BLOOD END is
one of the great unknown films from Japan’s golden era
of the late 1960’s. Starring NAKADAI Tatsuya in one of
his best roles, this is the story of the Mito Tengu
Group who attempted to overthrow the Shogunate at
the beginning of the Bakumatsu Period. Their political
aspirations led to countless assassinations, as well as
senseless killing of innocent people who got in their
way. Sentaro (NAKADAI), a farmer who’s been
severely beaten for his outspoken defiance of the
government and the high taxes during a time of famine is
befriended by one of the group’s leaders, KADA
Gentaro (KATO Go) and joins up. This is the
masterpiece of director YAMAMOTO Satsuo (who is
best known for the first film in the NINJA, BAND OF
ASSASSINS series) the erstwhile ‘Leftist’ director, who
used his films to make his political points. Stunning
fight choreography, and ultra-violence make this one of
the bloodiest films of that era. A film of powerful
proportions, this is a rare classic!
Evil is the order of the day in this masterpiece by famed director
SHINODA Masahiro. Starring NAKADAI Tatsuya, one of Japan’s greatest actors along with
IWASHITA Shima (the director’s wife) and the always powerful
TANBA Tetsuro, this is a tale set in old Japan with a heavy influence from the Kabuki theater story of
Kochiyama Soshun, a ‘tea-master’ known as a lovable rogue who risks his life for profit, and to help the common man. This is a film not to be missed as director Shinoda has created a brilliant work of art with his unique vision.
TANGE SAZEN-THE POT WORTH 1,000,000 RYO
(Ken Fu! Hyakumon Ryo no Tsubo)
One of the great masters of the cinema, GOSHA Hideo, got to remake one of his most highly regarded classics, in this made-for-TV movie.
The legendary One-Armed, One-Eyed Swordsman, Tange Sazen has long been a part of Japanese lore.
While the story has been told many times, it has never been done quite like this. GOSHA, who directed the most famous version THE SECRET OF THE URN has retold the classic using NAKADAI Tatsuya as the brilliant swordsman who has been betrayed and left for dead.
Featuring some of the finest actors in the samurai genre, including the powerful NATSUYAGI Isao, along with the lovely MATSUO Kayo.. Plenty of action, and a unique jazzy soundtrack make this great!
THE E-ZINE
DEVOTED TO THE LATEST & BEST IN JAPANESE CINEMA
One
of the most important and powerful films ever to
come out of Japan, this is the story of Okada Izo
and the Tosa Clan Loyalists who set out to restore
the Emperor to power by assassinating their
political opponents during the violent period near
the end of the samurai era. With a performance for
the ages, Katsu Shintaro shines in his greatest non-Zato
Ichi role as a down on his luck swordsman who joins
the Loyalist movement in 1862, rising to fame and
fortune and then taking the ultimate fall from grace
as those in power use and dispose of him like a
rabid dog. Shouting “Heaven’s Punishment” with
each assassination the Loyalists seek to overthrow
the Shogun and turn the world upside down. With a
brand new translation and a stunning anamorphic
widescreen print, this is the ultimate edition of
one of the great masterpieces of Japanese cinema.
Startling performances from Nakadai Tatsuya,
Ishihara Yujiro, and Mishima Yukio help bring
history to life, while Katsu Shintaro shines as
“Hitokiri” (Killer), the swordsman Okada Izo!
Toei Films presents a film like no other. This is the tale of
three Yakuza gamblers who traveled Japan during the samurai era living
by their wits and sword skills. Told in 3 separate vignettes, each part
tells the story of a different drifter’s life. This is a superb film,
with great action complemented by gripping stories.
Part 1 with Nakadai Tatsuya is the story of a man
on the run after killing 2 Hasshu Officials to avenge his Boss. He must
make a life or death decision as he is asked to protect a gang from
attack.
Part 2 with Matsukata Hiroki and Shimura Takashi
as a pair of gamblers chased out of a crooked game who must fight not
only their pursuers, but the ghosts of their pasts as well.
Part 3 with Nakamura Kinnosuke as a wanderer who
wants to live according to the Yakuza Code, but is not sure that he can
do so when asked to save a town from an evil official.
This is another masterpiece from filmmaker
KOBAYASHI
Masaki, noted director of HARA KIRI, KWAIDAN,
and SAMURAI REBELLION. The Japanese title is
actually translated as “We give our lives for nothing”,
and is the true heart and soul of this story. Based on a
novel by YAMAMOTO Shugoro, who also wrote the
books upon which SANJURO, KILL, and AFTER THE
RAIN, were based, it tells the tale of a group of
thieves and murderers who find it within themselves to
sacrifice their lives with no hope of personal gain. NAKADAI Tatsuya stars as Sada, an expert with
knives, whose mysterious past comes to light as he leads
a group of fugitives in their last-ditch battle to save
their home, a dilapidated inn, which does not welcome
strangers in its doors. KATSU Shintaro plays
against type in a pivotal role as one of the only
outsiders ever allowed to drink at the inn. Tension and
suspense lead up to a conclusion like no other. A
magnificent motion picture, and a true work of art.
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