Hes done gangster action, superhero adventures, Spaghetti Westerns, & even childrens films. Now, prolific Japanese director Miike Takashi takes on his first period swordplay epic with 13 Assassins, the remake of the 1963 Kodo Eiichi film of the same name. The film reunites Miike with screenwriter Tengan Daisuke (director Imamura Shoheis son & a director in his own right) for the third time after Audition & Imprint, & the result is their most audience-friendly collaboration yet. Working with a bigger budget & a star-studded cast led by Yakusho Koji ( Shall We Dance), Yamada Takayuki ( Crows Zero), Iseya Yusuke ( Sukiyaki Western Django), & Ichimura Masachika, Miike takes a straightforward approach to his remake, delivering entertaining swordplay thrills reminiscent of the genres most beloved films. Miike even outdoes the original films 30-minute action-packed climax (which held the record for the longest action climax in a film of the genre) with a rousing 45-minute finale that earned cheers from audiences all over the world & four grand prizes at the Japan Academy Awards.
In a time of peace, the shoguns sadistic brother Naritsugu (SMAPs Inagaki Goro) goes on a killing spree in the course of his rise to power. Riled by his lords cruelty, Narigtsugus head samurai Shinzaemon (Yakusho Koji) assembles a band of samurais to assassinate the lord on his trip home. Despite being outnumbered by Naritsugus bodyguards
- led by Hanbei (Ichimura Masachika), the band of heroic samurais have assembled an intricate plan that will lead to the greatest battle of their lives.
Note: This version contains the 141-minute Japan theatrical cut.
Deluxe Edition
Includes:: making of, director interview, cast interview, deleted scenes, a report on the film at Venice Film Festival, stage events, & trailers. Initial pressing also
Includes:: a collection of storyboards, while supplies last.