🔗 Share this article

Similar to its predecessor, the recent offering by the creators of Ghost of Tsushima, Ghost of Yōtei, pays tribute to famous Japanese filmmakers via special presentation modes. Where Ghost of Tsushima featured just a black-and-white nod to the iconic warrior movies of the master filmmaker, the new game sees a partnership with the cult series director the acclaimed artist for a visual style that incorporates chill music. Plus, there is a Takashi Miike Mode that increases blood and mud in battles and positions the camera right in the thick of things.

Miike is known for a varied filmography, including movies spanning gritty crime stories, family-friendly films, and comic book movies. Yet, when searching for a starting point, viewers appreciating the blade battles of Ghost of Yōtei needs to see the director's the action film, a bloody good samurai flick.

A Timeless New Version with Gripping Thrills

Released in 2010, 13 Assassins is a remake of the 1963 film of the same name from filmmaker Eiichi Kudo. This tale depicts a band of killers who, vastly outnumbered, embark to take down the sadistic Lord Matsudaira Naritsugu (portrayed by the performer) prior to him entering the ruling body. Different nobles worry that Naritsugu rising to power would cause internal conflict as he’s left a trail of noble blood in his wake, yet his family connections to the ruler have left him unpunished.

Because of his cruelty and a gory ending, 13 Assassins is hardly a flick for sensitive viewers. It begins with a figure resisting his promotion by committing seppuku, ritual suicide by cutting the stomach. The lord’s sadistic acts aren’t just alluded to by the cast, they are depicted. He aims bows at helpless workers, and assaults a female prior to decapitating the man.

These warriors are justified, certainly.

The warrior the leader (played by the renowned actor) is assigned taking out Naritsugu. A large part of the opening acts of this story focuses on showing Naritsugu’s threat and Shinzaemon gathers companions. The team then travel to a town where they plan to trap Naritsugu (fighting foes along the way). Once the group arrives, the director ramps up the action.

The Grand Conclusion featuring Clear Action Sequences

The film’s final act demonstrates why 13 Assassins is now such a cherished warrior movie. The assassins don’t just lie in wait for Naritsugu to walk into their weapons. They’re 13 against 200, and need to employ everything at their disposal to defeat the opposing side. Specifically, converting the whole village of the place against him. (But not its citizens, who get away and avoid being involved of the violence.) The setting is used as a tool; the warriors build countless traps and defenses that would make the fictional hero jealous, doing everything they can to secure an advantage in the upcoming fight.

The confrontation is glorious — and easy to follow. You won’t find the shaky cam of modern action movies confusing the action, or basic fights using excessive editing. Instead, broad views and excellent choreography leave no room for unclear scenes, making an already exciting prolonged conflict more enjoyable. The action is easy to see, even as countless enemies pounce on (and fall to) a lone swordsman in a field of katanas, to illustrate.

How The Movie Stays Impactful

Returning to 13 Assassins, viewers notice why the creators connects more gore and dirt with the director; the combatants are drenched in the mess. Not a single person comes out unscathed, and those left standing by the conclusion are coated with the aftermath. Additionally, it seems very grounded, with limited digital effects used just for explosions around town. The realism of the costumes, sets, and action provide this film something of a timeless feel; though it's been years currently, but appears as if it could have been released last week.

Whenever players fans need a break from playing sword fights and just want to watch plenty of warrior battles, fans ought to watch the movie. The director's warrior film complements excellently with this title, and is a must watch for all enthusiasts of the genre.