Movie Review : 13 Assassins (2010)

13 Assassins is a samurai epic directed by Takashi Miike; A Jidaigeki genre that sets in the Edo period (aka Tokugawa period) of Japanese history running from 1603 to 1868; A remake of Eiichi Kudo’s 1963 film with the same name.

The movie is introduced with Zusho Mamiya, Akashi Clan house elder, committing Seppuku in-front of the Shogun in protest to his half-brother Lord Matsudaira Naritsugu's sadism, feast for flesh, and dishonorable behavior.

Sir Doi Toshitsura, top Shogun official, brought news to the Shogun Council Elders to settle the matter quietly. He foretells chaos if Lord Naritsugu ascends in a higher political position. He summoned a samurai named Shimada Shinzaemon.

When they met, Shinzaemon insisted that Lord Naritsugu should step down from his position and let the Akashi Clan find a suitable heir. But Sir Doi knows the Shogun won't allow it for he was appointed to be the senior advisor. That same night, after learning more about Lord Naritsugu, he was convinced to assassinate him.

Meanwhile, at Lord Naritsugu's premises, Hanbei Kitou, his Chief Samurai, knew Sir Doi won't let this scandal pass. He sent Attendant Deguchi and his men to spy on him, bribe the servants and get him the list of visitors since Mamiya's seppuku. One morning, Hanbei found out Sir Doi had met Shinzaemon who in fact was his friend at the same school and dojo, and knew he was completely competitive and skilled.

Shimada Shinzaemon gathered 11 samurais and planned to ambush Lord Naritsugu and his men. While in discussion, they were disturbed by Hanbei Kitou's uninvited presence to talk to Shinzaemon. They knew they were destined to meet in battle.

After finalizing the plan, they were divided to carry out their tasks. Shinzaemon's group got lost in the forest. They met Koga Kiyata who said has lineage of a samurai. He guided them out of the forest and safely reached Oichai, the town were the battle will take place.

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After I begin the review, Happy Friday the 13th! I've been thinking of ways to celebrate the day so why not make a movie review to 13 Assassins? And so, here I am :)

The movie is one of those bloody awesome films I know that would be both exciting and painful to watch. It clearly reminds me of Kill Bill Volume 1 and Battle Royale. I haven't gotten used to the torture :p

13 Assassins started with a Seppuku which is a Japanese samurai bushido honor code performed by using the traditional tanto, a knife-like weapon, in a stomach-cutting ritual suicide through disembowelment. This voluntary act is for the purpose of dying in honor, as a form of punishment for serious offenses, or shame. The practice of Seppuku for the death of his master is called Oibara. Moreover, this can also be performed if they were ordered by their Daimyo (feudal lords). The term Harakiri is the same as Seppuku but used differently. Harakiri for word of mouth, Seppuku for written text.

Lord Matsudaira Naritsugu is the adopted son of the Akashi clan. He is dressed in a clean, white robe which signifies power. A born sadist, killing is sure a great past time even though he addresses this act as punishment for not fulfilling their position as servants. He is into the whole status quo and keeping the rules intact, where he would further add as his duties.

He is spoiled with all the luxuries and pretty much have a "being adopted" issues which had me linking his sadistic ways. The last part of the movie when he was on the ground, covered with mud (with his white robe), grieving in pain, I felt his agony and vulnerability. Before Shinzaemon decapitates Lord Naritsugu, he thanks him for having the most exciting day of his life. This part is just creepy. I don't know if he was thankful for giving him peace or he fulfilled the infinite sadistic satisfaction he has experienced - his pain.

Shortly, Shimada Shinzaemon fell down and died. His last words for his nephew Shimada Shinrokuro was to do what he wants in his life. Anyway, Shinzaemon is the leader of the 13 Assassins. His best part was when his men were doubting if Naritsugu's men will pass Oichi for their planned ambush. He calmed them and opened up one of his favorite past times, fishing. He made the analogy to its secrets about waiting and letting the fish bite the hook. The following day, Naritsugu's men did came but has grown in number from 70 to 200 men. Shinzaemon accepted this as a blessing, like the fish, the bigger, the better.

Moving on, there's this part where Kiga Koyata raped several women and the Mayor of Ochiai. Really clueless XD

During battle we see Kiga Koyata die but turns out was still alive along with Shimada Shinrokuro. According to Wikipedia, director Takashi Miike revealed that Kiga is a forest spirit. But come to think of it, there were notable instances where Shinrokuro and Koyata were having conversations and arguments. My take on this is that Koyata is the conscience of Shinrokuro.

13 Assassins is a good movie for rich Japanese history in the Edo period and a handful of honorable sword fights for justice.

Rating: 4/5

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