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In the vein of the first installment, the recent release by Sucker Punch Productions, the samurai adventure game, honors renowned Japan's directors through special presentation modes. Where Ghost of Tsushima included solely a grayscale homage to the classic samurai films of Akira Kurosawa, the follow-up includes a collaboration with Samurai Champloo director Shinichirō Watanabe for a presentation mode that adds lo-fi beats. It also includes a Takashi Miike Mode that enhances gore and dirt in combat and positions the perspective closer to the action.

The director is known for a wide-ranging collection of films, with his films spanning violent gangster tales, kids’ movies, and comic book movies. But if you’re looking for a starting point, viewers appreciating the sword combat of Ghost of Yōtei must watch Miike’s the action film, a superb Japanese film.

A Timeless Reimagining featuring Intense Drama

Released in 2010, this film is a remake of the original movie of the same name from filmmaker Eiichi Kudo. This tale depicts a group of warriors who, facing overwhelming odds, set out to kill the cruel the villainous noble (acted by the performer) to prevent him from entering the Shogunate Council. Various leaders worry that Naritsugu rising to power would lead to internal conflict since he has created a legacy of noble blood behind him, while his familial ties to the ruler have protected him.

Owing to the lord's deeds and a violent climax, the film is far from a flick for sensitive viewers. The story starts with a person opposing the lord's rise by taking his own life, the ceremonial death by disembowelment. His cruel behavior aren’t just alluded to by supporting roles, they’re shown. He aims bows at innocent people, and attacks a lady then killing her spouse.

The assassins are in the right, without a doubt.

The samurai the leader (acted by the renowned actor) takes on the mission of taking out the lord. A large part of the first half of the film focuses on establishing Naritsugu’s threat and the hero recruits allies. He and his assassins then travel to a town where they set a snare for their target (battling adversaries on the route). After their arrival, Takashi ramps up the action.

The Epic Climax with Clear Fight Scenes

The ending reveals why the film has become such a cherished samurai film. The heroes do not simply hide for Naritsugu to walk into their swords. Outnumbered 13 to 200, and must utilize everything at their disposal to overcome Naritsugu’s forces. Specifically, transforming the entire town of the setting against him. (Thankfully, the residents, who get away and avoid being involved of the bloodshed.) The setting is used as a tool; the assassins build numerous snares and barriers that might envy the Home Alone character jealous, using all means to get the edge in the battle to come.

The fight is amazing — and easy to follow. You won’t find the unsteady footage of modern action movies muddying up the action, or basic fights requiring excessive editing. On the contrary, wide shots and masterful direction avoid visual confusion, making an naturally gripping prolonged conflict all the better. The combat is always clear, when countless enemies assault (and get killed by) a single warrior in an arena of swords, for example.

How This Film Is Timeless

Watching again 13 Assassins, it's clear why Sucker Punch links increased blood and mud with Miike; the characters are drenched in the mess. Not a single person escapes untouched, and the remaining fighters at the end are soiled by the grime of battle. Additionally, it seems very realistic, with minimal CGI employed only for explosions throughout the village. The practicality of the costumes, sets, and fight scenes lend 13 Assassins a certain enduring quality; despite its age by now, and appears as if it may have debuted just now.

When the game users need a break from playing sword fights and simply prefer to watch plenty of warrior battles, it's wise to watch the movie. Takashi's samurai flick matches ideally with the game, and is a must watch for any fans of Japanese cinema.