Maxflier

The DVDTalk Criterion Film Club selection for the second half of November was chosen by JoeySeven:


The Sword of Doom(1966)

Synopsis:

Trevor

Watched this the other day and loved it. More later, but just wanted to make sure everyone knew that it can be bought for $8.50 at Barnes and Noble right now. See the B&N threads in the bargain forums here.

Maxflier

Been a long time since I watched this one. I can't say I loved it, but did enjoy it for the most part. Definately worth picking up during this sale if you enjoy these types of movies and don't already have it in your collection.

Trevor

Bump.

Ginwen

I watched this in September so didn't rewatch for this, but I thought it was pretty good, especially all the mayhem in the geisha house. I had read beforehand that the ending was abrupt, but I didn't realize how abrupt.

Washizu

Thanks to JoeySeven for picking this & providing the opportunity to revisit the movie. This was one of if not the first Okamoto picture I watched and an early Nakadai performance for me. Having since viewed four other Okamoto and countless other Nakadai movies, I enjoyed revisiting this early experience with both.

This is one of the most accessible Okamoto movies available. The story is pretty direct and compelling (though I'd say Kill! is more straightforward). Two general things I really like about this movie. The detail aspect is O's moving camera. I love the way he will begin a scene with a wide establishing shot that then slowly moves in to the principals soon after their dialogue starts. This gives you the sense of the larger surroundings before drawing you in to the intimate interaction between characters. Others have copied this style without the sensitivity to meaning that Okamoto imparts--it all feels very natural.

The other is the way he depicts the mentally imbalanced samurai. I've watched several samurai movies, and I don't recall any that focus on a character so completely yet subtly given over to the destructive aspect of being a warrior. And a lot of this is due to Nakadai's wonderful performance, especially what he does simply with his dueling stance (passive, yet aggressive) and his expressive eyes (providing insight to the mental/moral degeneration of Ryunosuki).

The assassination sequence about two-thirds of the way through the picture is one of the best I've seen in cinema--samurai, western, it doesn't matter. The dignity and moral force that Mifune's character commands as he fights off the would-be killers is impressive. And the way in which it of itself stays Ryunosuke and prevents him from entering the fray, and R's unfolding realization of this power, is tremendous.

This is one of my favorite samurai movies, centered as it is on the popular notion of the samurai that the sword is the soul--good soul, good sword; evil sword, evil soul. And the closing sequence at the geisha house, when the chickens come to roost, so to speak, is quite powerful. You don't have to see the conclusion to know how it ends.

Again, thanks for suggesting this movie.

Trevor

I've only watched a few Japanese films from this era so far, but plan to watch at least everything Criterion puts out.

Loved the combat out in the snow, beautifully shot!

Agree with Washizu about Okamoto's moving camera setting up scenes well, and Nakadai's fantastic and emotive acting.