Sunday, September 25, 2011

MOVIE REVIEW ... 13 ASSASSINS

 

13-assassins-movie-poster-2010-1020690125Japanese films can be very fast moving of which 13 Assassins is an example.  Based around historical mythology, it details each action scene with fine precision with nearly every sequence almost a work of art in itself.   Fans of the genre should find much to enjoy as the script is just as sharp as the blades the noble assassins muster.

During a period of relative peace in feudal Japan Naritsugu, the brother of a powerful Shogun is behaving very badly.  Tired of his wicked existence, a high ranking Shogun official decides to hire a samurai, Shinzaemon, to kill him.  When Shinzaemon learns of Naritsugu’s horrific deeds, he gathers together 12 other assassins to take him on.  Despite confronting a vast army at Naritsugu’s disposal, the deadly team aggressively pursue their prey across every corner of the land.

13 Assassins benefits from director Takashi Miike’s uncompromising approach.  Ensuring the cinematography captures Japan in its many colours, the differing natural landscapes effectively mirror the various trials the samurai’s endure.  There isn’t much in the way of story although the code of the samurai and the various tactical techniques they use to defeat their enemies are engaging.  Miike ensures these elements are seen throughout, with the traditional ‘goodies vs. baddies’ device working very well.

The acting is of a consistently high standard even if this type of movie requires little in the way of true performance.  The artists are there to project the sincerity and dynamic force of their characters which they successfully do.    While the conclusion is very drawn out with a loss of the focus making the first half so good, proceedings are never less than engaging – the main purpose of any well-made action movie.

Once again Japanese cinema has produced a high quality outing with 13 Assassins.  Braver in its choices than Western movie-making rarely is these days, it proves Eastern cinema continues to lead the way in crafting compelling stories.

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Movie Review Rating  7 / 10

Movie Review by Patrick Moore

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