The Highly Recommended Japanese Warrior Movie Is Streaming for No Cost, and It's Never Been More Relevant

In the vein of the original, the latest production from the acclaimed game developer, Ghost of Yōtei, celebrates famous Japan's directors via unique viewing options. Where Ghost of Tsushima had solely a monochrome tribute to the iconic warrior movies of the master filmmaker, the new game sees a joint effort with Samurai Champloo director Shinichirō Watanabe for a presentation mode that adds lo-fi beats. Additionally, it offers a Takashi Miike Mode that ramps up gore and dirt in combat and puts the perspective nearer to the fight.

The director has built a wide-ranging filmography, with his films covering violent gangster tales, children's entertainment, and comic book movies. However, for those seeking a place to start, fans appreciating the samurai sword fights of this title should watch the director's 13 Assassins, a superb Japanese film.

A Timeless New Version including Gripping Drama

Debuted in 2010, the movie reimagines of the classic of similar name from director Eiichi Kudo. It follows a group of killers who, heavily outmatched, venture to kill the sadistic Lord Matsudaira Naritsugu (acted by Goro Inagaki) to prevent him from becoming part of the Shogunate Council. Other lords worry that his promotion would lead to internal conflict since he has created a trail of high-born victims following him, and his family connections to the ruler have protected him.

Owing to Naritsugu’s actions and a gory ending, this movie is far from a flick for those who are squeamish. The story starts with a figure resisting the lord's rise by taking his own life, ritual suicide by disembowelment. The lord’s sadistic acts go beyond mentions by supporting roles, they are depicted. He aims bows at defenseless servants, and assaults a female before beheading her husband.

The assassins are justified, to say the least.

The fighter the main character (brought to life by the renowned actor) takes on the mission of taking out Naritsugu. A large part of the first half of the movie is spent detailing the danger he poses while the hero recruits allies. He and his assassins journey to a town where they plan to trap the villain (battling adversaries on the route). Once the group arrives, Miike really gets cooking.

The Epic Finale and Immersive Action Sequences

The ending demonstrates why 13 Assassins is now such a popular warrior movie. The heroes don’t just lie in wait for Naritsugu to deliver himself their swords. Facing 200 with only 13, and need to employ everything at their disposal to overcome the opposing side. Specifically, turning the entire town of the place into a trap. (The people, who get away and aren’t caught up of the bloodshed.) The setting becomes a weapon; the group build various devices and barriers that could inspire the fictional hero jealous, using all means to get the edge in the battle to come.

That battle is glorious — and clear to watch. Viewers avoid the jerky camera of other thrillers obscuring the scenes, or simple sequences using too many edits. Rather, broad views and excellent choreography leave no room for visual confusion, making an naturally gripping long fight even more impressive. The combat is consistently understandable, despite many opponents attack (and get killed by) a lone swordsman in an arena of swords, to illustrate.

The Reasons 13 Assassins Remains Timeless

Revisiting 13 Assassins, viewers notice why Sucker Punch links more gore and dirt with the director; the assassins and their foes become covered in it. No one emerges unharmed, and the survivors when it's over are covered in the dirt and blood. It also feels very authentic, with limited digital effects applied solely to detonations in the setting. The realism of the attire, scenery, and action give the movie a certain classic vibe; despite its age currently, but seems it may have debuted recently.

When the game fans want to rest from experiencing samurai action and only desire to see plenty of samurai action, it's wise to watch this film. Takashi's warrior film matches ideally with the game, and is essential viewing for every devotee of samurai stories.