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The Twilight Samurai




  • 013 4  In mid - 1800s when the samurai code still was in use , fiefdoms provided wealth for the aristocracy and poor farmers where struggling with starvation , which frequently led to painful death . Samurai where plentiful , many without masters that would provide a steady income that led many to sell their sword to those who could pay . From the west new war technology pushed forward new battle methods that would make close encounters with swords less popular , as the rifle and canon become more prominent . Many samurai grasped the vital importance of the change of war while they struggled to maintain their position in society by taking jobs that did not promote war . Centuries of unease and frequent wars have had their toll on the people , nonetheless , several men of importance still had their own idea of how the future should be shaped , and the Emperor's death would lead to further bloodshed as these men wanted to push their thoughts on the people . Amidst these difficult times the petty samurai , Seibei Iguchi ( Hiroyuki Sanada ) , lost his wife to illness and was forced to raise two daughters by himself as his mother was slowly slipping into the fog of Alzheimer's , which at the time was referred to as being senile . Seibei spends his days as an accountant where he keeps the records of the amount of food his clan has in storage , and when the days come to an end his coworkers ask if he wants to go to the local tavern after work . Each time Seibei respectfully declines the offer as he begins to walk home to his two daughters , and to begin building insect cages in order to increase their modest family income . Sitting in front of the fire place building the cages Seibei talks with his daughters and presents his interest in their education while his coworkers make fun of him by calling him Sir Twilight as they pour sake down their throats which slips them into a mindlessness of alcohol slumber . The day comes when Seibei's food storage comes under scrutiny of his clan's lord , which brings Seibei deep embarrassment as the lord notices the subtle stench around him of cod and his raggedy clothes . The smell and torn clothes are a result of Seibei's hard work at home in order to provide for his children as he has neglected is hygiene , and when his great-uncle hears about it he is livid . The great-uncle attempts to set up a marriage for Seibei , which he rejects as he considers it unkind towards the girl after his uncle mentioned that he cannot afford to be picky . Seibei's politeness and benevolence have acquired him some friends including the samurai Michinojo Iinuma ( Mitsuru Fukikoshi ) who returns from Edo , today's Tokyo , to displays his empathy to Seibei for his loss of his wife . In the process Seibei learns that Michinojo's sister , Tomoe ( Rie Miyazawa ) , has moved in with him as she had escaped her physically abusive husband , and recently been approved a divorce . The same day Tomoe drops in on Seibei as she wants to visit her childhood friend , and on the evening when he walks her home he finds her former husband drunk and abusively searching for his wife . This leads Seibei to accepting a duel in Michinojo's name as he is aware that his friend would be slaughtered if he would duel with Tomoe's ex-husband who is a strong swordsman . Despite Seibei's attempts to keep silence in regards to the result of the duel it brings him further predicaments as he tries to remain anonymous among the samurai . Twilight Samurai is an poignant and heartwarming tale of kindness , love , decency , and modesty in a strong patriarchal society where male dominance is projected through strength of war skills . Yoji Yamada lets the camera capture the humble actions of Seibei as he goes about his daily endeavors , which are complemented by his oldest daughter's narration of the way she recalls her father . Through Seibei and the daughter's narration the audience is allowed into the private life of Seibei , which depicts a serenity around him as he embraces life by expressing his affection for watching his daughters grow . The peacefulness around Seibei is enhanced through the cinematography which restrains from using intense colors and sets a calmness around Seibei . In the tranquility that surrounds Seibei it is also clear that Seibei is aware that the winds are changing as he encourages his daughters to read and study in order to further their ability to think . In many aspects , Seibei is before his time , yet he is still a servant of the old ways , as he finds himself being content enjoying the time together with his family , and not striving for great accomplishments . As the end credits begin to roll the audience will have experienced a riveting cinematic experience , which leaves the audience in tears and deep thoughts pondering their own existence .
    • 001 4  This Japanese film , directed by Yoji Yamada , won many awards in Japan . I can certainly understand why . It breaks the mold of films usually associated with Samurai warriors , and instead shows us the human side of a man who lived for his honor and who also wanted to just simply live . The time period is 19th Century Japan . The strength of the Samurais is fading . And our hero , played by Seibei Iguchi , is a recent widower who is trying to support his two young daughters and aging mother . Yes , he's a Samurai , but of a minor caste . This means he works a day job , the equivalent of bookkeeper , along with a group of other men . He's a sad man , ignoring his personal hygiene , which embarrasses his boss . And he always goes straight home after work , never accepting the invitations of his co-workers to go out for a drink . His relatives want him to marry again but he rejects the marriage broker who comes to visit . And then a lovely woman does come into his life . She's a childhood friend who has married badly . Because she was so mistreated , she has come home to live with her family . She's beautiful and kind and gentle , ad the sad Samurai's children love her . Later , he shows his valor with some swordplay with her abusive husband . But as the story continues , and a romance blossoms , the man feels unworthy , even though it is clear that he and this woman would make a good match . And then , suddenly , the head of his Samurai clan calls upon him to commit a murder for the honor of the clan . Reluctantly , very reluctantly , he accepts , understanding that it is likely he will die . I learned a lot about Samurai life and the details of living in a harsh environment every day . I felt I was right there , in a culture that is indeed different from mine . And , as I absorbed the atmosphere , I also felt the plight of a very troubled human being who had to make a hard choice about what he personally felt was right as compared to what his culture demanded of him . This is a really fine film . The acting is extraordinary . The directing is flawless . There is romance , action and adventure . There's a serious glimpse in the world of the Samurai . And , most of all , there is a human story that tugged at my heartstrings . Highly recommended .
    • 002 4  In The Twilight Samurai , director Yoji Yamada conceived a more realistic interpretation of life in 19th century Japan than is often seen in samurai films . The result in a genuine period film that spends time on the daily struggles and family life of its protagonist , Seibei Iguchi , without adrenaline-pumping swordplay . Yamada based the film's screenplay on 3 stories by novelist Shuuhei Fujisawa . The story is told partly from the point of view of Seibei Iguchi's daughter , Ito , who is 5 years old in the film , but provides voiceover narration as a grown woman . Iguchi ( Hiroyuki Sanada ) is a low-ranking samurai of the Unasaka Clan , living under the Shogunate of mid - 19th century Japan , a few years before the Meiji Restoration . Already the days of the samurai seem numbered , which casts a certain fatalism over the events of the film . Iguchi's wife has recently died after a long and taxing illness , leaving him to care for his two young daughters and senile mother with insufficient income . Iguchi actually enjoys the life of a farmer and watching his daughters grow , but his poverty leaves him without even proper clothing to fulfill his professional responsibilities . His spirits are lifted when he learns that Tomoe ( Rie Miyazawa ) , a woman he has adored since childhood , has received a divorce from her abusive husband . But when his clan's leader dies , the ensuing struggle for power may prove fatal for many samurai . The Twilight Samurai ' s success depends upon the performance of Hiroyuki Sanada , who makes Iguchi's humility , heartbreak , and eccentricities convincing . Mutsuo Naganuma's delicate , subtly hued cinematography draws our attention to character development and small gestures . This is a period drama , not a martial arts film . There are only one and a half sword fights , which director Yoji Yamada uses to impress upon the audience that samurai didn't conquer one another with quick fatal cuts , as we so often see in movies , but normally delivered and received many cuts and subsequently bled to death . The Twilight Samurai is slow and probably a bit too long at 2 hours and 9 minutes . But it is a lovely film of one man's acceptance of the difficulties his life has brought him . Japanese with English subtitles . The DVD : Bonus features include interviews with director Yoji Yamada and actor Hiroyuki Sanada and 3 theatrical trailers , one of which is for The Twilight Samurai . The interview with Yoji Yamada ( 10 minutes ) is dubbed in English . The director explains why he wanted to make a realistic period film , why it was well-received by Japanese audiences , and casting actors Sanada and Min Tanaka , who fight in the movie . Hiroyuki Sanada speaks English in his interview ( 17 minutes ) . He talks about the character of Seibei Iguchi , his acting career , and his work on the film The Last Samurai , in which he had a supporting role . The English subtitles for the movie cannot be turned off .
    • 003 4  Growing up with a first generation Japanese father and a second generation Japanese-American mother , and being very American the Japanese culture is very close and dear to me . Ever since I can remember , films like Seven Samurai , Rashomon , Yojimbo , Kwaidan , Ugetsu Monogatari , Sword of Doom and Seppuku [ Harakiri ] have shaped my view of Japanese cinema . I've also watched more Japanese TV historical drama series than I can remember in the last 35 plus years . A few weeks ago , I happened upon Tasogare Seibei [ Twilight Samurai ] very much on accident and can't stop thinking about it . It's affected me that much . And more than anything it has opened my eyes to my ignorance regarding modern Japanese cinema . Sure I've enjoyed movies like Shall We Dance and Ringu , but only because they both had releases in the US . Tasogare Seibei has made me realize that modern samurai era films can be very very good , and don't necessarily need names like Kurosawa , Inagaki , Kobayashi or Okamoto attached to them to be good . This film reminds me very much of Seppuku in that the central character is a devoted and loving father that makes great sacrifices for his family . Unlike the emotional and explosive battle climax that takes place in Seppuku the duel here is taken on reluctantly by Seibei with a heavy heart , yet equally heroically . This reluctance to violence by Seibei is similar to that of William Munny in Unforgiven . But while both are family men and farmers , they have very different character at their core . Violence and the understanding of it is not what makes this such a great movie . Devotion to his two daughters and aging mother , undying love for a childhood sweetheart , the daily struggle of supporting loved ones on a measly clerk's salary while balancing massive debt is something most 21st century Americans can relate to . What makes it so easy to like , admire and sympathize with Iguchi Seibei is his humble and self-sacrificing approach to life . Compounded by giri [ duty and obligation ] to his clan this creates almost unbearable responsibility and leads to a heart-wrenching decision . Tasogare Seibei is based on several short stories by Fujisawa Shuhei , and until recently I had no idea my father was such a fan of his . Fujisawa's stories focus on the trials of everyday low-ranking samurai living in the strict feudal world of the samurai . It's no surprise the film's director Yamada Yoji known for his long running Tora-san series is also a fan of Fujisawa's . Growing up I often wondered if non-Japanese could appreciate or see Japanese cinema the way I do . When I read reviews on Amazon.com for Japanese movies , I have no doubt they can , and I'm frequently humbled that their insights are often more Japanese than mine . But that may also prove that cinema has no cultural or language barrier , so that a person in Moscow can see Gone With The Wind as the classic struggle of Russian women , or Twin Peaks can become a cultural phenomena in Japan . And part of what might make foreign films so special is that they present familiar situations in an inherently culturally unique way . Twilight Samurai does that , and will hopefully help people realize that no matter the place or the time , we are all the same .
    • 004 4  This is a beautiful film from Japan that was nominated last year for Best Foreign Language Film . It is the story of a poor samurai who takes care of two adorable little girls and a senile mother while facing troubles at his job and the turmoil of his time . The film's emotional force lies in both the nuanced , delicate direction and Hiroyuki Sanada's amazing performance that would undoubtedly be nominated for , or even win the Oscar if the Acadamy members and voting actors were to see the film . It is that good . Apart from Kate Winslet , there has not been a better performance this year ( in fact , the two are about tied in that respect ) . Sanada perfectly and precisely crystallizes every bit of complexity his character has to offer into a sympathetic man we care about and feel for throughout the entirety of the film , which is crucial to its success . There was also a notable performance from Min Tanaka as a dangerous , but deeply sad samurai cornered within a decrepit home . Tanaka managed to key in on the underlying depression and insanity of his dark character . You feel for him , and his presence adds an important sense of gravitas to the conversation both men have before the film's controlled , nerve-wracking climax . This is not your usual samurai film , and proves to be something revelatory , memorable , and , above all , satisfying .
    • 005 4  I'm the type who will only buy movies that I REALLY love , so my collection is fairly small . The Twilight Samurai will be joining that collection very shortly . This movie is a wonderfully told story with compelling characters , great acting , and awesome visuals . At times it's humerous , other times very sad , and yet at the same time it can be very suspensful . You find yourself truly caring for the main character , the twilight samurai , which I think is a sign of a great story and great buildup . Definitely worth checking out if you like a great story with lots to offer .
    • 006 4  This is a magnificent movie and a truly moving tale of a poor Samurai who yearns to live the life of a farmer , raise his two little girls and live in peace . An accomplished swordsman , however , events will conspire to shatter his vision of domestic bliss . Called upon by the reigning warlord to avenge a blood feud , Seibei Iguchi will find himself once again forced to draw his sword in anger . ( Yes , that's the same plot as 1000 other Samurai and Cowboy flicks , but the story-telling really sets this one apart ) . That said , though the story is 1st rate , the poor video transfer of the U.S . DVD release mars the experience . It is not even a 16 : 9 Anamorphic transfer , but merely a 4 : 3 letterbox screening . Show this film on a screen bigger than 13 and you'll weep . For this reason I can only give it 3 stars .
    • 008 4  Most people dream of a heroic way of life . Money , power , strength , these are the things most of us dream about . Imagine leaving work immediately each day rather than going out with your friends . Imagine going home to a senile old woman and two small daughters . Imagine having your family and friends scorn you for your poverty . And imagine wanting nothing more out of life . Seibei is a man who gave up most of his small fortune to give a scornful wife a decent burial , and looks forward to nothing more than time with his family . The beginning of the movie invokes sympathy for a man with no worldly glory in his life . But as it progresses , the viewer discovers that dispite all his hardships Seibei is a very happy man who's greatest love is serving and being near his family . Despite many opportunities for advancements in both rank and pay , he prefers to live humbly and spend every possible minute with his loved ones . The movie does indeed move slowly , but I hope the viewers are willing to give Seibei a chance to show us that the greatest happiness is in sacrificing for the ones we love .
    • 009 4  This is an awesome film . The quality of the film as well as the story line and acting are excellent . It provides a brief glimpse into the true Samurai life of feudal Japan . Not the typical martial arts movie , but a true rendering of life for people in that era . A good mix of story with excellent fight scenes and a love interest . Those who are students of the martial arts will appreciate the sword work . This film will not disappoint .
    • 010 4  Seibei has given up the sword . He could have reached high up in the clan , but he is content working as a scribe , tilling his land , and caring for his daughters and sick mother . Obviously , that cannot be . The clan has its demands and Seibei has to follow orders . So many films promise the same things as Twilight Samurai , but the difference is that this film actuall delivers . So many films start promising , but then end up with the same boring , repetitive , and poorly choreographed action sequences . This does not mean that the film is boring , quite the contrary ! There is so much drama and tension , but it builds up slowly , and the viewer is not offered the usual tension relief of the fights . Seibei has found out that being a warrior does not mean killing - it is a state of mind , and can be put to good use . Obviously , his clan and family take a dim view of his position ! Seibei cannot stay out of the clan business - it is a turbulent time , and the need for loyal warriors is great . He is ordered to kill a fellow clan member . It would be here where a less succesful film would have deteriorated into mindless hack and slash . Instead , it becomes a meditation on the true meaning of being a warrior and of the true meaning of life . It is a fight between two persons , not between a hero and an enemy . Whoever wins , it is a man with dreams and memories that will die . Lovers of fighting films however , do not despair - the few actual fighting sequences are absolutely fantastic , and could be used as teaching tools in dojos .
    • 011 4  I'll try not to repeat everything the other reviews have already said . There are 3 things I'd like to add : - the pacing in this film is slow and always interesting , never boring . - yes there are fighting scenes , but they are not added as an empty way to quicken the pace in the film . They serve a valuable role in furthering character development . The sword play however is very well executed - not the outrageous hack / slash and wire-work in Kill Bill ( although I enjoyed that film a great deal too ) , but illustrates how deadly a real katana fight can be . Sanada is indeed a talented martial artist and his wielding of the sword shows that he is not simply an actor going through the moves but has had real training in the past . - in the Last Samurai you see Sanada playing the role of the always-stoic Ujio . In this film Sanada really shows the breadth of his acting abilities .
    • 012 4  I honestly could not believe that actors could be this good . Hiroyuki Sanada ( Seibei ) portrays the humble , quiet , yet skilled samurai with perfection . Rie Miyazawa ( Tomoe ) plays the gentle , caring , yet strong willed childhood friend with a sweetness I have rarely seen in a film . I have always been a fan of Chinese wuxia ( similar to samurai genre ) because I liked the romantic views of an age that is long lost in history . An age where respect for elders , dignity , honor were themes integral to the way of life . And of course I was always fascinated by the fighting abilities of the characters . This film portrays its times with a simplicity and genuiness that is very touching to the audience . If there is one word I would describe the film , I would say honest . It remains true to what actual pre-Meiji times would look and feel like . Instead of portraying a hero that is invincible and without vulnerability , it describes a man who is very much vulnerable because he really doesn't want to fight . He wants to be with his two young daughters after the death of their mother . He wants to rekindle that friendship that he has with his long time lover Tomoe . In far too many films do we feel this deep attachment to the main character , as if he could be a member of our own family . We want him to survive , yet we do not know that he is going to come back alive . Thus there is real fear and palpitation because we do not want his daughters and mother to suffer . Now some of you may view this as blasphemy , but it is better than Seven Samurai . Even while watching that , I did not really feel a real sense of danger for the villagers or for the main characters . This is even more evident in Hollywood films of late like The Last Samurai . I liked that film but upon reflection and comparing it to this film , it was really sub-par . Even the inevitable death of Kasumoto in that film was not completely touching because we anticipated it and it seemed premeditated . Ken Watanabe is a fine actor , but I seriously doubt that all the military men would bow down to him and a Caucasian in real life . Pretense is something I dislike very much , and so The Twilight Samurai just felt special in the way that it remained very realistic . This film is by far the best of its genre because it remains romantic and realistic at the same time , a feat I thought was not possible .
    • 016 4  Seibei is a poor working class samurai who doesn't want to be a samurai . He'd much rather be a farmer but there is no money in being a farmer and he has two small daughters and a senile old mother to take care of . His wife died after a long sickness that left Seibei even deeper in debt . A ray of sunshine comes to Seibei's bleak life when a childhood sweetheart moves back and bonds with his daughters . She's still in love with him , but he is ashamed of his poverty and rejects her love . Civil unrest breaks out and Seibei is given an assignment that will most likely result in his death . Very moving and beautifully crafted I was teary-eyed like a little girl by the end . It's easy to see how this film won 13 ( ! ) Japanese Academy Awards . And speaking of the Japanese Academy Awards I was looking on imdb and very few of the past winners are available on DVD here in America . That's a shame .
    • 017 4  I have only seen the Japanese version w / English subtitles . . . which is probably the only way to go . This movie is essentially intelligently pieced together . It gives the viewer a chance to picture how some of the samurai struggled towards the end of the Tokugawa period as they were losing their reign on Japan . Basically a story about a samurai whos wife passed way and is left to care for two young daughters , along with a senile mother . There are few fight scenes , but even an action lover may still be drawn into the slower tempo paced story . These movies are few and far between and deserve some recognition . Actually , I believe in one of the American Award shows , Twilight was nominated for best foreign film . This movie is top-notch with a great story , setting , pacing , acting , and understanding . You will definately appreciate the original Japanese language w / English subtitles as the original actors know how to deliver the lines . So do yourself a favor , and check out that particular version .
    • 018 4  Except for the sweetened ending , which wanted to destroy what came before , the film is perfect . Not that the ending is horrible , it's just a touch too melodramatic for my tastes . Otherwise I really love films like this , taking its time to fully establish the characters and then letting the story naturally flow out of them . That is why its relatively simple action scenes ( only two of them ) work so effectively . When you make the audience care about a character , even the slightest danger can be thrilling , so there is no need for any overblown theatrics . Forget about Hollywood trashes like The Last Samurai , this thing is leagues above and beyond that candy-coated cultural fallacy .
    • 019 4  Tasogare Seibei ( 2002 ) aka Twilight Samurai is set in the late 19Th century Shonal province of northeast Japan and tells the story of a low-ranking widowed samurai , Selbei ( Hiroyuki Sanada ) , his love Tomoe ( Rie Miyazawa ) , a woman from a high-ranking family and his struggles as he has to maintain loyalty to his clan's demands . The film is a compelling and seemingly simple story of a man who had to follow the rules and traditions of the Era that was collapsing on him while all he wanted was to be able to take care of his family and be with the only woman he loved all his life Both Hiroyuki Sanada and Rie Miyazawa are wonderful - she is so gentle yet strong and he . . . - he was a revelation for me . The scene when Selbei explained to Tomoe's brother why he could not and should not marry Tomoe was heartbreaking . I think that besides the moving family drama , the movie also succeeded in showing a dilemma of a man who got caught in the inevitable political and social changes . In this regard , I found the character of Yogo very interesting - he was a samurai who dared to disobey his clan's orders to commit suicide . It was unheard of for a samurai to go against his superiors and this fact tells a lot about upcoming changes in the country . I found the film very powerful , deeply affecting and masterfully mixing high drama and earthy humor . Winner of 12 Japanese Film Academy Awards , as well as an Academy Award Nominee for Best Foreign Language Film , Twilight Samurai deserves all its awards and nominations and I highly recommend it .
    • 021 4  You can read the other reviews here to get an idea of the movie , but I have to warn people that the DVD transfer is very poorly done . The video is faded and looks cheaply produced even on a standard TV . The video is non-anamorphic ( it's incredible that a NEW movie like this could be encoded this way ) so it looks even worse on an HDTV because you'll have to zoom in on the picture to get rid of the black bars . The subtitles are burned-in to the video so there's no option to switch languages or turn them off . Finally , the audio is stereo ( 2 channels ) instead of 5.1 . It's incredible that such a fantastic , recent movie could get such horrible treatment on DVD . Empire Pictures needs to get with the program .
    • 022 4  TWILIGHT SAMURAI ( a.k.a . Tasogare Seibei 2002 ) is based on the novel by Shuhei Fijisawa and is directed by Yoji Yamada who was achieved fame for his Tora-san series in Japan . This acclaimed film is a return to contemporary samurai film-making and quite frankly it is one of the best I've seen . This is the first of Yamada's chambara period drama ; The second being the award-winning Hidden Blade and the third being 2006 ' s Love and Honor , both of which I will review separately . A petty low-ranking samurai named Seibei Iguchi ( Hiroyuki Sanada ) is a struggling retainer and widower . He is a 50 koku samurai with two daughters and a senile mother . Seibei has been given the nickname Sir Twilight because after his duties as a simple clerk in the clan is completed , he hurries home to take care of his kids and moonlights as a maker of bird cages . During the last days of the Edo period , the last days of the age of the samurai are almost over , duels are forbidden and the sword is no longer as much as an object of respect as it used to be . However , things take a turn when an old friend and his sister Tomoe ( Beautiful Rie Miyazawa ) returns to live in the village . Tomoe is a divorced young woman to whom Seibei always kept close to his heart . Seibei and Tomoe have always been good friends since childhood but destiny has always kept them apart . Now , political strife has caused Seibei to undergo a dangerous task to take down a rogue retainer named Zenemon Yogo . On the eve of the duel , he asks Tomoe to become his wife , he discovers that she had already accepted a wedding engagement . Disappointed , he leaves at the hour of the snake for his mission . . . The delight of watching Twilight Samurai is its excellent storytelling . Yoji Yamada's excellent direction is truly awe-inspiring and with the film's very lush cinematography that complements the film's mood and screenplay , the film is a true piece of art . The film is the touching story of a man who is an outcast in changing times . While most chambara films deal with loyalty , honor and purpose ; this film has another important element that works in its favor , Love . What I really liked about this film is that it is very easy to follow , no background in Japanese history is needed to feel involved in the proceedings . It is pure delight as the story unfolds , and while the story may be simple ; the way the film is structured makes for a very satisfying experience . The key to the film's success is ; of course how good the performers are in their portrayal of their characters . Seibei and Tomoe's characters are well developed and interesting . Seibei is a humble hard-working everyday man ; his character is so easy to connect with . Sanada effectively expresses all the needed emotions in his portrayal . Another key character is Tomoe ; for without her , the development of the story and the lead character will not be achieved . Rie Miyasawa's performance is as superb as her simple beauty . Seibei finds new purpose in Tomoe , in her , he sees a turning point in his life and finally he may live as he always wished to . The characters are so alive that viewers will easily find an attachment to them . Twilight Samurai is a plot-driven film . ( I will probably say this in all my reviews for Yamada's chambara dramas ) People who are expecting blood-splattering swordplay is better off watching Ryuhei Kitamura's Azumi and Aragami which are classified as Jidai Geki . Chambara films tend to lean more towards human drama and emotion . Not to say that , this film doesn't have a decent sword fight , there are actually two , which are well executed and beautifully shot . Both sword duels are realistic and the last one is bloody , no wires or trampolines were used . The first one in which Seibei disables an opponent with a wooden sword exemplifies his prowess even with his humble social status . The lack in action scenes may turn off action fanatics but those looking for a truly excellent and touching tale of the samurai will be VERY pleased . This is truly a well-crafted and amazing samurai film . We all associate samurai with blood splattering swordfights , but Twilight Samurai will not be remembered by that one factor . The film is a rare treat for chambara aficionados . With its beautiful cinematography , well-developed story with well-rounded characters for balance ; Yoji Yamada's Twilight Samurai is a historical chambara film from Japan that will leave a lasting impression to chambara fans , it is a film to be admired for years to come . HIGHLY RECOMMENDED ! [ 5 - Stars ] VIDEO / AUDIO : 1.78 Anamorphic Widescreen . The Japanese region - 2 release is the one to get if you can play DVDs from other countries . The transfer and sound are superior to the U.S . release . I own this release because it is the uncut version .
    • 023 4  Reviews here did not make this film sound interesting , but I never argue with 4.5 stars and , so , gave it a try . Simple descriptions of what this movie is about simply do not do it justice . I was blown away by this incredibly intimate and emotionally-driven story . Iguchi is a widowed man who loves his two young daughters ( both incredibly adorable ) and his ailing mother ( who rarely remembers who he is ) . He is stretched to the bone trying to support them all on the most meager of wages . He risks his well-being and his honor to provide for them . He is a disgraced member of society , but he doesn't care . He doesn't seek recognition or increased social status ; all he cares about is his daughters . Yoji Yamada's screenplay is a beautiful one which explains itself slowly , instead of the Hollywood mode of hitting you over the head so that you can't possibly miss the point being made . For example , early in the film , we see Iguchi working in the garden after coming home from work . We assume that's what he likes doing , like many of us do , but we find out later in the film that he must grow and sell his crops to supplement his wages and stay afloat . There are dozens more examples like this that you need to discover for yourself . Watching this film a second time would yield whole new meaning for dozens of scenes . I am just shocked at how good this film is , especially since I had zero expectations . This is now my favorite samurai film after Seven Samurai . It is a slow piece , very unlike typical Samurai films , but a real treat if you have the patience for it . It is , without a doubt , a very special movie . If you're a fan of Japanese cinema ( new or old ) or just great filmmaking in general , I highly recommend giving this terrific film a viewing . One quick comment about the DVD : English subtitles are burned into the picture , meaning that they can't be turned off or changed . Perhaps another publisher like Criterion will eventually give this great film the treatment that it deserves .
    • 024 4  This film is seamless . It flows perfectly , reveling in the details of characters ' lives , as well as in the details of 19th century Japan . Twilight Samurai is both gorgeous to look at and wonderful to experience . It draws the viewer in , making her / him well acquainted with the characters , with their motivations . It is almost impossible not empathize with the main character , Twilight Seibei , which is what his coworkers call him because they feel he is strange and no fun . He won't go out and drink with them , though they ask him each evening . He instead rushes home to his daughters , whom he loves dearly , and his aging mother , who often does not know her own son . Twilight struggles with the vagaries of everyday existence , attempting to make ends meet by engaging in piecework . As a result he has time for little else , including personal maintenance . He is often unbathed , and smells funny as a result . His friends poke fun at him , though we , the viewers , quickly realize what an absolutley loving and honorable man Twilight really is . When Twilight , who happens to be a petty samurai , is ordered to fight another samurai to the death , our familiarity and affection for the characters comes into full blosom . We do not want Twilight to die any more than he wants to fight . He hides the fact that he is a gifted and skilled fighter ( though out of practice ) , for he loves his daughters dearly and wishes to avoid challenges to duel . He would rather live simply and tend to his land . Those looking for Lone Wolf and Cub style sword-wielding mayhem will likely here be disappointed . The two duels in this film are brief and realistic . The climatic fight scene is one of the most realistic samurai duels I've seen in any film . Neither of the characters are killing machines ; they are both real men full of emotion , and neither wants to die . This film is amazingly good , and the director knew that simplicity is best . Watching Seibei interacting with his daughters , discussing Confucious with his eldest daughter , and revealing his true feelings to his childhood fried Tomoe is heartwarming . Five stars all the way - - watching this film is truly a rewarding experience .
    • 025 4  This movie transported me to another time and culture . I felt as though I were an invisible presence given the priveledge of observing the lives and events portrayed in the movie . Iguchi's quiet and modest heroism in loving and caring for his family and living with dignity and honor despite what hardships life threw at him were inspirational and moving . Don't watch this expecting an action movie though . The movie is paced slowly and the emphasis is not on the fighting aspects of samauri life . I think it is the pacing though that adds to the feeling of authenticity and being there as the characters ' lives unfold . Other reviews have gone into specifics about the DVD features and other details so I won't reiterate here . I did want to add my five star endorsement to the group though . This is a beautiful movie .
    • 026 4  This movie is a kind of beautiful combination of the existential concerns of Kurasawa's Ikiru with his Samurai films . It reminded me of the mission and I was instantly in love with the protagonist's two daughters . This is a drama . The fighting means nothing except in it's contrast with the two daughters . Swords to Plowshares - is there nothing more beautiful than watching children grow ? Highly recommended .
    • 027 4  Iguchi is a low-ranking samurai in 19th century Japan who is yoked with a crummy job and too much debt . Actor Hiroyuki Sanada's ability to poignantly depict this character is one reason why THE TWILIGHT SAMURAI ( original title : Tasogare Seibei ) is the best samurai film ever made . I do not make this boast idly . I've seen all ( and admired most ) of the classics of the genre . But while there are other epics that are grander and more spectacular , not one has a real soul at its center like this film has . The plot is simple , but intriguing . Although Iguchi's life is not enviable , he is happy caring for and raising his two daughters . Naturally , challenges arise . But in what other samurai film would the plot be set in motion by a warrior's objectionable hygiene ? What sets THE TWILIGHT SAMURAI apart is the director's commitment to portraying the full sweep of life's moments , from passion and drudgery . Admittedly , this movie is not for those who simply want to see gore spatter or scenery-chewing . But it is for those who appreciate intelligent filmmaking , historical verisimilitude , and sensitive acting .
    • 028 4  This review is from : The Twilight Samurai ( DVD ) This Japanese Period drama , set in about 1865 , 3 years before the Meiji Restoration , is among the best of its genre to be produced . Yoji Yamada wanted to make a period piece that was realistic , and not a super hero samurai story where 20 swordsmen are killed in 1 minute by a single non-scratched foe ( especially the Japanese TV period dramas and Kurosawa to some extent ) . It follows the life of a lower level , 50 koku ( 30 to live on ) accountant samurai in what is now Yamagata Prefecture , beginning with the death of his wife from tuberculosis ( consumption ) . We learn later that he had to sell his katana ( long sword ) to pay for the funeral to meet clan standards , so he was a samurai who had sold the basis for his samurai life ( the katana is the soul of the warrior ) . Heavily in debt , he is carried along by situations of his own and others ' making , until he is forced into a conflict he wished to avoid . In some ways , he is the type of hero that you find in Eastwood's Unforgiven . The story is slow but steady , and Sanada makes the character of Seibei one that a modern person can easily relate ; someone caught inescapably in the rat race of his time . The DVD is OK with two interviews , one with Yamada and one with Sanada and 3 trailers ( 2 for other movies ) , but the subtitles are burned into the film . They are also only in English . This is unfortunate because the actors deliver Japanese that is understandable ( compared with a Toshiro Mifune delivery - Aba yo ) , and you have to try to ignore the subtitles to concentrate on the Japanese . ( I find myself even reading subtitles for an English movie . ) I would be happier if the subtitles could be turned off . Even with the shortcomings of the DVD , this is a 5 - star film .
    • 029 4  This Japanese Period drama , set in about 1865 , 3 years before the Meiji Restoration , is among the best of its genre to be produced . Yoji Yamada wanted to make a period piece that was realistic , and not a super hero samurai story where 20 swordsmen are killed in 1 minute by a single non-scratched foe ( especially the Japanese TV period dramas and Kurosawa to some extent ) . It follows the life of a lower level , 50 koku ( 30 to live on ) accountant samurai in what is now Yamagata Prefecture , beginning with the death of his wife from tuberculosis ( consumption ) . We learn later that he had to sell his katana ( long sword ) to pay for the funeral to meet clan standards , so he was a samurai who had sold the basis for his samurai life ( the katana is the soul of the warrior ) . Heavily in debt , he is carried along by situations of his own and others ' making , until he is forced into a conflict he wished to avoid . In some ways , he is the type of hero that you find in Eastwood's Unforgiven . The story is slow but steady , and Sanada makes the character of Seibei one that a modern person can easily relate ; someone caught inescapably in the rat race of his time . The DVD is OK with two interviews , one with Yamada and one with Sanada and 3 trailers ( 2 for other movies ) , but the subtitles are burned into the film . They are also only in English . This is unfortunate because the actors deliver Japanese that is understandable ( compared with a Toshiro Mifune delivery - Aba yo ) , and you have to try to ignore the subtitles to concentrate on the Japanese . ( I find myself even reading subtitles for an English movie . ) I would be happier if the subtitles could be turned off . Even with the shortcomings of the DVD , this is a 5 - star film .
    • 030 4  For those of you that love slow movie , movie that sets at an even pace to allow for the characters to develop , a movie that is beautifully framed and crafted , a movie that pays homage to the story itself than idolising the main characters , I strongly recommend this movie to you . This is literally a Japanese rendition of the Last Samurai . Rather than portraying the main character as heroic where he would fight to his glorious death ( in the same spirit of Tom Cruise's Last Samurai ) , the main character here is simply a samurai who has domestic chores to do at home after his duty as a samurai ; societal expectation of him to socialise after work ( akin to the salary men going to izakaya to drink after work ) which he refused again and again , and of him remarried so that the woman of the house would take care of the household whilst he's outside being a bread-winner . The movie is narrated by the samurai's ageing daughter , about his beloved father & his father's love for a woman who was also his childhood friend . A samurai of that is expected to marry someone through omiyai ( matchmaking dependent upon family status ) and being a forward thinker , the samurai broke the mould and subsequently marrying someone that he fall in love with , enticing his daughters to have an education ( readers , please be mindful that in the early 20th century , suffrage of female equality to the male is just about to kick-start ) . Perhaps , the samurai is a metaphor of the Japanese society that is gradually changing and having the courage to modernise itself in the end ( truth to be told , Japan hasn't changed much these days in terms of its conformist attitude - generally speaking ) . As the story unfolds , we can sense the wind of change sweeping through Japan and the dying status of the samurai breed . I wouldn't trash The Last Samurai for being a Hollywood offering but rather , a movie that complements this Japanese rendition which says the same thing in a gracious and delicate manner . If you must know , the actor who played the main character in this movie is also involved in the Last Samurai , the one who had a stick fight with Tom Cruise in the rain when Tom Cruise was playing with the samurai children . A bittersweet movie but a movie that acknowledges the fragility of life and a life that oughts to be lived in full and at the moment . Highly recommended . In actuality , this movie is two years old and I'm truly gratified that it's available for the Western audience now as well . A gem that shouldn't be missed
    • 031 4  Twilight Samurai is not a zippy film . It is slow and methodically paced . However , it does offer rich rewards , both for the performances & the story & as a cultural study . Hiroyuki Sanada starred in both of the Japanese versions of The Ring , Ringu / 2 , and was in The Last Samurai with Tom Cruise . As Seibei in this film , he plays a low-level samurai who is eventually pitted in a dual to the death with a rebellious samurai who was on the losing end of a political dispute and refuses to commit suicide . Japanese beauty Rie Miyazawa in her 2nd film plays the lovely Tomoe who breaks with the village tradition of arranged marriages and wants to marry for love . Seibei is a widower , and Tomoe has escaped an abusive husband . Seibei's children are precious with the oldest being the narrator of the piece . The picture takes place at the end of the Edo period in Japan ( 1600 - 1867 ) ; so it very much makes the viewer feel like they have been transported by time warp into a different time & culture . Director Yoji Yamada does an excellent job weaving the various elements of the story together in this beautiful cinematic tale . Enjoy !
    • 032 4  Tasogare Seibei ( ' Twilight Samurai ' ) is one of the most tender love stories committed to film . The past decade or so has found the beauty of Japanese martial arts gracing our screens in gorgeous epics of color , startling sword fighting , and wondrously beautiful costumes and recreations of Edo period stories and those more ancient , and while the audience for these epics never seems to dwindle , the use of the purity of the original works has dissipated into a glut of tacky movies to feed the mass mind . Martial Arts has become a Hollywood movie star . ' Twilight Samurai ' changes all that : the original use of martial arts as a part of the Samurai legend is of only minor importance here . This is a story of humanity and dignity put to the test and the results that inner beauty brings to the philosophy of the original Samurai codes . Seibei Iguchi ( Hiroyuki Sanada , in a stunning performance ) is recovering from the loss of the consumption death of his wife and lives with his beloved daughters Kayana ( Miki Ito ) and Ito ( Erina Hashiguchi ) and his senile mother ( Reiko Kusamura ) . He is debt ridden because of the costs of a proper funeral and works hard to make ends meet . He takes on odd jobs ( making insect cages , etc ) and works so hard that he neglects himself - personal hygiene , dress , and inability to fraternize with his friends . But Seibei is content to enjoy the love of his family - until the beautiful Tomeo ( Rie Miyazawa ) , his old childhood sweetheart , enters the picture , having just divorced her drunken abusive husband . Seibei longs to be with her but obeys the social laws of the times and Tomeo is ultimately betrothed to another . Seibei may be a Samurai but he is a peaceful one who sold his precious sword to pay some of his debts . He is now out of practice and can only fight with the ' short sword ' , a fact commensurate with his belief that killing is wrong . It is therefore against his moral fiber when , as political times begin to change and result in demands of suicide among the old order , that he is selected by his clan to murder a man who refuses to perform the requisite Harri Kari . At the promise from Tomeo that she will wait for his safe return from the dangerous mission , Seibei departs and encounters the wretched man appointed to him . How the tale resolves is for the viewer to discover . Everything about this film directed by Yoji Yamada who wrote the screenplay based on the novels by Shuuhei Fujisawa is understated not only by the actors but the entire crew , warmly photographed in earth tones , and gently tender . The only criticism is the atrociously awful musical score ( whining electronic keyboards sounding like very bad elevator Muzak ) written by Isao Tomita and Yousui Inoue . That is a minor flaw when all of the other fine attributes are considered . And aside from that this is a film that bears watching repeatedly - it satisfies that much . In Japanese with English subtitles . Grady Harp , June 06
    • 033 4  Often when Japanese films are praised as ' slow , ' I find it covers a multitude of sins from lack of discipline in the editing room ( see After Life ) , to apparent lack of an editing room altogether ( see Eureka ) . However , in the case of Twilight Samurai , we have a perfectly-paced film exploring the the plight of a humanist samurai in the late Edo period . Sanada , a favourite of mine ever since his portrayal of the flawed high-school teacher in the TV drama ' Koko Kyoshi , ' gives a career-best performance as the impoverished retainer . One minute he has you laughing as he explains his contentment at being a single father to his uncomprehending uncle , the next you are choking back tears in the marriage proposal scene . The lives of the characters are compelling enough , but there is also the allegorical element of Japan itself about to undergo change from an isolated , warrior nation , to an international leader advocating pacifism . This is a film that works on every level and will not disappoint .
    • 034 4  Certainly not a hack-and-slash samurai flick ( which I also love ) , this is a wonderfully deep and moving story of a lower-rank samurai just at the end of the Tokugawa era . It feels more like the psychodrama which it is , than an action movie . My wife and I loved it .
    • 035 4  This is an extraordinary movie . Much more than just another Samurai epic , this movie is a study and portrayal of human nature . A heartbreaking story , filmed and acted in exemplary manner . A must see for anybody willing to see and feel the human element in early 19th century Japan . Easily among the best movies ever made .
    • 036 4  Twilight Samurai was really an experiment for me . I had only recently gotten into foreign films , and I wanted to try something a little off the mainstream . So when I heard of this movie , and read the reviews , I figured this would be my first trip into those waters . What I got was definitely what I didn't expect , but I wasn't disappointed by this in any way . Where I expected action , I got some heart-felt drama well-acted by the actors and actresses of the movie , and where there was action , it was well done and very traditional ( in the samurai sense ) . Plus , the setting of the movie made it feel as though I was taking a step back into the Japan long-ago killed by the spread of Western Civilization . Twilight Samurai takes place in the years just before the Meiji Restoration , when the Japanese were moving beyond the samurai to the more traditional styles of worldly living . In this era of Japanese history , the samurai are still prevalent , but very organized and more ceremonial than anything else . They carry swords , but these items at merely ornamental . Reflecting in many ways the current times of the movie , the story follows Seibei Iguchi , a.k.a . Twilight as he attempts to raise two daughters and care for a mother deep in dementia . He wears the mantle of samurai , but takes far more pride in seeing his daughters grow than in having that title . Yet in the times , unrest is common . Ronin are everywhere , and new ronin are created daily by clan conflicts . Though Seibei attempts to avoid all of these things , he's pulled deep into a conflict between his closest friend and a retainer and fights in his friends place . Fellow samurai take note of this conflict , and at Seibei's skill . Thus he becomes a warrior in their eyes . That's when an assignation to kill a renegade samurai comes Seibei's way . Though he chooses not to fight , he's also a samurai and must obey all orders given , and therefore he goes to fight the man , leaving behind his daughters , and his oldest childhood friend who he realizes that he loves , Miss Tomoe . Though the image of Seibei isn't traditional in samurai films ( the weak-spirited father ) , it's somewhat refreshing , especially when you consider all of what's happening around this man , what with all the tradition and pompous samurai ways . He does not look at his daughters as girls to be married away , but as equals in life , and wants everything for them and nothing for himself . For anyone who enjoys foreign films , Twilight Samurai is for you . It has a few similarities to Seven Samurai , but beyond that little in this movie compares to any other samurai movie I've seen ( few , though I must admit ) . The historical scope and accuracy of the film also makes it a worthwhile watch for any interested in world history or just Japanese history . Advance warning : bring reading glasses , because the movie doesn't have an English track .
    • 037 4  The Twilight Samurai , brings to the screen the story of Seibei Iguchi , a low ranking samurai and a widower , who is facing mounting problems , including taking care of himself , his two young daughters and his senile mother on a rather low salary , while seriously in debt . Things get more complicated as he gets entangled in the shady factional politics of 19th Century Japan . . . The film combines romance , drama , action and adventure making it one of the best of its kind ! Moreover , the fascinating culture and traditions of the Land of the Rising Sun , are presented very well in the film . The plot is excellent and opens a window into the mysterious Orient . Furthermore , shot on location it provides for some amazing scenery . Needless to say , Hiroyuki Sanada , and the rest of the cast have truly outdone themselves with their performances , which are outstanding to say the least ! All the actors , without exceptions , give it their 100% ! Their great talent and chemistry clearly shows , thus providing an entertaining film that can be watched over and over again . The setting , the dialogues , the music and the costumes are all wonderful ! Very well written and very well presented , it is a movie definitely worth owning , yet alone watching , especially for those with a soft spot for History , and especially for Eastern / Oriental enthusiasts . Strongly recommended along with Shogun the TV series , starring Richard Chamberlain , to those with a soft spot for all things Japanese .
    • 038 4  I didn't see the DVD - - saw it on Japanese TV yesterday 12 / 26 / 2004 , with subtitles by my better half . It is without doubt one of the best movies I have seen in years . Granted , my better half and I both know enough about Japanese history to understand the context - - a poor , remote han ( barony ? ) at the end of the Tokugawa period , just before the Meiji Restoration in the mid - 19th Century ; but some scene-setting in the subtitles or the opening would handle that adequately . Basic elements of fine drama - - conflicting loyalties , character coming through in the face of apparently impending doom and the knowledge that the world is about to change dramatically , but has not yet changed . Retrospective by narrator at end hints at how the world did change . Incredible use of color , light , and lighting - - and this by a director who made his reputation with the longest-running series of formula movie comedies in the world - - the Tora-san films ! I couldn't have imagined that he had such a film in him . The only thing in the movie that seemed discordant was the choice of music during the end credits . The story is a conflation of three short novels by an outstanding writer of historical fiction , but it works well . Side-note : In Japanese they aren't samurai films , but jidaigeki - - old-time movies . So swordplay is not an inalienable part of the concept . And far more samurai were administrators and government workers - - the equivalent of civil servants - - than warriors , anyway .
    • 039 4  This review is from : The Twilight Samurai ( DVD ) Not much I can add to this review which has not already been extensively presented by other reviewers . I just wanted to throw in a 5 star for this incredible film . Just wanted to say that I really felt for the character of Seibei , and its hard for me to care for film characters since I rarely fall for the suspension of belief when so many modern movies are very poorly done . But toward the end of this film I actually felt some apprehension for what might happen to Seibei when he was forced to duel . Absolutely well done . The DVD quality , however , is atrocious . If there were a Criterion version of this DVD I would buy it in a heart beat .
    • 040 4  Not much I can add to this review which has not already been extensively presented by other reviewers . I just wanted to throw in a 5 star for this incredible film . Just wanted to say that I really felt for the character of Seibei , and its hard for me to care for film characters since I rarely fall for the suspension of belief when so many modern movies are very poorly done . But toward the end of this film I actually felt some apprehension for what might happen to Seibei when he was forced to duel . Absolutely well done . The DVD quality , however , is atrocious . If there were a Criterion version of this DVD I would buy it in a heart beat .
    • 041 4  Based on a novel of Schuuhei Fujisawa , Seibei Iguchi , a samurai of low rank , lives aside of all glory , working as bureaucrat in the Japan of XIX century . Widow , he lives with his two daughters , whom adores them and with his senile mother , reason by which he must do other jobs to maintain them . But other perspectives will appear in his life , when he realizes that Tomoe , his everlasting love , has divorced from his husband . The convulse political situation as well as his province , will test his capacity as warrior , tied by the honor's code of the samurai . Powerful cinematography , magnificent landscapes , suggestive shots and brilliant performances make of this film one of the ten best ones of 2004 .
    • 042 4  This review is from : The Twilight Samurai ( DVD ) Yamada started out as a comedic director and he uses it well in this film . The light touches of humor lend depth to the film and the charcters . Samurai Iguchi takes out a sock to mop his brow . . . the discussion among his fellow samurai as to whether Iguchi knows what his nickname is . . . the Japanese soldiers learning how to handle a cannon . . . It is these light moments that make this film worth watching over and over . There are two sequels , * Hidden Blade * and * Love and Honor * , that round out the trilogy on the demise of the samurai , although very good , none rivals the filming of * Twilight * For those interested , the location of the film is in Yamagata prefecture in northern Japan . The visuals are breathtaking and lovely .
    • 043 4  Yamada started out as a comedic director and he uses it well in this film . The light touches of humor lend depth to the film and the charcters . Samurai Iguchi takes out a sock to mop his brow . . . the discussion among his fellow samurai as to whether Iguchi knows what his nickname is . . . the Japanese soldiers learning how to handle a cannon . . . It is these light moments that make this film worth watching over and over . There are two sequels , * Hidden Blade * and * Love and Honor * , that round out the trilogy on the demise of the samurai , although very good , none rivals the filming of * Twilight * For those interested , the location of the film is in Yamagata prefecture in northern Japan . The visuals are breathtaking and lovely .
    • 044 4  The thing I really like about these foreign films is their simplicity . There are no expensive props , the main reason for watching this film is the story . This is not a martial arts flick , although it does have a few fight scenes . The main character in this film was very humble but one of the toughest of warriors . He was poor , from a lower caste and struggling to feed his two daughters and ailing mother . It was a very simple story but still profound . It's natural to be drawn to the main character and side with him as all he wants to do is live a simple life and take care of his family . But as a member of a warrior clan , he also has another duty . He reluctantly accepts one final assignment which is the toughest of life .
    • 045 4  Seibei Iguchi ( Hiroyuki Sanada ) , a low-ranking samurai in the years preceding the Meiji Restoration , lives in debt , a widower caring for two young daughters and his senile mother . He is an office worker rather than a warrior . His responsibilities leave him no time to care for himself or drink with his co-workers , causing them to give him the derisive nickname that also provides the film with its title . He accepts his condition gracefully until the return of a childhood sweetheart ( Rie Miyazawa ) and an order to kill a renegade samurai ( Min Tanaka ) cause turmoil in his quiet life . This extraordinary film is nearly perfect ; it is hampered by a truly awful epilogue that looks as if it were spliced in from a sappy TV drama . Ignore this , if you can , and enjoy the fine film that precedes it .
    • 046 4  Where to begin ! I had never heard of Yoji Yamada before watching this film and have yet to see any of his other movies ( there's alot of them and they're not easy to find ! ) but I can easily say the guy is a master . Like Kurasawa or Kubrick or Scorsese , Yamada seems to be in complete control of what he's doing . The shot compositions are rock solid and the staging of the scenes ( including ones with many actors in small spaces ) is masterful . This is a very well made movie . The story focuses on Iguchi , a poor samurai left alone with his two daughters and sick mother after the death of his wife . Japan is in turmoil pre-Meiji restoration with famine on the rise , and the use of guns in battle , the samurai way of life is coming to an end . Ultimately the theme here is status . Iguchi's status as a samurai comes second to his honor and responsibility as a father and as a decent man . He has an inner sense of what's right that differs from that of his fellow samurai . Although many in his clan talk behind his back I think they ultimately respect and even fear him , despite his lower rank . Eventually his friend's sister , the beautiful Tomoe ( a woman with a similiar view of inner honor ) comes into the picture and complicates things for Iguchi . In the end political turmoil leads to Iguchi having a showdown with the friend of an earlier foe in an awesome ending fight sequence , which is very well staged . This movie has a texture that has to been seen to be understood , including a very nice desaturated pallete , and acting with real emotional depth . The symbolism is subtle and any emotions expressed throughout the film come off as heartfelt , not meladramatic or corny . I like and identify with Iguchi more than any Kurosawa character . I recommend this movie for anyone interested in good filmmaking , not just samurai fanatics or fans of japanese cinema .
    • 047 4  Yoji Yamada's The Twilight Samurai is a different kind of samurai movie . Samurai films as I'm sure all of you know are the equivalent of westerns in American cinema . When we keep this in mind we can then compare this film to such westerns as 3 : 10 to Yuma or High Noon . In all three films deal with violence in a different way then is expected in the genre . But perhaps I'm jumping ahead of myself . The Twilight Samurai is about Seibei Iguchi ( Hiroyuki Sanada ) a low ranking samurai who has two children a sick mother and is in debt due to his wife's death . Some people look down upon him other feel sorry for him . He has no time for himself . He must run home after work and take care of his family while others make fun of him behind his back either because they don't understand his responsibilities or they don't care . That is how he has earned the nickname twilight from his co-workers because if his refusal to go out for a drink with them after work . As the movie progresses Seibei finds out his childhood friend Tomoe ( Rie Miyazawa ) has divorced her abusive husband after her brother arranged her marriage . Seibei thinks perhaps now he may be able to win her heart . But I don't want to give too much away . The Twilight Samurai has said before takes a different approach to this material than one might expect . The movie does though carry many of the traditional traits . It is about a man's struggle within himself . It is about tradition . And it's showdown scene I found spellbinding . Here the movie takes a different approach . The movie is not about their swordfight but is more about the people who fight . The Twilight Samurai earned much praise from critics including Roger Ebert , The New York Times , The Wall Street Journal , and Michael Wilmington of the Chicago Tribune . It also went on to receive 12 Japanese Academy Award nomination . Here is a very special movie that I hope future viewers will enjoy has much as I did . Bottom-line : A powerful , thoughful film that takes a very different and dramatic approach to its material . This is the kind of movie that has a long lasting power .
    • 048 4  . . or at least this seems to be one of the questions that this films advances its viewer to ask himself . . . . I would say that there s a definite parellel between the protagonist and the famed Japanese hero Musashi Miyamoto , who was know to have been a shabby , unclean character . Moreover , our hero's concealed kodachi ( short sword , a companion to the longer katana ) skills make him absolutely visually stale , a sort of anti-samurai even . Although his close ones try to lit him up by proposing different options to his personal life he seems to be unmoved grieveing the death of his 1st wife and his dire straits situation . Nevertheless , fate has prepared a different road for him . An incident concerning a high ranking bodyguard calls for an enforcer and our hero seems to be chosen . Being a kind and obsolete man he tries to refuse - but the authorities just wouldn't listen . He needs to sustain his honor that is almost entirely lost as far as society is concerned , while fighting for freedom to remain himself . And interesting character development .
    • 049 4  Twilight Samurai is a classic - it truly is . With an excellent cast , script , score and a well directed camera , this film is a great addition to your collection of films of the ilk . Regardless of any interest in the genre , the film draws forth from the viewer emotion , a care for the characters and a grasping of attention .
    • 053 4  Seibei , a low ranking samurai ridiculed and shunned by is peers for his complete lack of ambition . Additionally he is very poor as his meager salary cannot cover the expenses required to maintain samurai appearances , and provide for his family at the same time . His wife died long ago , any money he had was spent giving his higher status wife a ` proper ' funeral , her family wouldn't have it any other way . He is a doting father of two girls but does not want to remarry as his feels his status is too low and would not want to burden another woman to such a life . His life is soon to get more complicated when his friend's sister ( who Seibi has loved since boyhood ) suddenly becomes available , yet she belongs to a higher Samurai class and as I mentioned , Seibei won't make that mistake again . His only desire in life is to take care of his daughters and elderly mother in happiness , he wants rid himself of the costly and meaningless samurai class and work the land as a farmer . Unfortunately for Seibei while he is a poor representative of how a samurai should appear , he is a brilliant swordsman and the secret gets out . The clan decides to put his skills to work regardless of the risk to Seibei and his family . That is the story in a nut shell but it is about so much more , meaning of life , search for happiness , the obstacle of pride . I can go on . This beautifully lensed film perfectly captures feudal Japan just before the Meiji restoration . It's a film that instantly transports you to another time and place . It tells a humble story yet voices grand themes ; the viewer comes out more wise through the experience . With all philosophy aside it still is a beautiful , brilliantly acted and enjoyable film . While it is a samurai movie it is also a character study , not an action film . Yet because it is a character film it makes the two small action scenes jump out . They are perfectly choreographed and one has completely unexpected outcome ( based on Seibei's low status ) while the other is dreadfully realistic . This movie is about realism and is a must for any samurai fan , it will nicely contrast other more action themed films and give one a deeper understanding of the social and economic context of the samurai . Supplement material is two interviews , one with the actor and one with the director . Both short yet contain interesting material . So why only four stars ? The film's denouement is so jarring it makes you realize you a watching a movie instead of experiencing a transcendental event . In short it obliterates that time and place transportation which captured you from the opening scenes . Here is what you need to do , since it is the last scene of the movie you can just turn it off and not view it at no harm is done . The scene starts with a train in motion , turn of the movie as soon as you see the train . Yes that last scene is so damaging to an otherwise perfect film .
    • 054 4  Twilight Samurai , while resolutely jidai-geki genre , inhabits liminality between jidai-geki and gendai-geki genre playing at a sense of the intimate with modern day issues in a samurai setting . The movie plays out the life of Iguchi Tasogare Seibei ( playfully , the Twilight Seibei ) a down on his luck 50 - koku samurai who plugs away under immense pressure to bring up his two daughters while taking care for his senile mother , after the death of his wife from consumption . Seibei is an exceedingly sincere man with a sense pride and dignity - yet he is an enigma , paradox : he is always disheveled , is clearly under extreme pressure , but in no way whines about his situation , keeps to himself and wishes no ill on anyone . Complication comes by way of Tomoe , who comes back unexpectedly , he experiences cognitive dissonance - not sure how to address this new scenario and his feelings . He is acutely aware that he is only a 50 - koku samurai with little hope of supporting Tomoe's much less take care of his children and ailing mother . Seibei is compelled to act when Tomoe's violent husband appears and insists that Tomoe come back to him . Seibei finds himself compelled to defend her honor . In this duel , Seibei show his true colors - - he is apparently a master short-swordsman . News of his skill spreads and he is reluctantly drawn into mercenary service in an effort to save face . A far cry from his role in Twilight Samurai Hiroyuki Sanada becomes Seibei . The film is purposeful , succinct and gorgeous in every way . As mentioned previously , the movie plays out its jidai-geki angle but uses a unique approach . Despite the pandering to the jidai-geki genre by ending the movie in true grit violence , the story of Seibei resonates for me on a more personal and intimate level . The intimacies make the characters less of a caricature and have depth . My point is simple - despite the complexity that Mifune Toshiro brought to presence with say Rashomon , we never really knew his character - we never really felt his character . Hiroyuki Sanada takes Seibei to the next level - he keeps it real . These premises reverberate throughout Twilight Samurai and moves it to a level all its own . Twilight Samurai is truly something profound and it should not be missed . It should be seen over and over again to appreciate it on many levels . Miguel Llora
    • 057 4  I went into this film expecting your typical samurai film with lots of great swordplay ( Not to sound like that a bad thing ) . I was surprised not to see much at all , but a very well written movie . I enjoyed this film a great deal and would recommend it to anyone .
    • 058 4  I bought this movie for my hubby because he loves it . I think it's boring . Must be a guy thing .

  • 052 4  Only in recent times have we started to see films that showed how hard it was for a truly righteous warrior to exist in crooked bureaucracies . It's as if the Japanese are finally willing to admit that their history was not perfect or glamorous . This film shows how hard it was for a family man to keep his family strong in the midst of poverty and turmoil , even as a professional warrior . This is a must for modern martial artists and MA teachers to see .

    • The Twilight Samurai ( DVD ) This is a very fine example of an actual lifestyle of a Japanese Samurai . Played brillantly by Hiroyuki Sanada , a long time actor and martial artist under Sonny Chiba and the series Kage no Gundan , and his latest role opposite Tom Cruise in The Last Samurai , Hiroyuki-san did an outstanding and emotionally touching skill of bringing out a truthful rendition of life in late Samurai periods . There isn't a lot of sword slashing in this movie , it wasn't neccessary . But it does show what is more believable . Not everything was as rich and clean as in the other movies of an earlier time . Highly rated , and very much enjoyed . David Schleifer : Author of Battlecruiser : Prototype .
      • 007 4  Great Movie - 5 Stars . One of the best Samurai films ever made . Refreshingly modern take on the genre . TERRIBLE DVD quality - 0 Stars . Basically it looks like a VHS tape The image is poorly colored and drab . The resolution is horrible , the entire image is fuzzy and noisy . The subtitles are huge , and their glued on ! You can't turn them off . The image is also Non-anamorphic - which basically means it doesn't fit a widescreen tv . By comparison the recent Criterion re-release of 7 Samurai which was made in 1954 looks better ! Please someone ( Criterion ) remaster this one for the good of mankind !
      • 014 4  This review is from : The Twilight Samurai ( DVD ) This is a very fine example of an actual lifestyle of a Japanese Samurai . Played brillantly by Hiroyuki Sanada , a long time actor and martial artist under Sonny Chiba and the series Kage no Gundan , and his latest role opposite Tom Cruise in The Last Samurai , Hiroyuki-san did an outstanding and emotionally touching skill of bringing out a truthful rendition of life in late Samurai periods . There isn't a lot of sword slashing in this movie , it wasn't neccessary . But it does show what is more believable . Not everything was as rich and clean as in the other movies of an earlier time . Highly rated , and very much enjoyed . David Schleifer : Author of Battlecruiser : Prototype .
      • 015 4  This is a very fine example of an actual lifestyle of a Japanese Samurai . Played brillantly by Hiroyuki Sanada , a long time actor and martial artist under Sonny Chiba and the series Kage no Gundan , and his latest role opposite Tom Cruise in The Last Samurai , Hiroyuki-san did an outstanding and emotionally touching skill of bringing out a truthful rendition of life in late Samurai periods . There isn't a lot of sword slashing in this movie , it wasn't neccessary . But it does show what is more believable . Not everything was as rich and clean as in the other movies of an earlier time . Highly rated , and very much enjoyed . David Schleifer : Author of Battlecruiser : Prototype .
      • 050 4  This review is from : The Twilight Samurai ( DVD ) Beautiful and very good , but not as good as The Hidden Blade , which was a masterpiece .
      • 059 4  actually i really like this movie it's cool ya ain't gonna regret it . . . . . . . . . . go 4 it ' n ' buy it . . . . it ain't a waste of money . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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