Pay attention; this film has it all; characters, story, authenticity, great performances. Artistically executed: beautifully portrays the end of an era. Hiroyuki Sanada is awesome: love him!

13 ASSASSINS

7/7/2011

 
Re-make of a classic from Japanese filmmaker Takashi Miike (Ichi the Killer.) Starts slow, but delivers a satisfying ending. Violent, mesmerizing. Okay, yes, I like violent films... somebody please tell me the flaming cattle were CG.

Official Site: http://www.13assassins.com/
Netflix: http://movies.netflix.com/Movie/13_Assassins/70127232?trkid=496624

HARAKIRI (1962)

6/21/2011

 
Probably the greatest Japanese screenwriter, Shinobu Hashimoto, contributes to a brilliant anti-authoritarian, anti-samurai masterpiece. If there's room for only one subversive samurai movie in your library, make it Harakiri.

Official Site: http://www.criterion.com/films/743-harakiri
Netflix: http://movies.netflix.com/Movie/Harakiri/70036293?trkid=496624