13 Assassins Movie Review

13 AssassinsSynopsis: A group of assassins come together for a suicide mission to kill an evil lord.

Rating: Rated R for sequences of bloody violence, some disturbing images and brief nudity

Run Time: 1 Hours 21 Minutes

Director: Takashi Miike

Blu-ray Extras: Deleted Scenes, Interview with Director Takashi Miike, Trailer

Nudity Factor: You see a woman topless as they reveal the tortures and atrocities of what was done to her is revealed.  You see a small boy nude and urinating in a village.

Of Note: Matsudaira Naritsugu was a real historical figure. He lived from 1811 to 1835. He was lord of the area called Akashi which is nowadays in the Kansai area of Japan.

Recommendations:


Review by: Jason Schulte

Rating: 4 half star

To be completely transparent, it’s been ages since I’ve indulged in a quality samurai flick. So, when this gem popped up on my radar, I was positively thrilled to dive in. The plot revolves around a despicable lord who treats his subjects like dirt – taking what he pleases, violating whoever he pleases, and offing anyone who dares to defy him. The twist? He’s got some powerful connections, making it a real challenge for anyone looking to take him down without causing a scandal.

Enter the 13 Assassins – a ragtag group with a daring plan to overthrow this tyrant, despite being severely outnumbered. The first half of the film is all about the assassins coming together, forming a bond, and strategizing their attack. Then, the last third is an epic, pulse-pounding battle that’ll have you on the edge of your seat. They even throw in a mix of fighting styles for good measure.

I must say, I was thoroughly impressed by how this film was crafted – from its unfolding narrative to its satisfying conclusion. It’s a solid samurai flick with a compelling story to boot. And let’s not forget that jaw-dropping fight scene – it’s a real showstopper. Plus, they did a stellar job of making you despise the main villain, which only fuels your support for the underdog heroes. All in all, a must-watch for any fan of the genre.