The Best Japanese Martial Arts Movies

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The Best Japanese Martial Arts Movies

Key Takeaways

  • Japanese martial arts films often feature sword masters and historical settings with elements of fantasy or mythology.
  • Popular adaptations include manga, anime, and historical fiction stories involving real people and places.
  • Iconic films like
    Seven Samurai
    continue to influence contemporary filmmaking with themes of honor and protection in feudal Japan.

As a lifelong connoisseur of martial arts cinema and a dedicated enthusiast of Japanese culture, allow me to delve into these three cinematic gems that have captivated audiences for decades. The Rurouni Kenshin trilogy, particularly its final installment, holds a special place in my heart as it combines the thrill of historical fiction with the timeless charm of traditional anime. The unique “backward” sword blade, emblematic of our titular hero, adds an intriguing twist to the classic samurai tale.

The rich and intricate background of Japanese martial arts dates back centuries, serving as a muse for various literary works, art, theater, comics (manga), and more. Once cinema gained prominence in the 20th century, Japanese movie creators found themselves drawn to narratives centered around samurais, ninjas, karate masters, and other martial art figures, either as main themes or backgrounds for their films.

Many Japanese martial arts films often take place in a medieval setting with skilled sword-wielders as their protagonists. However, these movies can also offer an unexpected twist: they may incorporate elements of fantasy and mythology, be adaptations of well-known manga or anime series, or delve into historical events involving actual characters and locations.

6 Sanshiro Sugata

IMDb Rating: 6.7

  • Directed By: Akira Kurosawa
  • Starring: Denjirō Ōkōchi, Susumu Fujita, Yukiko Todoroki, Takashi Shimura
  • Distributed By: Toho Company Ltd.
  • Release Date: March 25, 1943

In this tale, the central figure is Sanshiro Sugata, a character who diligently learns the martial art of Judo – a discipline originating from Japan. He is modeled after a genuine individual named Saigō Shirō, one of the first students to practice Judo and later contributed significantly by establishing the current ranking system.

Akira Kurosawa’s debut film, titled “Sanshiro Sugata”, showcases his unique directorial style, particularly in its portrayal of martial arts and historical backdrops. This movie, which takes place in 1883, employs the shifting times as a narrative device to depict Sanshiro’s transformation from an unremarkable street urchin into a celebrated small-town hero who wins the affection of a lady.

5 Blade Of The Immortal

IMDb Rating: 6.7

  • Directed By: Takashi Miike
  • Starring: Takuya Kimura, Hana Sugisaki, Sôta Fukushi
  • Distributed By: Warner Bros. Pictures, HanWay Films, Arrow Films
  • Release Date: April 29, 2017

Recently, I’ve found myself captivated by the live-action adaptation of a beloved manga series titled “Blade of the Immortal.” This story, which has also been brought to life as an anime and a novel, blends martial arts, medieval intrigue, and a touch of dark fantasy. As the protagonist, I find myself in the role of Manji, a ronin who bears an immortal curse bestowed upon me by a Buddhist nun following a heinous crime that led to the demise of 100 of my fellow samurai comrades.

In this extraordinary martial arts film, Manji must lift a curse by slaying 1000 wicked individuals, and until then, only a rare type of venom can harm or eliminate him. Additionally, the movie incorporates dark fantasy elements through the holy bloodworms that mend Manji’s injuries, including severed limbs, to prevent his untimely demise.

4 The 47 Ronin

IMDb Rating: 7.2

  • Directed By: Kenji Mizoguchi
  • Starring: Chōjuro Kawarasaki, Kanemon Nakamura, Kunitarō Kawarazaki
  • Distributed By: Shochiku Kinema Kenkyu-jo
  • Release Date: December 1, 1941

The story of the 47 Ronin is inspired by a true event in 18th century Japan and has been adapted into numerous novels, comics, and films. This particular film is derived from an old theater play, which means it may contain additional emotional intensity compared to adaptations that offer more creative interpretations, such as the 2013 dark-fantasy film featuring Keanu Reeves.

The two-part cinematic retelling of The 47 Ronin, unfolds an intricate tale that extends across both movies, with the second film hitting screens a year later than the first. Regrettably, it didn’t perform exceptionally well at the box office, and was criticized for being overly dramatic. However, in today’s context, both critics and viewers might find the story’s depth and attention to detail quite commendable.

3 Rurouni Kenshin: The Legend Ends

IMDb Rating: 7.5

  • Directed By: Keishi Ōtomo
  • Starring: Takeru Satoh, Emi Takei, Yūsuke Iseya, Munetaka Aoki
  • Distributed By: Warner Bros. Pictures
  • Release Date: September 13, 2014

The live-action trilogy of Rurouni Kenshin movies was well-received by fans of both the classic anime specifically, and martial arts movies in general, and the third and final entry seems to be the fan favorite of the bunch. Like the manga and anime on which the film is based, it’s a mix of historical fact and dramatic fiction, and includes some real figures from Japan’s past next to the fictional characters.

The protagonist of this lengthy TV series, as well as the vast associated franchise, is not your typical Ronin; he wields an exceptional sword with a reversed blade, meant for injury or impediment but never fatal harm. This film, picking up almost immediately after part two concludes, chronicles his path towards a climactic showdown against adversary Shishiro Makoto and his followers.

2 13 Assassins

IMDb Rating: 7.5

  • Directed By: Takashi Miike
  • Starring: Michihiko Umezawa, Minami Ichikawa, Tôichirô Shiraishi, Kazuomi Suzaki
  • Distributed By: Toho, Artificial Eye
  • Release Date: September 25, 2010

In 1844, during the Edo Period, this new adaptation of the film “13 Assassins” is set; it follows the original storyline from 1963. The assassination squad, numbering thirteen, consists mainly of samurai, with one exception – a warrior and hunter. They were assembled by Sir Doi Toshitsura, a minister of justice in the shogun’s government, to address an urgent political crisis.

In a particular region, there exists a ruthless nobleman known as Matsudaira Naritsugu, who is notorious for his violent crimes against both nobility and peasantry alike. If left unchecked, these actions could potentially ignite a civil conflict. However, despite his heinous deeds, he is closely related to the Shogun, who seems unwilling to intervene. The only apparent resolution seems to be an assassination, leading to the gathering of the 13 assassins for this task.

1 Seven Samurai

IMDb Rating: 8.6

  • Directed By: Akira Kurosawa
  • Starring: Toshiro Mifune, Takashi Shimura, Keiko Tsushima, Isao Kimura
  • Distributed By: Toho
  • Release Date: April 26, 1954

This movie, being a stellar martial arts production, not only stands out but also ranks among the best and most iconic films ever made. Its impact continues to resonate in modern cinema today. Titled “Seven Samurai“, this masterpiece is set during Japan’s Sengoku era in 1586, a time when peasants and farmers were largely unprotected, vulnerable to the whims of local lords or roving bandits.

In this tale, my heart aches as our humble hamlet endures the brunt of an unrelenting adversary. Scrounging whatever scant resources we can muster, we hire a band of misfit samurai to stand guard over us. These warriors not only fortify our defenses but impart invaluable knowledge – from basic self-defense techniques to crafting rudimentary weapons like bamboo spears and reinforcing our protection with trenches and walls.

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2024-10-13 18:03