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Yojimbo (1961) - 8,5
1860, Japan. A small city divided by the power struggle of two criminal gangs. The arrival of a ronin (a lordless samurai) sets forward a new order of events. Obscure reasons propel the warrior to join the conflict; a seemingly reckless decision that is soon offset by his astuteness and deathly ability with the sword. The nameless ronin, nicely played by Toshiro Mifune, tricks both sides of the rivalry in a machination set forward by himself. Power manipulation, swindles and righteous bravery in the face of setbacks culminate in the extinction of both gangs and the final resumption of peace in the city. The hero departs after his duty is fulfilled.
Yojimbo is considered a major influence for western cinema. This probably explains the déjà vu feeling I experienced at the end of the film - I felt like I watched a western where the only thing missing was Clint Eastwood playing the lone wolf. I will say, however, that Yojimbo satisfies me in ways that no spaghetti western has ever matched. The classic plot of a lone vigilante who arrives to clean the city corrupted by criminals is polished to near perfection in this film. Raw and appealing aesthetics, rich and well-acted characters, perfect transitions between comedy, drama, action and suspense as we follow the lone samurai crafting his web.
I was fully engaged by the cinematic experience and the culmination of the events. It's a natural reaction to sympathize with the hero. This is another great cinematic example of perfect symbiosis between form and substance; feat only within reach of great masters like Akira Kurosawa. This is skillful and very well-rounded filmmaking. Fun, thrilling and ultimately awe-inspiring, Yojimbo is excellent entertainment with no distractions. Great movie, highly recommended!
Yojimbo (1961) - 8,5
1860, Japan. A small city divided by the power struggle of two criminal gangs. The arrival of a ronin (a lordless samurai) sets forward a new order of events. Obscure reasons propel the warrior to join the conflict; a seemingly reckless decision that is soon offset by his astuteness and deathly ability with the sword. The nameless ronin, nicely played by Toshiro Mifune, tricks both sides of the rivalry in a machination set forward by himself. Power manipulation, swindles and righteous bravery in the face of setbacks culminate in the extinction of both gangs and the final resumption of peace in the city. The hero departs after his duty is fulfilled.
Yojimbo is considered a major influence for western cinema. This probably explains the déjà vu feeling I experienced at the end of the film - I felt like I watched a western where the only thing missing was Clint Eastwood playing the lone wolf. I will say, however, that Yojimbo satisfies me in ways that no spaghetti western has ever matched. The classic plot of a lone vigilante who arrives to clean the city corrupted by criminals is polished to near perfection in this film. Raw and appealing aesthetics, rich and well-acted characters, perfect transitions between comedy, drama, action and suspense as we follow the lone samurai crafting his web.
I was fully engaged by the cinematic experience and the culmination of the events. It's a natural reaction to sympathize with the hero. This is another great cinematic example of perfect symbiosis between form and substance; feat only within reach of great masters like Akira Kurosawa. This is skillful and very well-rounded filmmaking. Fun, thrilling and ultimately awe-inspiring, Yojimbo is excellent entertainment with no distractions. Great movie, highly recommended!