Ronin Gai
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Movie Reviews of Ronin Gai
Movie Review: When The Once Mighty Samurai Fall's On Hard Times!
Summary: 5 Stars
"Ronin Gai," is an excellent film. Set in 1836, the film follows the story of four ronin who have been stripped of their titles. Ronin, who are masterless samurai, became more commonplace in Japan when their services were no longer needed; especially as Japan had become united under the Tokugawa Shogunate; and therefore with warfare behind them there was little else for them to do; other than to sell there services to whomever required it. Yet, for many, there was no work period. With many clans no longer employing their samurai, and letting them go out on their own, many samurai, [soon to be ronin] became poor and cynical. The Bushido code was what the samurai aspired to, yet this did not put food on the table, or clothes on their families backs.
In the absence of strife, which would employ the ronin, the film opens showing the main characters who have fallen on hard times. There is 'Bull Akaushi (the late Katsu Shintaro, of 'Zatoichi' fame), Gennai Aramaki (Yoshio Harada), Horo (Renji Ishibashi) and Oshin (Kanako Higushi). When these four ronin are hired as thugs, bouncers, or anything to make a living to support their drinking, they fall into despair. As one of the reviewers wrote in his title, 'The Seven Samurai meet the Iceman Cometh.' As a result of having a lower status in society now, these ronin no longer look up to, or abide by the Bushido code: As they now must do whatever is necessary in order to survive. The consumption of large amounts of sake to help drown out their problems, while keeping the company of prostitutes, helps them to alleviate their misery.
The first 2/3 of the film basically deals with the brothel, and life of the ronin and Geisha's who are part of the established area that these ronin have now grown accustomed to, while the latter 1/3 of the film deals with more action. However, the character development and plots narrative follow a very good storyline in dealing with the two worlds of these ronin and the Geishas. However, something happens which will give meaning to these ronin. In the film, someone is murdering prostitutes in the nearby forest. The geishas ask the ronin for help in protecting them. Finally, there is a second chance for these ronin who have forgotten their code and dignity. The film, directed by Kazuo Kuroki, is an excellent morality tale of how these four ronin try and regain that lost honor, which they once lived by: Master or no master. The film is highly recommended, and belongs in your cinema collection.
Movie Review: Once were warriors
Summary: 5 Stars
"Ronin Gai" is almost a metaphor for the entire Samurai genre. Bereft of meaning, no longer following a cause, once powerful figures struggle to keep their dignity, or else they surrender to their despair and try to forget their faded glory in drink and easy pleasures. Comparisons are often made between this film and "Unforgiven", as both are transition films that bridge a maturing genre from something that has become a parody of itself into something that can still have a powerful message.
It features the final starring role of the legend Katsu Shintaro. Once famous for his role as the powerful and charming sword fighter Zatoichi, Katsu in his middle age had become a bloated pleasure seeker, and is hardly recognizable under the layers of fat and handsome face ruined by hard drinking. In perfect casting, Katsu plays the warrior Bull, a pathetic figure who earns money for his liquor by working as a bouncer for a local brothel. His story is entangled with three other former samurai, Magohachiro, who sells birds for a living and is attempting to regain his position with a local lord, Gennai Aramaki, a powerful warrior who lives for nothing but alchohol and women, but holds the heart of a beautiful prostitute, and Gonbei Tanomo, the only one who reserves a vestige of dignity in his faded state.
The four are brought together when a overzealous band of retainers of the Shogun begin murdering prostitutes, considering them a taint on the honor of the samurai tradition. Because of their status, they are untouchable by the local authorities, but for former samurai with nothing to lose find that they are not so far gone as to stand up for the lowly who cannot protect themselves.
The story of "Ronin Gai" is very dark, and deals with heavier themes than are usually found in the genre. It still retains the pacing of classic chambara, with a long slow build up to an explosive finish. The action and sword fighting are excellent, showing that even someone as weathered by life as Katsu Shintaro can still stand tall in the saddle when the old passion strikes.
Movie Review: Heart of Steel, Sword of Bamboo
Summary: 5 Stars
For a comprehensive and excellent review, see Kim Anehall's comments. A tiny bone to pick, however, is the assessment of the close of the opening duel, when the bystander rushes to the fallen duelist and exchanges swords with the slain man. After he absconds with his prize, it becomes clear that the sword he has left with the corpse is bamboo ( another character breaks it in outrage). This indicates the extreme poverty of the thief, since he has clearly been forced by circumstance to sell his sword and has carried a bamboo sword to conceal this disgrace . A similar circumstance occurs in the more recent "Twilight Samurai" when the viewer is told that Sanada Hiroyuki's character had to sell his sword to bury his wife.
The final battle contains some of the best swordplay ever filmed; and oh, that Katsu Shintaro, perhaps his most poignantly heroic scene ever!
Movie Review: No review will do this justice...
Summary: 5 Stars
The setting, a poor area outside of Edo, a rundown restaurant and small time brothel. Prostitues, drunken ronin and unemployeed samurai work, sleep and drink, spending most of their time trying to forget the past or plotting to enrich their future. This film has been made with loving care and unmatched knowledge of the film craft that it is hard to put down how good it is, even with a thousand words. It is gritty, touching, rude, lovely and ugly all at the same time. Shintaro Katsu, not to be confused with Toshiro Mifune, plays Bull and really gives the character heart and soul.
Also, the ending is one of the most effective, if not messy, protrays of a sword fight I have ever seen.
Movie Review: Dynamic Performance by Shintaro Katsu
Summary: 5 Stars
I am a fan of Shintaro Katsu's blind swordsman movies and bought this movie, because I wanted to see how he changed and/or evolved as an actor, particularly in a completely different role. I was not disappointed. Even though Mr. Katsu's character does not endear him to the audience, he is still likeable, and I found myself overlooking his character's shortcomings. The ending, where his character redeems himself, gave me a satisfying albeit somewhat sad feeling. The movie itself was powerful, and the women's roles were ably portrayed and completely believable. Whether you are a Shintaro Katsu fan or just a fan of the genre, in general, I do not believe this movie will disappoint.