Browsing by Genre

Chambara/Chanbara

Akakage (2001)
The tale of three ninja sent by a daimyo to spy upon a neighboring fiefdom now being run by the widow of a former rival, who supposedly has a powerful secret weapon. What they actually discover is a plot to ensure safety and peace in the area, and a betrayal that threatens to kill them all. Hip, modern tale of ninja and samurai. Love of chambara not a pre-requisite.
Azumi (2003)
A samurai out for revenge takes in several small, orphaned children and turns them into killers. Among them is Azumi, a swordswoman of extraordinary skill. Sent on a mission of revenge she encounters opponents who will push her to the very limit. Based on a manga by the same name.
Gohatto (1999)
The story of a young samurai warrior of extraordinary skill and "beauty" is the mark of several samurai who wish to posess him, as well as destroy him. A look at homosexuality in Japan, set in Kyoto during the Bakumatsu Period, which turns into a murder mystery.
Kakushi Ken Oni no Tsume (2004)
The continuing struggle of samurai Munezo Katagiri in his journey to change 19th century Japan.
Mibu Gishi Den
<<no description given>>
Onmyouji 2
Return to the old capital of Heian with a new adventure of magic and friendship. A curse set upon the country of Yamato (the name of old Japan) by a wizard of Izumo sets Abe No Seimei and his companions in motion. It is a race against time as they realize that gods are involved.
Samurai Fiction (1998)
The tale of a sword stolen by a rogue samurai who is supposed to deliver it to the Shogun. Hip, modern samurai tale. Love of chambara action movies not a pre-requisite.
Tange Sazen - Hyakumanryou No Tsubo (2004)
A master swordsman with only one arm and one eye travels the land righting wrongs. In the same vein as Zatoichi. A popular pop samurai icon since the 30s.
Versus
A criminal escapes incarceration, only to wind up in the woods around Mt. Fuji with a pack of angry mafia types on his heels, a girl in tow, and an overwhelming feeling that something odd is going on. To top it off, the dead are coming back to life. Directed by cult-horror-violence film director Ryuhei Kitamura.
Zatoichi (2003)
Based on a famous historic character (a blind masseuse) who traveled the countryside of Edo Era Japan righting wrongs with his ungodly swordsman skills. An updated version featuring Kitano as the masseuse who wanders into a town run by yakuza gangs who have the local populace in a stranglehold. Violent, bloody; definitely for the samurai flick crowd, but no love for the chambara genre required to enjoy.