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Much like the original, the latest release from the creators of Ghost of Tsushima, the action title, celebrates renowned Japanese cinema artists by means of exclusive display settings. Where the first title had solely a black-and-white tribute to the classic samurai films of the legendary director, the follow-up sees a joint effort with Samurai Champloo director Shinichirō Watanabe for a display option that introduces lo-fi beats. Plus, there is a special Miike setting that increases blood and mud in combat and positions the view closer to the action.

The director boasts a diverse body of work, with his films spanning bloody yakuza epics, kids’ movies, and comic book movies. Yet, when searching for a place to start, viewers who love the sword combat of the game needs to watch the director's the samurai epic, an excellent warrior movie.

A Classic New Version with Gripping Thrills

Released in the year 2010, the movie updates of the 1963 film of the same name from director Eiichi Kudo. It follows a team of warriors who, facing overwhelming odds, embark to kill the cruel the evil ruler (acted by the talented actor) to prevent him from becoming part of the government assembly. Different nobles are concerned that his promotion would trigger a nation divided since he has created a legacy of high-born victims behind him, yet his family connections to the Shōgun have protected him.

Because of Naritsugu’s actions and a blood-filled final act, this movie is hardly a flick for the faint of heart. The story starts with a figure opposing Naritsugu’s ascent by committing seppuku, the traditional act by cutting the stomach. His cruel behavior are not merely hinted at by the cast, they’re shown. He fires arrows at innocent people, and assaults a female prior to killing her spouse.

The assassins are justified, certainly.

The warrior the main character (brought to life by the renowned actor) takes on the mission of killing Naritsugu. A large part of the first half of the movie is spent showing Naritsugu’s threat while the assassin finds supporters. The group then travel to a village where they set a snare for the villain (fighting foes on the route). After their arrival, Miike really gets cooking.

The Grand Finale with Clear Fight Scenes

The climax shows why the film has become such a beloved Japanese epic. The assassins are not passive for Naritsugu to come to their weapons. Outnumbered 13 to 200, and have to use all available resources to defeat the opposing side. Namely, converting the location of Ochiai against him. (But not its citizens, who safely escape and stay out of the carnage.) The setting turns into an advantage; the group build countless traps and barriers that would make the fictional hero jealous, employing every strategy to gain an upper hand in the battle to come.

The confrontation is glorious — and clear to watch. You won’t find the jerky camera of modern action movies confusing the sequences, or basic fights using excessive editing. On the contrary, broad views and excellent choreography leave no room for hard-to-follow action, rendering an inherently thrilling prolonged conflict all the better. The fighting is always clear, when countless enemies attack (and are slaughtered by) a single warrior in a scene of blades, for example.

How 13 Assassins Remains Impactful

Watching again 13 Assassins, viewers notice why Sucker Punch connects enhanced violence with the director; the combatants are drenched in it. No one emerges unharmed, and those left standing when it's over are coated with the grime of battle. Plus, it appears very realistic, with minimal CGI employed only for blasts throughout the village. The authenticity of the attire, sets, and battles lend this film a certain enduring quality; despite its age by now, but seems it may have debuted just now.

When players fans want to rest from engaging in samurai action and simply prefer to watch some warrior battles, it's wise to check out this film. Takashi's action movie complements excellently with the experience, and is a must watch for all enthusiasts of samurai stories.