro Sasaki is a different but ingenious interpretation of the book .
The Musashi trilogy is not an Akira Kurosawa thought provoking films because it is meant as a movie adaptation of the book . If you read the book then you maybe dissappointed of so many cut scenes , different interpretations and inconsistencies as I was .
Bottom line , if you like samurai movies and Toshiro Mifune than its a must have .
052 4 The trilogy roughly follows Eiji Yoshikawa's famous book Musashi . Just think of it as cliffnotes because as the saying goes the book is always better than the movies .
Toshiro Mifune is a fantastic actor as always and Kaoru Yachigusa is breath-takingly beautiful . The drama is non-stop and theres only so much that can be incorporated into a 2 hour movie so there are some dis-continuity in the sequence of scenes . The climatic battles with the Yoshioko school , Baiken and Kojiro Sasaki is a different but ingenious interpretation of the book .
The Musashi trilogy is not an Akira Kurosawa thought provoking films because it is meant as a movie adaptation of the book . If you read the book then you maybe dissappointed of so many cut scenes , different interpretations and inconsistencies as I was .
Bottom line , if you like samurai movies and Toshiro Mifune than its a must have .
058 4 I really enjoyed reading Eiji Yoshikawa's book Musashi . It's a wonderful journey filled with some incredible characters and more twists than you can imagine . The Samurai trilogy starring Toshiro Mifune is a good rendition of the book , although it misses alot of the builds , drama and character development . It's deinitely worth addiing to your Samurai collection .
059 4 The trilogy is excellent , probably the benchmark for all samurai films to aspire to . The subtitles are very good in their translation . The transfer to VHS and DVD were absolutely HORRIBLE ! ! ! UNBELIEVABLE that this is the CRITERION COLLECTION ! ! ! A total waste of time especially since Amazon won't take them back . . . As stated before , the movie is incredibly dark and much of it is unviewable . It isn't real letterbox so the figures are skewed . The subtitles , absolutely essential to feel the emotions of the characters , is almost illegible . The lousiest transfer I've ever had the misfortune to see and waste money on . . .
These idiots should have gotten in touch with the artisans who did the transfer for the Zatoichi series to see how it's done RIGHT . . .
Un-frigging-believable . . . this crap should be immediately pulled from recirculation .
067 4 While I think the trilogy is overall well done , there are a few things that make this a questionable buy .
First , the darkness . I think it could've very well been prevented through editing , but the publisher neglected this . You cannot see half the movie due to overwhelming darkness . This is especially bad when it comes down to the fighting scenes , where you cannot see anything at all . It's extremely frustrating not being able to see .
Second , I will say that the story roughly follows that of the book , Musashi - by Eiji Yoshikawa . You get the overall story , but there are a ton of things that have been changed for the sake of the trilogy . I really think that the film has deviated far too much from the book which it is based . Read the book and you will surely know what I mean .
It would be best to wait for the various Japanese TV series on this story to come to the US ( or seek them out from overseas ) than to buy this . It's nice to see Toshiro Mifune , but it is a shame to see something that could've been done much better . I think the biggest fault lies with the publisher .
068 4 I am interested in purchasing the trilogy in DVD and I have seen the VHS Version . However it seems that amny people are dissapointed with the color , lighting , and subtitles . The quality could have been better assembled I imagine but since it was created in the 1950 ' s , it speaks for itself . Im sure that the VHS versions could have been better created as far as the techinical side , but I seemed to have been able to see and to read everything I needed to . To the owners , what color are the subtitles and is the quality any worse than the videos ? I can't imagine that a DVD series would be any worse than a VHS but I just wanted a little more input before I would purchase
011 4 This review is from :
Samurai Trilogy Box Set - Criterion Collection ( DVD )
We have tried both the VHS and the DVD and they are about the same . We feel that the darkness of the recording might be because we have a rear projection TV and that with the newer plasma screens the color could possibly be just fine . This is a classic film with beautiful photography and acting . Well worth owning , just be aware of the problems with the older screen TVs . I highly recommend it inspite of the problem .
012 4 We have tried both the VHS and the DVD and they are about the same . We feel that the darkness of the recording might be because we have a rear projection TV and that with the newer plasma screens the color could possibly be just fine . This is a classic film with beautiful photography and acting . Well worth owning , just be aware of the problems with the older screen TVs . I highly recommend it inspite of the problem .
037 4 Based on a Historical character , this final installment in the Samurai trilogy is wonderful and a good ending . Finally the hero faces the arrogant young villian and meets him at a duel on the beach as the sun is rapidly setting . Beautiful as it is moving , this film touches on many levels . I may become a Buddhist after viewing this ! Buy this DVD if you buy ANY of the trilogy
048 4 I was very pleased with this collection because I was unable to find the complete 3movie set at the video store where I rent . I received the package very quickly , and the set was in perfect condition .
Samurai III - Duel at Ganryu Island - Criterion Collection ( DVD )
Hiroshi Inagaki's Samurai Trilogy comes to a worthy conclusion with 1956 ' s Duel at Ganryu Island . In this installment Inagaki manages to tie up all of his hanging plot points quite nicely .
Mushasi Miyamoto ( Toshiro Mifune ) has learned much in his travels on the road to becoming a samurai . He no longer relies on only his strength in defeating his enemies ; he now uses his humility and compassion as well . In contrast , Kojiro Sasaki ( Koji Tsuruta ) looks only for fame in his quest to become the greatest fencer in Japan . To achieve his goal he feels that he must defeat Mushasi at all costs . To that end he poses a challenge for a duel . Mishasi postpones the fight for a year so that he can continue his studies and take up a simple life of farming .
The village he chooses to live in is attacked by brigands and Mushasi must fight to save his new found community . The middle section of the film is similar to Kurasawa's Seven Samurai in this respect . We have the noble samurai fighting for those who cannot fight for themselves . Finally Sasaki's challenge must be met an a duel is scheduled for the remote Ganryu Island .
The film , presented by Criterion , shows a great deal of wear . This is not the pristine restoration that the company has become famous for . Despite its flaws the film , like the other two films in the series is quite watchable . There are no extras presented but the theatrical trailer . All in all this is a great conclusion to a great series of films that deserve a place in the collection of any serious collector . Let's hope that Criterion reissues these films in editions that do them justice in the future .
005 4 I do not wish to compare these films to the works of Kurosawa as others have done ( of course they aren't as modern or innovative ) but to assess their impact as a trilogy and as a great realized vision of a historical figures ' spiritual development . Their are not too many trilogies that hold together this well - maybe ' Star Wars ' gives us this sort of vision as well . Toshiro Mifune , of course steals the show , and is very convincing in this kind of role . The cinematography is quite nice ( especially in the first and last film ) and we get to see a lot of beautiful natural images throughout the film - I am reminded of the Japanese love for nature that has been written so much about ( read D.T . Suzuki's ' Zen and Japanese Culture ' as another fine example ) . Overall , I am satisfied with this purchase . I think it has the power to inspire .
009 4 i must disagree when people say the print quality is poor . the quality may not be what some people are used to , but if you look at the restoration footage of the seven samurai , you can see that not all films stand the test of time well . the performances are magnificent and this third installment in the trilogy completes the story nicely . toshiro mifune has , for me , always been the definitive samurai . with a lesser emphasis on action and a greater emphasis on mental and emotional development , this film portrays his final arrival on becoming a samurai . it should not be missed .
010 4 Each movie alone seems to be missing that truly epic feel , but seen together they match up to be one of the greatest dramatic stories in film . Highly recommended .
013 4 After viewing the first two instalments how can one resist the finale in which Musashi confronts his nemesis Kojiro . Though lacking the action and pace of Part Two and the grandeur of Part One this chapter still stands as a masterpiece of Japanese cinema . Costuming , acting , cinematography and score all combine to satisy the viewer forty years later . It is not often that one can say that of movies from the 50 ' s . Truly a mesmerizing trilogy , Mifune at his finest .
014 4 This is the final movie of the Samurai Trilogy . In this movie Mushashi has polished his soul and honed his skill to the point of serenity . This , possibly his most famous duel with Sasaki Kojiro ( Ganryu ) in which he has given up fighting with steel swords .
Although this movie is not as action-packed it goes far deeper into the psyche of the Samurai Way . This movie is so compelling because of the complex character development , I really felt involved .
I recomend seeing all three of these movies in order at least once for continuity , but all of them stand alone well including this one !
019 4 This review is from :
Samurai Trilogy Box Set - Criterion Collection ( DVD )
The Samurai Trilogy is excellent and a must see for anyone interested in Japanese history , culture or samurai . It's truly an epic . The only bad thing is the dvd quality . They films appear on dvd to be TOO DARK ! You will have to turn the brightness up all the way on your t.v . settings . And some of the scenes look really ugly and should have been cleaned up .
The Samurai Trilogy is in dire need to be digitally remastered .
But I guess it's still worth buying .
020 4 The Samurai Trilogy is excellent and a must see for anyone interested in Japanese history , culture or samurai . It's truly an epic . The only bad thing is the dvd quality . They films appear on dvd to be TOO DARK ! You will have to turn the brightness up all the way on your t.v . settings . And some of the scenes look really ugly and should have been cleaned up .
The Samurai Trilogy is in dire need to be digitally remastered .
But I guess it's still worth buying .
021 4 The three films combined give a perspective on honor and integrity without equal . The action is excellent , all five hours of it . Be prepared to watch the last five minutes of the last tape in slow motion many , many times . You won't believe you eyes if you don't .
026 4 The dual at dawn , between the two protagonists , is worth watching the entire film for . I must remind myself that these are actors , and not true samurai facing a life and death test of their prowess .
I've always been a little disappointed that the movie trilogy never developed the characters as well as the book , but Mifune paints his character with his own colors , and Musashi lives on the screen for us after 400 years .
Yoshikawa created the Gone with the Wind of Japan in his book , Musashi . The movie trilogy is about as accurate a portrayal of the original , as our own Gone with the Wind is to Margaret Mitchell's book , and It's a great work on it's own .
The influence of Yoshikawa's book , and this movie ( movies ) is deep , and world wide , and even today's Poke'mon phenomena is a reflection of this ; man , book , movie .
027 4 This review is from :
Samurai Trilogy Box Set - Criterion Collection ( DVD )
all ingredients of an epic classic were there . . . transcending storylines , breath-taking sceneries showcasing the beauty of Japan , fight scenes that are intense but realistically portrayed , full spectrum of human emotions and drama and many more . . . if you are looking for modern & fancy fight scenes , this is not for you . . . the fight scenes here are just part of the grandeur of the movie . . . I saw the trilogy 3 times the first week I got it . . . yes , it was that impressive !
032 4 No daubt that Mifune Toshiro is the best actor in Japan , and Inagaki Hirashi a very good director . In this movie Teach us how can transfer a simple , useless human been to a total spirit Samurai . How to get that pacient and the strong mind to be a gentalmen , a Samurai . It's very good to see this movie and to teach our kids that how can be a usefull man , maybe this socialty we live can change a little . Itnis a legend of samurai , and a true story of Miyamoto Musashi , a true legend of Japan .
Cook John from Costa Rica
033 4 This review is from :
Samurai Trilogy Box Set - Criterion Collection ( DVD )
The recent Last Samurai seems more an Eastern Western action movie vehicle for Tom Cruise compared to Mr Inagaki's wonderful trilogy . In the latter the combination of consistently believable mis en scene including deep rich colour , framing , pacing , composition , costume , music make for a thoroughly entrancing and enchanting cinema experience . In terms of plot , yes there is the journey of learning of the hero , but it is as much a love story as it is a journey . The acting and action sequences ( using the less is more technique with power added by the viewer's imagination ) are consistently excellent and the totality of the films make for a rich cinematic experience . Definitely worth owning .
034 4 The recent Last Samurai seems more an Eastern Western action movie vehicle for Tom Cruise compared to Mr Inagaki's wonderful trilogy . In the latter the combination of consistently believable mis en scene including deep rich colour , framing , pacing , composition , costume , music make for a thoroughly entrancing and enchanting cinema experience . In terms of plot , yes there is the journey of learning of the hero , but it is as much a love story as it is a journey . The acting and action sequences ( using the less is more technique with power added by the viewer's imagination ) are consistently excellent and the totality of the films make for a rich cinematic experience . Definitely worth owning .
035 4 This review is from :
Samurai III - Duel at Ganryu Island - Criterion Collection ( DVD )
This review is for the Criterion collection edition of the film .
As all films in the trilogy , they are good but come with almost no bonus material for DVD . The only have the essays in the accompanying jackets and the the theatrical trailers .
The film itself has less action than the second film with only 2 major sequences . The scene of bandidts pillaging a town and the climatic duel scene at the end of the film .
This film also has an excellent scene where Musashi uses his chopsticks to catch flies in midair . This scene appears to be the inspiration for a very similar scene in the first Karate Kid film .
Overall the films were good but not great .
036 4 This review is for the Criterion collection edition of the film .
As all films in the trilogy , they are good but come with almost no bonus material for DVD . The only have the essays in the accompanying jackets and the the theatrical trailers .
The film itself has less action than the second film with only 2 major sequences . The scene of bandidts pillaging a town and the climatic duel scene at the end of the film .
This film also has an excellent scene where Musashi uses his chopsticks to catch flies in midair . This scene appears to be the inspiration for a very similar scene in the first Karate Kid film .
Overall the films were good but not great .
039 4 This movie tells about the life of Myamoto Musashi . The film is really wonderful . A little dark . I read Yoshikawa's novel 3 times so it is inspiring . Samurai Trilogy is giving images of Musashi's life . For somebody who has read the novel and wants to see it all in the movie , this could be deceiving . In another hand , as it is , for the beauty of it , buying this Trilogy is worth the value .
For sure , the casting is really good .
What I liked less , is that I think it can be sometimes a little confusing in the story if you do not know it in advance . You could wander who is who , sometimes . And the producer has not selected the most interesting momentum of the novel to put it in the movie .
Nevertheless , I am glad having bought it
040 4 This triology is a must see for those who have an insatiable appetite for the Asian culture , particularly Feudal Japan . Mifume is an excellent technician and wields his sword masterfully . His portrayal of Musashi is fantastic . This was truly a time when Men were Men .
041 4 This review is from :
Samurai Trilogy Box Set - Criterion Collection ( DVD )
I am amased about the samurai . Their love for the sword and their craftmanship . Their devotion is superb . But still , the way of living is an important thing . And even an samurai can let go of tears . So empty the mind to find out what your live is all about . And ofcourse really living it . this is showing this in a beautifull way . And it can mean leaving people for a long period .
Lovely
042 4 I am amased about the samurai . Their love for the sword and their craftmanship . Their devotion is superb . But still , the way of living is an important thing . And even an samurai can let go of tears . So empty the mind to find out what your live is all about . And ofcourse really living it . this is showing this in a beautifull way . And it can mean leaving people for a long period .
Lovely
044 4 This review is from :
Samurai III - Duel at Ganryu Island - Criterion Collection ( DVD )
Hiroshi Inagaki's Samurai Trilogy comes to a worthy conclusion with 1956 ' s Duel at Ganryu Island . In this installment Inagaki manages to tie up all of his hanging plot points quite nicely .
Mushasi Miyamoto ( Toshiro Mifune ) has learned much in his travels on the road to becoming a samurai . He no longer relies on only his strength in defeating his enemies ; he now uses his humility and compassion as well . In contrast , Kojiro Sasaki ( Koji Tsuruta ) looks only for fame in his quest to become the greatest fencer in Japan . To achieve his goal he feels that he must defeat Mushasi at all costs . To that end he poses a challenge for a duel . Mishasi postpones the fight for a year so that he can continue his studies and take up a simple life of farming .
The village he chooses to live in is attacked by brigands and Mushasi must fight to save his new found community . The middle section of the film is similar to Kurasawa's Seven Samurai in this respect . We have the noble samurai fighting for those who cannot fight for themselves . Finally Sasaki's challenge must be met an a duel is scheduled for the remote Ganryu Island .
The film , presented by Criterion , shows a great deal of wear . This is not the pristine restoration that the company has become famous for . Despite its flaws the film , like the other two films in the series is quite watchable . There are no extras presented but the theatrical trailer . All in all this is a great conclusion to a great series of films that deserve a place in the collection of any serious collector . Let's hope that Criterion reissues these films in editions that do them justice in the future .
045 4 Hiroshi Inagaki's Samurai Trilogy comes to a worthy conclusion with 1956 ' s Duel at Ganryu Island . In this installment Inagaki manages to tie up all of his hanging plot points quite nicely .
Mushasi Miyamoto ( Toshiro Mifune ) has learned much in his travels on the road to becoming a samurai . He no longer relies on only his strength in defeating his enemies ; he now uses his humility and compassion as well . In contrast , Kojiro Sasaki ( Koji Tsuruta ) looks only for fame in his quest to become the greatest fencer in Japan . To achieve his goal he feels that he must defeat Mushasi at all costs . To that end he poses a challenge for a duel . Mishasi postpones the fight for a year so that he can continue his studies and take up a simple life of farming .
The village he chooses to live in is attacked by brigands and Mushasi must fight to save his new found community . The middle section of the film is similar to Kurasawa's Seven Samurai in this respect . We have the noble samurai fighting for those who cannot fight for themselves . Finally Sasaki's challenge must be met an a duel is scheduled for the remote Ganryu Island .
The film , presented by Criterion , shows a great deal of wear . This is not the pristine restoration that the company has become famous for . Despite its flaws the film , like the other two films in the series is quite watchable . There are no extras presented but the theatrical trailer . All in all this is a great conclusion to a great series of films that deserve a place in the collection of any serious collector . Let's hope that Criterion reissues these films in editions that do them justice in the future .
046 4 this movie is very good . i have seen movies of samurai when i was young but this one is great .
049 4 It's hard to believe that the second and third part of this trilogy wasn't released in american until around fifteen years later , especially considering that the first won best foriegn film at the academy awards . This trilogy , much like the much much later Lord of the Rings , was filmed back to back , and truly is less three seperate films , and more one longer film . They are meant to be seen together . The reason ? Toshiro Mifune's performance of Musashi . The films show him evolve as a character ( an incredible performance ) from wild and undiciplined , to strong warrior , to true samurai . The cinematography is beautiful , which makes the lousy transfer of these DVDs , all the more apparent . However , these are amazing movies that deserve the praise they recieve . Highly recomended .
050 4 Japan loves the legendary samurai Miyamoto Musashi , and in this version Toshiro Mifune is absolutely charming . He acted in this at about the same time as Seven Samurai , if I am not mistaken , and surely he took a page from his 7 Samurai characterization of Kikuchiyo . His youthful Musashi is an animal ! ( he's not Musashi yet ! He was still Takezo ! He had to EARN his name ! )
But , he learns . And , though it takes three films to tell the tale , it is most enjoyable throughout . Mifune was young , handsome , at his physical prime , and a darn entertaining actor ! Ok , maybe the director Inagaki is no Kurosawa . Still , if you like this genre , this is fun !
054 4 This review is from :
Samurai Trilogy Box Set - Criterion Collection ( DVD )
These films are too dark and much of the action cannot be followed . Nothing is worse that a sword fight where the action can't be seen . It's strange that Criterion should release these wonderful films in this way as they usually use great prints . Quite disappointing !
055 4 These films are too dark and much of the action cannot be followed . Nothing is worse that a sword fight where the action can't be seen . It's strange that Criterion should release these wonderful films in this way as they usually use great prints . Quite disappointing !
060 4 Unless you are a Toshiro Mifune fan or a Musashi Miyamoto fan you probably won't appreciate these films . The movie is a very accurate account of the life of the greatest samurai to ever live , Musashi Miyamoto . The fight seens are few but great when they happen . It demonstrates Musashi's way of thinking and how he grew into the great man that he died as . After you see the movies read his Book of Five Rings .
061 4 Some movies stand the test of time . Not this one . . . Samurai Trilogy . The movie may very well be a big deal 40 years ago . Not now .
Moreover , the movie changed the life story of Miyamoto Musashi . For those who are interested , read his book , A Book of Five Ring . Want to see a true samurai movie ? Get Samurai Rebellion .
064 4 About the first episode there isn't much to say ; Oscar for the best foreign film and so on , it is really , really brilliant . In the other two episodes however , things do change a little . The action is a bit slow and sometimes jumpy . Like in the end of the 2nd one it looks like they run out of film ( or money ) . The island duel in the third is very well solved . There you go , it's clever . Anyway , one star for each episode and one more for Toshiro Mifune .
065 4 This review is from :
Samurai Trilogy Box Set - Criterion Collection ( DVD )
I've tried to find films from the same period made by directors in the US and other cultures and have not found any that compare . This trilogy is one of my all time favorites . Cinematography is stunning . Direction and acting beautiful .
066 4 I've tried to find films from the same period made by directors in the US and other cultures and have not found any that compare . This trilogy is one of my all time favorites . Cinematography is stunning . Direction and acting beautiful .
070 4 Its full of pits and scratches . You can see what this film was and should have been in the trailer . Maybe someone will find a good copy to dupe to DVD .
071 4 Toshiro Mifune is perfect as Miyamoto Musashi , the legendary swordsman of medieval Japan . The cinematogrpahy is breathtaking . The fight scenes are riveting . The strongest element of the trilogy is Musashi's character development from peasant mercenary to noble super-samurai . The character growth shows the strength , meaning , and benefit of Bushido philosophy and lifestyle .
The one weakness in the movie - - and the reason why I am withholding the fifth star - - is the sniveling female love interest . The poor woman follows Musashi around Japan collapsing to her knees whimpering and crying every time she finds him . This is an old-fashioned portrayal of a pining woman whose happiness and self-worth seems to depend entirely upon the love and acceptance of her man . The character disgusted my wife to the point where she can't watch the film .
075 4 This trilogy is not particularly faithful to the book . The love story is overplayed in the movie . The most memorable part of the book is the part where Musashi trains a village to fight off a band of brigands . That scene appears in this third installment of the Samurai trilogy . It is poorly done here , and masterfully done in the book .
In the book , Musashi goes into very interesting detail about how to prepare for the attack of the brigands . He strategizes beautifully . I remember that the townspeople allow only a handful of brigands to breach their defenses at a time , and then seal the defenses up and massacre the handful of brigands they allowed in .
It is quite a sport , to duel to the death . Not conducive to rematches though .
The entire trilogy really fails to capture the mastery of the book Musashi . Those who love the movie so much really should pick up the book here on Amazon . It is a cliche already that the book is much better than the movie , and it is extremely true about this story .
The only time I noticed that a movie was clearly superior to the book it was based on was the movie Contact starring Jodie Foster , which was far superior to the book by Carl Sagan , a brilliant man who was not really a very good fiction writer . His book is poor , and the movie is very good .
I suppose the movie director felt that if you are going to make a movie out of it , you'd better play up the romance angle . It was simply a mistake here , and I give the director an X on his report card for making that foolish decision .
078 4 This review is from :
Samurai Trilogy Box Set - Criterion Collection ( DVD )
First , we must understand that this film was made in 1954 and that the move industry has advanced technology , acting , cinematographer - in all aspects and the film cannot compare to some masterpieces of today . However , what we see in this 51 year old film is the benchmark that made films what they are today .
Good points
a . Beautiful photography
b . Beautiful color . The screen really pops at you .
c . Story line is wonderful full of morals , lessons , and adventure .
Bad points
a . The written translations are horrid .
b . The choreography of the sword fights are horrid .
c . The acting is second rate .
Is it worth $75 ? Yes , it's entertaining and a piece of movie history . In its time it was a masterpiece but now I think it is better to just say it's a classic . But , I doubt I will watch it again for a long time . . .
What is truly needed is to make a new version using all the knowledge that has been develop in these 51 years but what director would dare take on the task ? Oh ! What a wonderful film it would be !
079 4 First , we must understand that this film was made in 1954 and that the move industry has advanced technology , acting , cinematographer - in all aspects and the film cannot compare to some masterpieces of today . However , what we see in this 51 year old film is the benchmark that made films what they are today .
Good points
a . Beautiful photography
b . Beautiful color . The screen really pops at you .
c . Story line is wonderful full of morals , lessons , and adventure .
Bad points
a . The written translations are horrid .
b . The choreography of the sword fights are horrid .
c . The acting is second rate .
Is it worth $75 ? Yes , it's entertaining and a piece of movie history . In its time it was a masterpiece but now I think it is better to just say it's a classic . But , I doubt I will watch it again for a long time . . .
What is truly needed is to make a new version using all the knowledge that has been develop in these 51 years but what director would dare take on the task ? Oh ! What a wonderful film it would be !
Samurai Trilogy Box Set - Criterion Collection ( DVD )
Samurai I : Miyamoto Musashi :
Based on Yoshikawa Eiji's massive novel _ Musashi _ , _ Samurai I _ is the first in a trio of films depicting part fact part fiction life of Miyamoto Musashi , author of _ The Book of Five Rings _ and a master of ambidextrous swordsmanship .
The film begins with a peaceful scene of a small village called Miyamoto , however , times of change and danger are brooding in the distance . The forces of Toyotomi Hideyori , son of Toyotomi Hideyoshi , march through the town and a young orphan named Takezo , Mifune Toshiro , the future Musashi is determined to go off to war with then in order to earn himself fame . Takezo encourgaes his friend Matahachi to accompany him , but unlike the orphan Takezo , Matahachi has not only an old mother to support but also a lovely young fiance named Otsu . Takezo's words , however , convince Matahachi to go off and seek fame and fortune with his friend .
However , instead of finding fame and fortune , the only thing that Takezo and Matahachi find themselves doing is digging trencs at the battle of Sekigahara , a major battle in 1600 in which the forces of Tokugawa Ieyasu trampled those of Toyotomi . However , when his side is on the verge of being completely destroyed , instead of fleeing , Takezo , along with a reluctnat Matahachi , rush into the battle .
Somehow the duo managaes to survive and they find themselves at the home of Oko and Akemi , a mother and daughter who survive my stealing the possesions of dead samurai . The friends remain there for a few months waiting for the wound Matahachi suffered at Sekigahara to heal . the daughter tries to seduce Takezo , but the young warrior rushes away . Also , after Musashi single handedly fights back a band of vagabonds , the mother tries to give herself to him , but once again Takezo balks and runs . Eventually Matahachi splits from Takezo and accompanies Oko and Akemi to Kyoto .
Musashi on the other hand is angered at his friend for abandoning him , but he feels that it is his duty to return to Miyamoto to report that Matahachi is stil alive . He does manage to do this , but at the cost of killing a few soldiers of the local official . What follows is a series of events , with the help of Otsu and a wonderful monk named Takuan , that help form an uncut gem into a beautiful jewel .
Samurai II : Death at Ichijoji Temple :
_ Samurai II : Duel at Ichijoji Temple _ starts off exactly where _ Samurai I : Miyamoto Musashi _ leaves off . Musashi , the former Takezo , wanders Japan in search of ways to improve his swordsmanship by challenging other skilled samurai to duels . At the beginning of the film , Musashi is fighting a warrior armed with a sickle and chain and , although Musashi is victorious , an old Buddhist monk says that Musashi failed as a Samurai because he lacks compassion for his enemy and that Musashi was too strong .
Musashi is dumbfounded by these words , but he continues on to Kyoto where he wants to challenge Yoshioka Seijuro to a duel . Seijuro , although the head of a school of swordsmanship , is actually more interested in receiving the attentions of Akemi , the same girl who tried to seduce Takezo in the first movie , however , when he learns that Musashi wants to fight him , he actually wants to do battle , but his underlings , knowing that there is no way for Seijuro to win in a fight against Musashi , try to keep him from fighting the travelling warrior .
Musashi , although his mind is completely on the future battle , is taken back when he runs into his old love Otsu , who has been searching for him for over a year . Although Musashi states that he loves his sword more that Otsu , she is determined to remain by his side . A battle of love and a battle of steel both wage war inside of Musashi .
This is a good movie , although I don't think that it as good as the first one , which has some pretty cool fight scenes , especially the part when Musashi takes on eighty members of the Yoshioka school . However , the key part is the appearanve of Sasaki Kojiro , Musashi strongest enemy .
Samurai III : Dual at Ganryu Island :
In this final volume of Inagaki Hiroshi's _ Samurai _ series the viewer is once again treated to the adventures of one of Japan's most famous masterless samurai : Miyamoto Musashi . Fantastically played by Mifune Toshiro , Musashi comes off as an individual who , although extraordinarily powerful and skillful , also is not without compassion . As can be seen when he buries the bodies of four men slain by Sasaki Kojiro .
In the volume , Musashi's fame has spread considerably across Japan and numerous individuals want to hire Musashi as either a teacher or a bodyguard , however , Unlike Takezo , Musashi's old name , Musashi does not seek or desire fame and fortune . What he desires is making himself the perfect samurai . Which he tries to do not only through cultivating his martial skill , but also through certain arts such as carving buddhist statues and painting , as can be seen in the second movie .
However , Musashi still has one tie to his old world and that is Otsu , the girl his best friends Matahachi was engaged to at the beginning of the story . Musashi does his best to avoid Otsu , but the persistant woman always seems to be able to locate him in the end . In this film , Musashi actually even reciprocates Otsu's love . However , of course , the main confrontation in this movie is the fated duel between Kojiro and Musashi . It is very well done .
This movie caps off the series well . Musashi has come full circle from being a hot headed young warrior with only brute strength to a polished samurai who has not only mastered the art of the sword , but other skills as well . However , what I find even more moving is the respect and compassion Musashi feels for even his enemies . A good series .
001 4 While I don't think these films are quite up to the level of the other great Japanese samurai films of the 1950s ( such as Sansho the Bailiff & Seven Samurai ) , the really great things about the Samurai Trilogy for me were in the marvelous use of natural surroundings , the attractive Japanese leading ladies , and above all being able to see Toshiro Mifune starring in color .
Regarding the DVD transfer , let me first say that I am a frugal guy who does not think that any DVD , however good the transfer , is ever worth 30 bucks . That said , I don't know what all the fuss is about over the image quality on these disks . The film was not released in widescreen so the full-screen image is correct . The only scenes which are perhaps too dark are in the end of the second film , because it was filmed that way originally ! The VHS is even darker as far as I could tell . I have 20 / 40 vision , yet I had absolutely no problem reading the subtitles ever in any of the three films . The image quality in general is not Jeanne d'Arc but it certainly never came close to impairing my ability to enjoy the films . Finally , there are no special features beyond theatrical trailers on any of the DVDs , but the three-pack is also priced cheaper than any other Criterion issues ( less than $20 / disc ) so why complain !
002 4 This film marks the glorious conclusion to the Samurai Trilogy and the ascent of Musashi Miyamoto to spiritual perfection , Musashi Kensei ( The Sword-Saint ) . TOSHIRO MIFUNE , one of the world's greatest actors , delivers a memorable performance as the master at the peak of his enlightenment .
Several years have goneby and Musashi Miyamoto has emerged invincible in over SIXTY duels . Interestingly enough , one sees no pride or ambition in Musashi's manner . He turns down job offers from important lords , including the Shogun's martial arts teacher . In the meantime , Kojiro Sasaki ( Koji Tsuruta ) regrets the little recognition he has so far received , and seeks to duel Musashi and attain immortal fame .
Otsu ( the beautiful Kaoru Yachigusa ) , the quintessence of loyalty , has fervently sought to see Musashi once again , having parted unwillingly in Part II . In like manner , Akemi ( charming Mariko Okada ) maintains hope of seeing Musashi , having through a tragic turn of events wound up as a courtesan in a geisha house . Yet both women defy their seeming fates and separately seek Musashi , a testament to the power of love . Musashi himself has not forgotten his love for Otsu , expressed in his Kwannon statuettes made in her likeness . In a poignant paradox , Musashi escapes fame and the follies of this world as a farmer , having once been in that position and dreaming of fame .
In the meantime , Kojiro's skill is finally recognized and he comes under the employ of the Shogun .
The romance between Musashi and the two women is tragically resolved , and a battle between Musashi and a group of bandits proves very costly . Yet Kensei maintains his poise and graciously accepts Kojiro's challenge to a DUEL AT GANTRYU ISLAND . The perfection of Musashi's technique evident in the fact that he carves an oar into a sword on the trip to the island , using wood against the steel of the deadly Swallow Cut . ONE OF THE MOST MOMENTOUS SCENES IN JAPANESE MOTION PICTURE HISTORY .
Hiroshi Inagaki once more deliviers a beautifully directed and cinematographed motion picture . The color is surely the finest in the trilogy , in particular the opening sequence with Kojiro amidst the waterfall and rainbow , and the duel at dawn with its stunning red and gold - Atsushi Yasumoto's photography is brilliant.Ikuma Dan's score is less triumphant and more peaceful and contemplative ( though no less dramatic ) . The pacing is more deliberate , but the strong characters and riveting storyline more than compensate .
This duel establishes MUSASHI MIYAMOTO as the Greatest Swordsman in History . After this battle , he no longer uses real swords in combat , only wooden ones . He goes on to write A BOOK OF FIVE RINGS ( a must-have ) , A guide for men who want to learn strategy , required reading for kendo students and Japanese businessmen to this day . Musashi Miyamoto Kensei represents the ability in all of us to attain perfect understanding .
003 4 This review is from :
Samurai Trilogy Box Set - Criterion Collection ( DVD )
Samurai I : Miyamoto Musashi :
Based on Yoshikawa Eiji's massive novel _ Musashi _ , _ Samurai I _ is the first in a trio of films depicting part fact part fiction life of Miyamoto Musashi , author of _ The Book of Five Rings _ and a master of ambidextrous swordsmanship .
The film begins with a peaceful scene of a small village called Miyamoto , however , times of change and danger are brooding in the distance . The forces of Toyotomi Hideyori , son of Toyotomi Hideyoshi , march through the town and a young orphan named Takezo , Mifune Toshiro , the future Musashi is determined to go off to war with then in order to earn himself fame . Takezo encourgaes his friend Matahachi to accompany him , but unlike the orphan Takezo , Matahachi has not only an old mother to support but also a lovely young fiance named Otsu . Takezo's words , however , convince Matahachi to go off and seek fame and fortune with his friend .
However , instead of finding fame and fortune , the only thing that Takezo and Matahachi find themselves doing is digging trencs at the battle of Sekigahara , a major battle in 1600 in which the forces of Tokugawa Ieyasu trampled those of Toyotomi . However , when his side is on the verge of being completely destroyed , instead of fleeing , Takezo , along with a reluctnat Matahachi , rush into the battle .
Somehow the duo managaes to survive and they find themselves at the home of Oko and Akemi , a mother and daughter who survive my stealing the possesions of dead samurai . The friends remain there for a few months waiting for the wound Matahachi suffered at Sekigahara to heal . the daughter tries to seduce Takezo , but the young warrior rushes away . Also , after Musashi single handedly fights back a band of vagabonds , the mother tries to give herself to him , but once again Takezo balks and runs . Eventually Matahachi splits from Takezo and accompanies Oko and Akemi to Kyoto .
Musashi on the other hand is angered at his friend for abandoning him , but he feels that it is his duty to return to Miyamoto to report that Matahachi is stil alive . He does manage to do this , but at the cost of killing a few soldiers of the local official . What follows is a series of events , with the help of Otsu and a wonderful monk named Takuan , that help form an uncut gem into a beautiful jewel .
Samurai II : Death at Ichijoji Temple :
_ Samurai II : Duel at Ichijoji Temple _ starts off exactly where _ Samurai I : Miyamoto Musashi _ leaves off . Musashi , the former Takezo , wanders Japan in search of ways to improve his swordsmanship by challenging other skilled samurai to duels . At the beginning of the film , Musashi is fighting a warrior armed with a sickle and chain and , although Musashi is victorious , an old Buddhist monk says that Musashi failed as a Samurai because he lacks compassion for his enemy and that Musashi was too strong .
Musashi is dumbfounded by these words , but he continues on to Kyoto where he wants to challenge Yoshioka Seijuro to a duel . Seijuro , although the head of a school of swordsmanship , is actually more interested in receiving the attentions of Akemi , the same girl who tried to seduce Takezo in the first movie , however , when he learns that Musashi wants to fight him , he actually wants to do battle , but his underlings , knowing that there is no way for Seijuro to win in a fight against Musashi , try to keep him from fighting the travelling warrior .
Musashi , although his mind is completely on the future battle , is taken back when he runs into his old love Otsu , who has been searching for him for over a year . Although Musashi states that he loves his sword more that Otsu , she is determined to remain by his side . A battle of love and a battle of steel both wage war inside of Musashi .
This is a good movie , although I don't think that it as good as the first one , which has some pretty cool fight scenes , especially the part when Musashi takes on eighty members of the Yoshioka school . However , the key part is the appearanve of Sasaki Kojiro , Musashi strongest enemy .
Samurai III : Dual at Ganryu Island :
In this final volume of Inagaki Hiroshi's _ Samurai _ series the viewer is once again treated to the adventures of one of Japan's most famous masterless samurai : Miyamoto Musashi . Fantastically played by Mifune Toshiro , Musashi comes off as an individual who , although extraordinarily powerful and skillful , also is not without compassion . As can be seen when he buries the bodies of four men slain by Sasaki Kojiro .
In the volume , Musashi's fame has spread considerably across Japan and numerous individuals want to hire Musashi as either a teacher or a bodyguard , however , Unlike Takezo , Musashi's old name , Musashi does not seek or desire fame and fortune . What he desires is making himself the perfect samurai . Which he tries to do not only through cultivating his martial skill , but also through certain arts such as carving buddhist statues and painting , as can be seen in the second movie .
However , Musashi still has one tie to his old world and that is Otsu , the girl his best friends Matahachi was engaged to at the beginning of the story . Musashi does his best to avoid Otsu , but the persistant woman always seems to be able to locate him in the end . In this film , Musashi actually even reciprocates Otsu's love . However , of course , the main confrontation in this movie is the fated duel between Kojiro and Musashi . It is very well done .
This movie caps off the series well . Musashi has come full circle from being a hot headed young warrior with only brute strength to a polished samurai who has not only mastered the art of the sword , but other skills as well . However , what I find even more moving is the respect and compassion Musashi feels for even his enemies . A good series .
004 4 Samurai I : Miyamoto Musashi :
Based on Yoshikawa Eiji's massive novel _ Musashi _ , _ Samurai I _ is the first in a trio of films depicting part fact part fiction life of Miyamoto Musashi , author of _ The Book of Five Rings _ and a master of ambidextrous swordsmanship .
The film begins with a peaceful scene of a small village called Miyamoto , however , times of change and danger are brooding in the distance . The forces of Toyotomi Hideyori , son of Toyotomi Hideyoshi , march through the town and a young orphan named Takezo , Mifune Toshiro , the future Musashi is determined to go off to war with then in order to earn himself fame . Takezo encourgaes his friend Matahachi to accompany him , but unlike the orphan Takezo , Matahachi has not only an old mother to support but also a lovely young fiance named Otsu . Takezo's words , however , convince Matahachi to go off and seek fame and fortune with his friend .
However , instead of finding fame and fortune , the only thing that Takezo and Matahachi find themselves doing is digging trencs at the battle of Sekigahara , a major battle in 1600 in which the forces of Tokugawa Ieyasu trampled those of Toyotomi . However , when his side is on the verge of being completely destroyed , instead of fleeing , Takezo , along with a reluctnat Matahachi , rush into the battle .
Somehow the duo managaes to survive and they find themselves at the home of Oko and Akemi , a mother and daughter who survive my stealing the possesions of dead samurai . The friends remain there for a few months waiting for the wound Matahachi suffered at Sekigahara to heal . the daughter tries to seduce Takezo , but the young warrior rushes away . Also , after Musashi single handedly fights back a band of vagabonds , the mother tries to give herself to him , but once again Takezo balks and runs . Eventually Matahachi splits from Takezo and accompanies Oko and Akemi to Kyoto .
Musashi on the other hand is angered at his friend for abandoning him , but he feels that it is his duty to return to Miyamoto to report that Matahachi is stil alive . He does manage to do this , but at the cost of killing a few soldiers of the local official . What follows is a series of events , with the help of Otsu and a wonderful monk named Takuan , that help form an uncut gem into a beautiful jewel .
Samurai II : Death at Ichijoji Temple :
_ Samurai II : Duel at Ichijoji Temple _ starts off exactly where _ Samurai I : Miyamoto Musashi _ leaves off . Musashi , the former Takezo , wanders Japan in search of ways to improve his swordsmanship by challenging other skilled samurai to duels . At the beginning of the film , Musashi is fighting a warrior armed with a sickle and chain and , although Musashi is victorious , an old Buddhist monk says that Musashi failed as a Samurai because he lacks compassion for his enemy and that Musashi was too strong .
Musashi is dumbfounded by these words , but he continues on to Kyoto where he wants to challenge Yoshioka Seijuro to a duel . Seijuro , although the head of a school of swordsmanship , is actually more interested in receiving the attentions of Akemi , the same girl who tried to seduce Takezo in the first movie , however , when he learns that Musashi wants to fight him , he actually wants to do battle , but his underlings , knowing that there is no way for Seijuro to win in a fight against Musashi , try to keep him from fighting the travelling warrior .
Musashi , although his mind is completely on the future battle , is taken back when he runs into his old love Otsu , who has been searching for him for over a year . Although Musashi states that he loves his sword more that Otsu , she is determined to remain by his side . A battle of love and a battle of steel both wage war inside of Musashi .
This is a good movie , although I don't think that it as good as the first one , which has some pretty cool fight scenes , especially the part when Musashi takes on eighty members of the Yoshioka school . However , the key part is the appearanve of Sasaki Kojiro , Musashi strongest enemy .
Samurai III : Dual at Ganryu Island :
In this final volume of Inagaki Hiroshi's _ Samurai _ series the viewer is once again treated to the adventures of one of Japan's most famous masterless samurai : Miyamoto Musashi . Fantastically played by Mifune Toshiro , Musashi comes off as an individual who , although extraordinarily powerful and skillful , also is not without compassion . As can be seen when he buries the bodies of four men slain by Sasaki Kojiro .
In the volume , Musashi's fame has spread considerably across Japan and numerous individuals want to hire Musashi as either a teacher or a bodyguard , however , Unlike Takezo , Musashi's old name , Musashi does not seek or desire fame and fortune . What he desires is making himself the perfect samurai . Which he tries to do not only through cultivating his martial skill , but also through certain arts such as carving buddhist statues and painting , as can be seen in the second movie .
However , Musashi still has one tie to his old world and that is Otsu , the girl his best friends Matahachi was engaged to at the beginning of the story . Musashi does his best to avoid Otsu , but the persistant woman always seems to be able to locate him in the end . In this film , Musashi actually even reciprocates Otsu's love . However , of course , the main confrontation in this movie is the fated duel between Kojiro and Musashi . It is very well done .
This movie caps off the series well . Musashi has come full circle from being a hot headed young warrior with only brute strength to a polished samurai who has not only mastered the art of the sword , but other skills as well . However , what I find even more moving is the respect and compassion Musashi feels for even his enemies . A good series .
006 4 The content has been summarized by others . For the person who has not seen these films , the summary cannot convey the content of these 3 films .
In short , the story of perhaps the greatest master of Japanese sword skill ever , a historical / almost mythical figure from 1600 feudal Japan .
The 3 movies tell of his evolution from a young hot head with exceptional ability , to a master of both his martial art and of life from a Japanese Shinto perspective .
These films are full of Japanese culture and mentality .
The actors are spell binding .
The fight sceens are believable and of the highest standard . ( No , the actors cannot walk up walls ! ! ! and fly through the air ! ! ! ) .
The story for me , was and is deeply moving .
Do not misunderstand , my insight and identification does not parallel that of the main character , but it is a story which has become part of me .
I do not know if this will appeal to every one .
It is in Japanese with subtitles .
Some parts of the film become slow .
Nonetheless , for me , this is a masterpiece and one of my all time favorites .
It is timeless .
007 4 While I agree with the other reviewers that the culmination of Inagaki's Samurai trilogy is a wonderful film , I feel that this DVD can't truly be rated at five stars . The reason for this is that the transfer on the disc ( and the other two in the series ) simply doesn't do justice to the film's beautiful cinematography . The colors are muted in most scenes , often shift from scene to scene , and the film itself is frequently scratched or pitted .
However , it's doubtful that these fantastic films will receive a better transfer any time in the near future , so be sure to see them , but be warned that the transfer is sub-par ( although it's certainly watchable ) .
008 4 This trilogy is the finest ever made . It is a must see . It is the story of development of a man from raging , meanspirited and selfish beast to sainthood . Musashi starts out as the most immature and insufferable of brutes . But , through education and help from a priest who sees something special in him , Musashi obtains polish and humility . He goes on through life , learning earthshaking lessons about the treachery and the beauty of man along the way . In the course of polishing and refining his swordsmanship , Musashi also polishes and refines his soul . In the final scene , which is the most beautiful ever filmed , Musashi faces his nemesis , the gifted Sasaki Kojiro , in a battle royale . Shot with haunting effect on the beach at dawn before a blood red rising sun , both warriors reach absolute spiritual perfection at the same instant thanks to the supreme quality of their opponent . This movie is a guidebook on how a man should live his life on earth with honor and dignity and self-sacrifice . Watching this movie in proper sequence ( I to III ) , I was greatly affected . I learned that the biggest indicators of greatness in this life are education , polish and humility . I never saw a better trilogy than this one .
015 4 This review is from :
Samurai III - Duel at Ganryu Island - Criterion Collection ( DVD )
In this final volume of Inagaki Hiroshi's _ Samurai _ series the viewer is once again treated to the adventures of one of Japan's most famous masterless samurai : Miyamoto Musashi . Fantastically played by Mifune Toshiro , Musashi comes off as an individual who , although extraordinarily powerful and skillful , also is not without compassion . As can be seen when he buries the bodies of four men slain by Sasaki Kojiro .
In the volume , Musashi's fame has spread considerably across Japan and numerous individuals want to hire Musashi as either a teacher or a bodyguard , however , Unlike Takezo , Musashi's old name , Musashi does not seek or desire fame and fortune . What he desires is making himself the perfect samurai . Which he tries to do not only through cultivating his martial skill , but also through certain arts such as carving buddhist statues and painting , as can be seen in the second movie .
However , Musashi still has one tie to his old world and that is Otsu , the girl his best friends Matahachi was engaged to at the beginning of the story . Musashi does his best to avoid Otsu , but the persistant woman always seems to be able to locate him in the end . In this film , Musashi actually even reciprocates Otsu's love . However , of course , the main confrontation in this movie is the fated duel between Kojiro and Musashi . It is very well done .
This movie caps off the series well . Musashi has come full circle from being a hot headed young warrior with only brute strength to a polished samurai who has not only mastered the art of the sword , but other skills as well . However , what I find even more moving is the respect and compassion Musashi feels for even his enemies . A good series .
016 4 In this final volume of Inagaki Hiroshi's _ Samurai _ series the viewer is once again treated to the adventures of one of Japan's most famous masterless samurai : Miyamoto Musashi . Fantastically played by Mifune Toshiro , Musashi comes off as an individual who , although extraordinarily powerful and skillful , also is not without compassion . As can be seen when he buries the bodies of four men slain by Sasaki Kojiro .
In the volume , Musashi's fame has spread considerably across Japan and numerous individuals want to hire Musashi as either a teacher or a bodyguard , however , Unlike Takezo , Musashi's old name , Musashi does not seek or desire fame and fortune . What he desires is making himself the perfect samurai . Which he tries to do not only through cultivating his martial skill , but also through certain arts such as carving buddhist statues and painting , as can be seen in the second movie .
However , Musashi still has one tie to his old world and that is Otsu , the girl his best friends Matahachi was engaged to at the beginning of the story . Musashi does his best to avoid Otsu , but the persistant woman always seems to be able to locate him in the end . In this film , Musashi actually even reciprocates Otsu's love . However , of course , the main confrontation in this movie is the fated duel between Kojiro and Musashi . It is very well done .
This movie caps off the series well . Musashi has come full circle from being a hot headed young warrior with only brute strength to a polished samurai who has not only mastered the art of the sword , but other skills as well . However , what I find even more moving is the respect and compassion Musashi feels for even his enemies . A good series .
018 4 This final installment of this epic trilogy , Samurai III : Duel at Ganryu Island , directed by Hiroshi Inagaki , and starring the legendary actor Toshiro Mifune in the title role , is my favorite of the three episodes . And I like them all . The film sees Musashi Miyamoto ( Toshiro Mifune ) come full circle . The climatic battle between Musashi and his arch enemy , Kojiro Sasaki ( Koji Tsutura ) has now come to its climatic conclusion . Moreover , many of the loose ends are eventually tied up in this final episode . As this final film in the trilogy begins , we see that Miyamoto Musashi has gained a widespread reputation . In fact , when many want to hire him out , he refuses . Miyamoto Musashi has grown and developed into a different man . He does not seek fame or fortune , but to become the ideal samurai .
The film shows the maturity of Miyamoto Musashi , from his hot-headed early days [ in the first episode especially ] he has now grown into what a samurai should and must exemplify . To live by the Bushido code and his desire to live and walk a path worthy of a true samurai . Yet , the eventual confrontation with his nemesis Kojiro Sasaki is the climatic scene which viewers are clearly looking forward to . Also , there is the always present Otsu , ( Kaoru Yachigusa ) who somehow manages to locate Miyamoto Musashi [ she is the girl his best friend , Matachi , was engaged to in the earlier episode ] . The film is highly recommended . I have the older CRITERION episodes , and hopefully the film has been restored to a more deserving fate than what I have .
I highly recommend this Toshiro Mifune classic . And if you have the time , you might want to watch all of them on the same day . [ About 5 hours ] . You will get a better sense of the story , instead of watching them weeks or months apart . I have seen these DVD's in many rental stores , therefore , although I highly suggest purchasing the Trilogy , if you can , rent them on some weekend you are not doing anything , and watch these magical films . They are a true delight , and highly recommended , you will not be disappointed . Moreover , the ending of this last episode in which Kojiro Susaki and Miyamoto Musashi have their epic duel is very well done . Highest recommendations .
024 4 The first thing that I noticed when I saw Musashi was how much he had matured since the last movie . He makes his main appearance when there is a tournament , but unlike the old Musashi , this Musashi rarely picks a fight . Remember that scene in Karate Kid that he says it takes great skill or something to catch a fly with chopsticks ? Musashi when he is getting attacked calmly eats noodles with his chopsticks , and resolves the fight without doing anything , just by picking flies out of the air ( and eating them ) . THis volume also emphasizes Musashi's relationship with Otsu and Akemi , and finally resolves the match with Akemi redeeming herself .
025 4 Picture this . Typical midwestern rube ( me ) greatly admires Japanese actor Toshirô Mifune . Said rube learns somewhat late in the game that Mifune starred in a tremendously respected and honored samurai trilogy . Hiroshi Inagaki's three-parter won a special Academy Award in 1956 , and someone somewhere called it the Japanese ` Gone With the Wind . ' Part one was okay , but I thought ( then ) it introduced too many characters , started too many plot strands and ended in mid-air . The praise and awards impressed but I wasn't blown away by either of the first two films . In fact , I was becoming increasing convinced they were given more to bolster our post-WWII ally Japan than honestly reflect critical opinion . Part two was better , more focused on the maturation , spiritual and emotional , of its main character , a cut above average , but just a cut .
With expectations appropriately lowered I popped the third film - DUEL ON GANRYU ISLAND - into the dvd player . Two hours later I'm delighted to announce that this is a magnificent movie . Not just good , but world-class great . By now the story has shed or resolved most of the distracting subplots of the earlier movies while seeing to it that the focus remains on Mifune's samurai Musashi . For the most part , anyway . Opposing Musashi is his great foe , Kojiro Sasaki ( Koji Tsuruta . ) In a sense DUEL is a parallel story , telling the story of the natural hero Musashi , who embodies all the virtues of the samurai . Took it the better part of two films to get there , but that's a quibble . Sasaki , introduced as something of an ally to Musashi in the second film , wonderfully fleshed out by Tsuruta , is an overly-gifted swordsman whose natural abilities allow him to achieve great success without having to endure the great struggles that have defined Musashi . Sasaki is proud and ambitious , while Musashi is humble and , at this stage of his life , turning his back on the rewards of the world . One of the factors that sets this movie apart , above , most other action movies is the care and affectionate attention it devotes to its antagonist . We're in Musashi's corner , of course , but Sasaki is three-dimensional . If he's overly ambitious , a trait unbecoming in a samurai ( I think ) , he's also capable of great compassion . Sasaki's flaws are balanced with his virtues , and his great fault , it seems , is his disinclination to self-improvement . DUEL runs with these two characters for most of the movie , straying a bit to resolve a love subplot or two . There's an inevitable showdown at the end , the island duel mentioned in the title . Although the final battle sequence doesn't resort to animated graphics - didn't have them in 1955 - or special effects , and the two combatants remain earthbound , it's one of the best action sequences I've ever seen . Photography , editing , story , actors all coalesce for a truly remarkable ending . Sasaki and Musashi face off against each other in broad woodcut poses , their weapons bearing a deadly edged heft and weight , a slow ballet where earth and sea , day and twilight meet . The trilogy had been playing to this scene all the time , and the scene pays off .
Even though I wasn't a great fan of the first movie in this trilogy , I strongly suggest all three movies - Musashi Miyamoto , Duel at Ichijoji Temple , and Duel at Ganryu Island - be watched in sequence . The first suffers in isolation , but it adds depth and texture when seen as part of the whole . Toshirô Mifune is one of the greatest actors in film history . You can have your Jet Li , Jackie Chan , Bruce Lee , of any other actor who dazzles with martial artistry . Mifune commands the screen , an electrifying presence who bears comparison to Marlon Brando or John Wayne . When Mifune snarls , and few if any snarled better , he IS the Samurai , dropped from an ancient painting and brought to breath .
038 4 Samurai III : Duel at Ganryu Island , is the third and final chapter of the epic trilogy directed by Hiroshi Inagaki that chronicles the life of legendary samurai Musashi Miyamoto ( played by Toshiro Mifune ) . The third chapter is my personal favorite , not only because it ties up all the loose ends from the previous two films but because of the climatic battle between Musashi and his enemy , Kojiro . This trilogy is a unique experience in that viewers are given an extended period to get to know the characters ( the trilogy clocks in at nearly 5 hrs ) and the world in which they live and act . I highly recommend taking advantage of this by renting or buying all three of these great samurai films .
053 4 For fans of Mifune and Kurosawa , no words are necessary . But for those raised on Western Cinematography and story telling , it is like Opera , you either love it or you hate it .
The film is outstanding in its scenes of color and panorama . Some of the best camera work ever done .
Japanese film-making cares very little about happy endings , feel-good movies , or chic flicks . So don't look for them here . But they do have emotional power . The pain of Musashi , in the first film of the Trilogy , is excruciating when he is hunted , starved , and finally suspended by rope from a pine for days upon returning home from a long battle , and the torment of Otsu in the second film , as she spend years waiting near a bridge that Musashi might one day cross . Excellent acting . . . . very powerful performances .
These films ' underlying themes are all about morality . All the characters are heroes . Otsu is long-suffering while loyal to her true love . Musashi is a soul searching warrior . While he spends years refining his swordmanship and seeking honor and fame , she waits hopefully that someday his early promise of a peaceful life with her is realized . I think she ends up a virgin who has been told twice by Musashi that he loves her . Unless I've totally missed the point , these characters are role models . Kurosawa portrays them as what is best in the collective Japanese character . Highly moral views . The women are virgins and the men are swordsmen without defeat . Interesting , huh ?
Musashi acquires a reputation as a fighter , but he is frequently instructed that his fighting prowess is not an end in itself and is not the path of a true Samurai . He travels a long road lasting three films to find it . In the end , one Samurai is dead and one is alive . What the surviving Samurai attains is the question I ask . There is no victory , no position attained , no money gained . The point may be , that there is no defeat . Certainly the dead are defeated . The survivor knows he has never been and becomes the epitome of the Samurai . This theme is restated in The Magnificent Seven ( an American remake of Kurosawa's Seven Samurai ) . . . . Places you call home . . None ; Insults taken . . . None ; Enemies living . . . None
The appeal for the Western audience is the desire to be learn cinematography , story-telling , and Japanese Feudal Culture from a master in the art of film-making . This film is rivaled , in scope , only by the likes of Gone With the Wind , Bridge On the River Kwai , or Lawrence of Arabia in American Film .
I gave this Trilogy Four Stars . To earn a Five Star you have to have a killer soundtrack . This did not .
056 4 This review is from :
Samurai Trilogy Box Set - Criterion Collection ( DVD )
The Samurai Trilogy is very well done even with a few very slow segments to show Musashi's efforts to be ' culturalized . ' The Trilogy ends with his sword fight with Sasaki Kojiro and I was hoping that the whole story would be told to his final days . What happens to Otsu ?
057 4 The Samurai Trilogy is very well done even with a few very slow segments to show Musashi's efforts to be ' culturalized . ' The Trilogy ends with his sword fight with Sasaki Kojiro and I was hoping that the whole story would be told to his final days . What happens to Otsu ?
062 4 if you're like me then you've read Musashi nice jobt man . Well after reading the book you where probably like now i will buy and watch the movies . Well tlet me tell ya that only the First movie goes along with the books storyline 100 percent . so the first movie rocks and i'm not gonna talk about it so let me got right into movie number 2
before we go on i'm gonna tell you that i will probaly miss spell alot of the characters names
Now i know that all of you want to see the probably to see Musashi beat the hell out of the yoshiakaws students . well that can only be viewsd if your TV can increse the brightness becasue the film is so damn dark you can't hardly see anything . but before taht they get all the fights out of order like in the book Musashi fights with Sanjiro first and breaks his arm . well in the movie he fights him last and breaks his arm . then in the book Musahis fights Demichiro 2nd and cuts off his head in the movie he fights him first and . . . . . they don't show what ahppens graaaaaaaaa . another thing that really steams my noddles is taht they hardly show Jotoro at all I mean you see him like 2 times and that's it . I do like how that made Otsu and Akemi kind of rivels that wasn't in teh book so that was pretty cool
movie 3 . this is just wierd in the book musashi is handing around a farm with his new buddy Ioni for a while . in the Movie that is praticaly all he does . it's like watching seven samuri only in coler I thank the best thing in all 3 movies was when Musashi and Kojiro finaly fight that was pretty aswome .
063 4 I thought this movie was outstanding . Being a follower of the code of Bushido and an avid zen practitioner I am very glad the movie was based more so on the spiritual side of Musashi . That's where the true power comes from anyway . The fighting scene on the beach was the most moving part of the movie . I haven't seen the other movies to this series yet but this one is definitely a must see . I give Samurai 3 five stars .
069 4 These movies are true classics of the highest quality . You have to see them to appreciate them . You aren't a well-rounded film lover unless you've seen these films .
Other reviewers have said it better , so I won't go on and on , except to say , girls , even if you don't like this genre of movie , just keep watching with your husbands or boyfriends or whatever until they get to Sasaki ( Samurai II ) . When you see that actor , you will start loving these films . . . ( - ;
072 4 These are very entertaining movies and well worth watching ( They have more than just entertainment value as well . They have a good story and excellent choreography ) . Watching them depends on you having the ability to increase the brightness ( contrast and color too ) of your player . If you can't do that , do not buy these movies . The movies will likely just frustrate you .
Hopefully someday someone will release these with more care put into the finished product . Until then , you'll have to jack up the brightness .
074 4 The Samurai Trilogy tries really hard to recreate the world brought to life by Eiji Yoshikawa in his magical novel Musashi . Unfortunately , director Inagaki ignored story elements that would have been amazing on film if done well , and added elements that cheapen and downright detract from the story and the philosophy behind it . Samurai I is perhaps the closest to the novel , but the quality of writing degrades as the film trilogy progresses .
Duel at Ganryu Island is the most guilty of these sorry departures from the novel . Scenes are cut and pasted sloppily , in a seemingly rushed effort to get through the story . The story is rewritten to include a catfight ; Otsu ( Musashi's love interest ) is given way too much screentime to wince , weep , and shuffle around pathetically ; Jotaro , a lively and complex member of the novel's cast is basically a prop on film ; while Mifune as Musashi is almost non-existent for want of direction . The only part of this film that makes it worth watching is the stunningly beautiful Koji Tsuruta as Sasaki Kojiro . His character is at least given some personality , and he is absolutely gorgeous on screen .
Perhaps the biggest disappointment is the final duel scene . Those familiar with the novel will know that Yoshikawa crafted this scene carefully to show Mushashi perfecting his style of swordfighting - - several elements of Musashi's individual style of duelling are combined in a breathtaking and crushing climax that brings the whole story full circle . I won't spoil the movie for readers , but for some reason , I can't imagine what , Inagaki inserts an element - - completely unnecessary - - into the final blow that absolutely negates that intention .
Maybe Musashi is just too big an epic to represent on film . Inagaki's simplified version definitely did more harm than good to this particular story .
077 4 Overall , I found this to be a good , entertaining samurai movie , but would not consider it to be excellent as many claim . I have yet to see part II , and it has been some time since I saw part I , which was not all that impressive . Part III , therefore , is an improvement . But the story ultimately fails to be engrossing , and at times the acting on the part of some of the lesser characters leaves much to be desired . And in the end , the fight scene between Musashi and Sasaki really is not all that great - - and I actually found it somewhat humorous when the victor states that his opponent was the best he ever faced . Mifune was , however , great , and for this alone it was well worth watching the movie .
