I figured I'd share the results of my self-inflicted film fest by doing mini-reviews of my resulting top seven – one review each day for the next seven days. Not into samurai cinema? You sure?? You know that Star Wars has its roots in the genre, yes? And back when I was creating work for Traveller's "Rebellion Period", I looked to the Japanese 15th century's age of war (the Sengoku Period) for story telling templates. It's a rich genre with humans set in a somewhat alien (for Western viewers) culture, but with familiar currents of basic humanity flowing beneath.
One of the best summary reference sites I've found for the genre is Lard Biscuit's "Jidai-Geki Knights" site: [link] It's worth looking through if you're looking for either a novice's primer guide or if you're already familiar with the genre but looking to expand your scope.
So stay tuned tomorrow for the beginning of "The Seven Summaries"…..







I have "Hana: Tale of a Reluctant Samurai" in my queue next. I think that was 2003. Of the recent genre entries, I'd say my fave to date is "The Hidden Blade". Again, very Western in most respects, but some great period texture.
Thos. Merchant
There better be at least one Zatoichi flic in there..!
I've seen two Zatoichi. I like them.... but I'm just not sure they make the cut to my top seven. What are your fave Zatoichis?