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Similar to the original, the latest production by the creators of Ghost of Tsushima, the samurai adventure game, honors famous Japanese cinema artists by means of special presentation modes. Whereas the initial game had just a black-and-white homage to the iconic warrior movies of the legendary director, the new game sees a partnership with Samurai Champloo director the acclaimed artist for a display option that introduces lo-fi beats. Additionally, it offers a director-inspired feature that enhances blood and mud in battles and puts the perspective right in the thick of things.

Takashi Miike is known for a diverse filmography, featuring works encompassing gritty crime stories, kids’ movies, and comic book movies. Yet, when searching for a starting point, viewers who love the blade battles of Ghost of Yōtei needs to check out Takashi's 13 Assassins, an excellent samurai flick.

An Iconic New Version including Intense Drama

First shown in 2010, this film updates of the original movie of identical title from filmmaker Eiichi Kudo. This tale depicts a band of killers who, facing overwhelming odds, set out to kill the brutal Lord Matsudaira Naritsugu (portrayed by Goro Inagaki) to prevent him from becoming part of the ruling body. Different nobles fear that his ascent would trigger civil war since he has created a legacy of noble blood following him, and his relations to the ruler have protected him.

Because of the lord's deeds and a blood-filled final act, the film is far from a flick for the faint of heart. It opens with a character protesting his promotion by taking his own life, ritual suicide by disembowelment. The lord’s sadistic acts aren’t just alluded to by the cast, they’re shown. He aims bows at helpless workers, and assaults a female then beheading her husband.

The assassins have good reason, without a doubt.

The warrior the leader (played by Koji Yakusho) is assigned taking out the antagonist. Much of the initial segment of the film is spent showing the danger he poses while the hero recruits allies. He and his assassins move to a location where they can ambush Naritsugu (fending off enemies on the route). When they reach, Takashi really gets cooking.

The Grand Finale featuring Clear Battles

The climax reveals why this movie has become such a popular warrior movie. Shinzaemon and his allies don’t just lie in wait for the lord to come to their weapons. They’re 13 against 200, and have to use all available resources to take down the enemy army. Specifically, turning the whole village of Ochiai against him. (Thankfully, the residents, who get away and aren’t caught up of the violence.) The location is used as a tool; the group construct numerous snares and barriers that could inspire Kevin McAllister envious, employing every strategy to get the edge in the battle to come.

The confrontation is amazing — and easy to follow. Viewers avoid the unsteady footage of other thrillers confusing the scenes, or basic fights needing excessive editing. Instead, wide shots and superb fight planning prevent visual confusion, rendering an already exciting prolonged conflict all the better. The action is consistently understandable, despite many opponents assault (and are slaughtered by) a lone swordsman in a scene of blades, to illustrate.

Why The Movie Is Timeless

Returning to 13 Assassins, it's clear why the creators associates increased blood and mud with Takashi; the characters become covered in the elements. None comes out unscathed, and the survivors at the end are soiled by the aftermath. Plus, it appears very realistic, with limited digital effects used just for explosions in the setting. The realism of the costumes, scenery, and battles lend the movie something of a enduring quality; despite its age by now, yet seems it could have been released last week.

Whenever the game fans want to rest from engaging in samurai action and only desire to watch plenty of samurai action, it's wise to watch the movie. Takashi's warrior film pairs perfectly with this title, and is a must watch for all enthusiasts of Japanese cinema.