Ronin samurai Sanjûrô Tsubaki takes command of a group of noble, idealistic young men determined to rid their town of political corruption, and they set off to free Sanjûrô’s uncle from the clutches of a shady superintendent.
This film is not currently playing on MUBI but 30 other great films are. See what’s now showing
While it doesn't *quite* reach the levels of its predecessor Yojimbo, I can't help but give this a 5. It is a superbly crafted film, with some gorgeous immersive photography, and a memorable ending.
"The best sword is kept in its sheath"
I'm slowly making my way through Akira Kurosawa's filmography. I have of course heard of him, but I've only scene a handful of his films. That being said I loved Sanjuro! This is a worthy successor to Yojimbo in almost every aspect. It was great seeing Toshiro Mifune back in this iconic role. The final duel is amazing! I'm having a hard time describing how much I loved Sanjuro
Dans le rôle du mec mystérieux, "trop surpuissant" et pas recommandable du tout, Mifune en fait des tonnes... mais d'une façon jubilatoire ! Il porte vraiment tout le film, magnifié par des cadrages de haute volée et un rythme qui ne faiblit pas. Quant aux combats, ils sont bien sûr mémorables, en accord avec le style "brutal et sans détour" du personnage.
What I really liked about it is how well the comedy is interlaced with the action. The 9 popping their heads up from beneath the floorboards like meerkats. It's a great story and worthy sequel to Yojimbo.
This trip to feudal Japan has some amazing photography gems. Most definitely japanese eye candy with wasabi spice: it begins slowly then it burns because Kurosawa knows how to prolong its climax: he passes slowly by these sets. With oriental pace, Sanjuro is a very immersive black and white ticket to samurai cinema study.
I suppose I am alone in actually preferring this over Yojimbo. I view this in the same way as I view Hitchcock's North by Northwest. Neither films are either directors most complex, but they are made with such modest mastery and with perfect blend of action and comedy that I can't help but thoroughly enjoy them. Unlike Yojimbo, it also doesn't falter near the last act, and instead ends in a oddly melancholic way.