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Chushingura Actors: Koshiro Matsumoto, Yuzo Kayama Director: Hiroshi Inagaki Number of Items: 1 Picture Format: Letterbox Format: Color, Widescreen Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated) Running Time: 207 minutes Studio: Image Entertainment Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 Region Code: 1 Product Group: DVD Release Date: 2001-02-27 Buy from Amazon |
 "A masterpiece!"The famous story of the 47 "ronin" (masterless samurai) avenging the wrongful death of their Lord has been told many times in print and on film. In this version, directed by Inagaki, all of the elements of this fascinating story are beautifully and thoughtfully told in what is one of the high points of the cinematic art. The story is a timeless one of morality and duty. The imagery in this film is unforgettable. I have been fortunate to have seen this film twice. Even though the last time is at least twenty years ago it is still fresh in my mind. I welcome this release on video. This is, in my opinion, one of only a very few true film masterpieces. "What an Amazing Film!!"WOW!! What a great movie this is! Do yourself a favor and buy this DVD!! And pick up Seven Samurai (Criterion DVD) too. Well worthy the money you spend. "A brilliant and exciting illustration of "bushido.""Lord Asano is a kind, beneficent lord who refuses to bow to the demands for bribes by the shogun's corrupt, greedy emissary, Lord Kira. One reviewer at this site claimed that any frame from this film could be hung in a museum. I agree; the film is that beautiful. The clothes are colorful and stunning. The lighting is gorgeous, the story is deep. The camera movement is brilliant. It circles around Asano in the dramatic and volatile scene where he is driven to strike the despicable Kira with his sword. Asano knows that moment of fury will cost him his life but his rage is uncontrollable or the price is worth it. I'll never forget the scenes where Lord Asano's chamberlain arrives to divulge his plans for revenge to Asano's widow. He spots one of her aides, whom he distrusts, and he therefore changes his story to say he is going to retire to the country. His sorrow at not being able to speak his heart is reflected in the beautifully sad music and the cinematography. He exits her abode to be standing alone (with his assistant) as they walk off dejected in a gentle snow at dusk. A still shot of this moment graces the video sleeve and the DVD box. I never tire of this film. I've seen it many times and hope to see it as many times again. There is so much to see and hear. The first time I saw it, I concentrated on reading the subtitles; the second time I admired the clothes; the third time I marvelled at the camera work. And then there's the music and the melodrama. Every time I find new things I missed the previous times. The real wonder is why this movie only got a 9.7 rating out of 10 at this site  "Beautiful, but like moss, it grows slowly."I have read book adaptations of the 47 Ronin story and would strongly reccomend this course to any one intending to see this film. I t will help to fill in some of the gaps in the story and answer some basic questions like, "Why is no one seen riding a horse in the film?" I thought that the story moved a tad too slowly in parts. In others, it rushed through establishing narratives for interesting characters, particularly the one played by Mifume! I also somewhat expected the Kira character to be evil and decadent, but also a seasoned and brave swordsman, not a broken down old man. In the aftermath on the raid on Kira's compound, I looked forward to another 1/2 hour of movie showing the popular support for the Asano warriors and the subsequent mass seppku, and all I get is a little postscript! I understand that the B&W wersion from the 30s is better, but I have never seen it. "Magnificent"A truely superb film, possibly only bettered by Seven Samurai. Wonderfully shot,with great acting, the story moves along beautifully to a magnificent climax. If you love Seven Samurai then you will love this. I cannot recommend it strongly enough. |
