Unperishable Sword
Director: Sasaki Yasushi
Year: 1960
Rating: 7.0
This is another wandering
Samurai tale. I wonder if he ever bumped into Zatoichi or the Lone Wolf.
This was a common theme in many films. Samurais who had lost their rank or
went in search of excellence or were just rootless. Mikogami Genshiro (Tsuruta
Koji) is a wanderer. He was at one time the top pupil in the Ono School of
Fencing, but felt the need to study other sword styles across the country.
He has returned home to visit his Master and is immediately accosted by four
of his old comrades at Ono. But they have switched to the Yagyu School and
attempt to kill him. So much for old times, but it seems none of the Ono
students have much liking for him. Not a real bonhomie sort of fellow.
The four are quickly dispatched with fancy swordplay and more are to come
in this very enjoyable Jidaigeki filled with enough characters to have a
scorecard to keep track of them. Genshiro finds himself in the middle of
political intrigue, revenge, romance, betrayal, duels and nearly everyone
trying to kill him. He comes upon two sisters - Mine (Hiroko Sakuramachi)
and Itoya (Fujita Yoshiko) who are the daughters of a disgraced nobleman
who committed suicide. One wants to love Genshiro; the other tries to kill
him.
If that isn't enough, he incurs the wrath of Princess Kazu, sister of the
Shogun, when he chides her for nearly running over an old man with her horse.
After she tries killing him a few times, she of course falls in love with
him. She is played by Hibari Misora who sadly gets no songs in this film.
It turns out his Master was assassinated, so he wants revenge and a Lord
that he is greatly indebted to asks him to Kill Lady Kasuga who has too much
influence with the Shogun. Giri (obligation) forces him to agree without
a moment's hesitation. Christianity is brought into the story, brothels,
a burglar and more. It is chockful of plot threads. But the best thing about
the film is that it looks glorious. Stunning colors, sets and dress and a
few beautiful women. All widescreen. A real pleasure to watch. I have to
admit that I never quite got used to Tsuruta with his long period hair style.
Much better in his contemporary films. Directed by Sasaki Yasushi (name on
film print - other sources have Kosaku Yamashita).
