13 Assassins [Blu-ray]

I have been a huge fan of martial art movies of all kinds, but I especially love Samurai movies and I have bought numerous ones in the past. My favorite Samurai movie is the Lone Wolf and Cub entire series, which I have seen most of them. I also liked the Seven Samurai and numerous other Japanese martial art movies. I am happy to have purchased this classic, 13 Assassins, a film by the famous Takashi Miike. Like many of the Japanese Samurai themes, this one has to do with honor and revenge. This DVD is about a ruthless and heartless lord and a group of special Samurai who are willing to do whatever necessary to kill this sadistic lord who would plunge the country into ruin if he ascends to the throne. The beginning was a little slow but the final battle scene is long and bloody. Amazingly, in spite of having tremendous odds against the elite band of Samurai, they fight on until the end. If you love classic Samurai movies, this is one you should check out. This DVD also has an interview with the director Takashi Miike and some great deleted scenes. A very entertaining movie about a group of dedicated Samurai as they follow the "Code of Bushido." Rating: 5 Stars. Joseph J. Truncale (Author: The Samurai Soul: An old warrior's poetic tribute).

I've seen the mixed reviews about this movie and let me tell you, if you enjoy movies about the samurai code of honor, or even just a good action flick you will enjoy this. I watched it with the subtitles on because I find they are much more accurate than when a movie is dubbed plus it just feels wrong when you know the voices and words don't match the actors. I was impressed that despite all the action being at the end of the movie I never once felt the movie dragged on and I even laughed during some parts. You get a sense of these handful of true samurai and how they struggle with their role in a time of peace that they are no longer called upon to lay down their lives and die for a cause which they believe they were born to do. For them its the feeling of a useless existence, and this opportunity tests their resolve to be true warriors in a time where so many just acted a role. As a martial artist I was also pleased to see these men really knew and were practiced at what was shown, even if they only trained for what would be on camera they trained it like a warrior would and it looks flawless. I'm pleased that one of my students recommended it to me and I am doing the same to all of you!

Best Samurai movie I have ever seen. I have been a fan of the old black & white Japanese movies since I was a kid; but I never could understand why the good guys had to die, or why everyone had to dye in the end. This movie puts the reasoning behind the story out there in a way that I can understand. It has culture, a love-story, comedy, drama, tragedy, courage, sacrifice, loyalty, honor and more action than I have ever seen. Japanese movies are famous for their gore and this one does not disappoint. If you can't stand blood and guts, truely evil bad guys, and mutilation, then do not watch this movie. I liked this movie because of its reality. There is no flying through the sky or jumping over lakes or making daggers go in boomerang trajectories. All the action is believable and the actors look like they are doing all their own stunts. I have already watched it twice and plan to watch it again. Very, very well-done Japanese Samurai Warior movie.

Having been weaned on period films like "Seven Samurai," "Ran," and "Yojimbo," I did not expect too much with this film ... but having seen Miike's "Blade of the Immortal" (I give that 4 stars) plus a coworker's recommendation, I rented this film then purchased it. THIS IS A WONDERFUL MOVIE!! I particularly enjoy period films that reflect the ideals of bushido and this one definitely delivers! The last segment consists of ca. 50 mins. of intense fighting and bears rewatching a number of times.The actors are very dedicated, the cinematography is very good and the film is quite rewarding and holds its own. Some surprises exist along the way. My recommendation is to watch the Miike interview on the bonus disc which reveals some insights on what the director hoped to achieve while making the film and what he left open to the viewer's interpretation.

And there are several stomachs -- of various samurai -- that can't, when they are forced to commit ritual suicide in this death before dishonor flick. It is VERY well done, but ... the 13 take on 200 in such a swirl of blood and steel that your head spins faster than dying swordsmen. It is very hard to keep track of who is who, and the film has the usual bit of Japanese ... fantasy: One of the "good guys" takes a blade through the neck, but by the end of the film seems to have not even a sore throat! (It gives a new perspective to sword swallowing.) The film is interesting, a bit of fun, with lots of ugly death shown in beautiful color, but despite having six more samurai than the great "Seven Samurai," if you want one view of Japanese films, stay with the true classic.

When I saw a trailer for this film on Youtube, I just had to get it. It had a great plot, awesome fight scenes/action,directing,and actors. Even if they're not well known in America, anyway Japanese cult film director Takashi Miike. Has introduced to Japan and the world, an amazing piece of cinematic gold. This movie is one of the best Japanese chambara (sword fighting) action films. That you will EVER see, it's about a group of samurai warriors. Who are tasked with the job, of assassinating a despicable feudal lord. During the end of Japan's warring states period. If he is not immediately taken out, before he ascends to the throne. He will plunge the entire country into a war torn future. Even though said feudal lord had 200 samurai backing him up, it still didn't save him from his ultimate comeuppance. If you haven't seen it yet, I suggest that you buy this dvd. Fire up your dvd/blu-ray player, and park your butt on that couch or easy chair. And get ready for some action samurai style!!!!

As movie goers should know, this is a re-making of a classic film -- as well as a classic them. Director Miike does an excellent job to draw the viewer into a world of evil while slowing building our expectations of redemption. Couldn't ask for better acting, editing or action. "Culminates" (for about an hour) with a non-stop release of our avenging expectations. Watch on as big a screen and highest quality audio as possible.

I just bought it and watched it as soon as it came in. Loved every second of it! Had an 2+ hour runtime but it felt like an hour with how good it was. Would recommend to anyone wanting a fantastic more modern samurai action movie!