10 Best Samurai Films Not Directed By Akira Kurosawa

[@Ash-so2sr]

15:81 Hara Kiri is not only a great samurai movie, but simply a great movie. To me one of the best films ever made Period.

[@bushidoblues9302]

One of the few examples of a perfect film.

[@MrVvulf]

I agree with you. It's a masterpiece which transcends genre. I disagree with Bushido Blues that it's a movie about the conflict between classes. For me, it's about hypocrisy. The samurai claim to live by a code, but for the vast majority of them, it's a façade. They hide behind the façade, and when faced with doing what is required of them by their own code, they choose cowardice. They hide out of sight, feigning illness and hoping their hair grows back before their shame comes to light. It is a timeless polemic that speaks to all forms of government hypocrisy throughout history, and how leaders often take the stance "Do as I say, not as I do", and cover up embarrassing transgressions whenever possible.

[@Ric9hardify]

The new Hara Kiri has the most beautiful opening scene I have ever seen.

[@Balla1527]

​@@Ric9hardifythe new one is a great movie too.

[@mingyuhuang8944]

Amazing list bro. Watched every single one of these you've mentioned. Samurai films have awoken something inside me and bought more hope into my life which was very dark until now. I now not only go to gym but I have become disciplined and physically fit. It sounds cringe but they really changed my life. I still think seven samurai and the hidden fortress are the ones that truly changed me but these ones have been great. The hallmark of an incredible film is the fact that it literally makes you turn your life around 🤣.

[@bushidoblues9302]

Huang, I'm so glad you were able to improve your life, that's very motivational! Going to the gym, getting healthier and picking up a new skill or hobby are what we should all strive for. As a side note, I plan on making a video about The Hidden Fortress soon. What is it about that movie that motivated you?

[@mingyuhuang8944]

@@bushidoblues9302 brother I think it was first and foremost genuinely funny and just a very exciting adventure film. And then it's also how the general himself (Mifune) behaves and how we acted out the character. I know it's a character only but the way the general speaks, walks, talk and his composure is really goddamn good energy. You can tell he is someone not to be messed around with but is also deeply passionate about his duties and righteousness.

[@bushidoblues9302]

@@mingyuhuang8944 Mifune seriously looks larger than life in the film. He towers over everyone.

[@LokiLaughs2]

The necessity for the existence of this list is a testament to the legacy of Akira Kurosawa.

[@CircumbulatingSamsara]

Sword of Doom is easily in the top 5 for best samurai movies ever made imo. To be honest, while I acknowledge that the cinematic accomplishments of Kurosawa objectively outweigh those of Kihachi Okamoto- subjectively I think I get more general enjoyment from Sword of Doom than I do from a lot of the big Kurosawa titles. Absolutely a must see for anyone who's into the genre.

[@ladyscarfaceangel4616]

If The Last Samurai was what unlocked your curiosity then that's a good thing. Oddly enough Mortal Kombat was what kicked started my personal interest in Japanese history & Asian history in general. It was a starting point for me because I was in 5th grade when MK first came out. It got me asking questions like what does "kitana" mean. Got me interested in learning what monks were & things like that. So hold that film near & dear to your heart like MK is always in my heart. If it got your interest unlocked, historically accurate or not, it motivated you to learn more. 💜🧘‍♀️

[@taraishot100]

I was into samurai and king fu movies long before that the last was epic though it reignited my love for Samurai films

[@sanyadek]

Cool list! I would also add Three Outlaw Samurai, it feels familiar, but has a great spin on the whole teamup setting. Great movie.

[@bushidoblues9302]

Yeah three outlaw is definitely a fun film

[@soulking8034]

Remember Japan has a day for Tom Cruise. Because he found what Japanese forgot. What Last Samurai showed there is a possibility It has some truth to it. It's beautiful

[@cleanairninja9256]

Great list of films! I have a few of them in my collection but I will have to track down some of the others that you have listed. I focus on films from the 50's and 60's but many of the more modern films you've listed sound really good.

[@bushidoblues9302]

I used to think that only 50s and 60s samurai movies were good bilut I was dead wrong. There's been some great newer ones. Check out all Shuhei Fujisawa adaptations.

[@cleanairninja9256]

Thanks for opening my eyes about more modern samurai films. I do have all of Kurosawa's later films but they aren't all samurai of course. I will have to go on a hunt now for newer films. To be honest though, I also am a fan of "all" Japanese films from the 50's and 60's. Even some films from the 40's. Dramas, sci-fi, ect. But of course, samurai films are my favorite. If you ever want to check out a great 60's Japanese film noir, watch Zero Focus starring Yoshiko Kuga. Great movie.

[@Kingdaddy8]

Excellent recommendations, thank you.

[@bushidoblues9302]

You're welcome!

[@glenmoss02]

Other honorable non-Kurosawa mentions are 1968's Kill!, 1965's Samurai Spy, 1965's Samurai Gold Seekers. There are also two films with Sonny Chiba and Yorozuya Kinnosuke (aka Kinnosuke Nakamura) from 1978 I can recommend: Shogun's Samurai and The Fall of Ako Castle (sometimes labeled Sword of Vengeance). If you haven't already, check out Death of a Tea Master with Mifune. Not an action film be any means, but an interesting look at the Japanese obsession with the Way of Tea.

[@therecalcitrantseditionist3613]

Totally with you on Kiru (kill!!!) Definitely better than some of the films on the list

[@nope5657]

Glad to see some respect for The Last Samurai. It's beautifully made and just one hell of a film. People (mostly western whites) love to tar the film as a "white savior" movie and call it "offensive and racist." Yet in their quest to look as morally correct as possible, they don't realize that the film is one of the biggest hits in Japanese box office history and is, by all accounts, well-liked there.

[@commandernomad2817]

The really funny bit is that Tom Cruise's character is based off of real people, instead of one American it was three Portuguese.

[@Prixnup]

Has anyone mentioned “when the last sword is drawn”? Criminally underrated

[@bushidoblues9302]

I have a video on it. It's one of the best newer samurai films.

[@SethKash]

Saw it, great definitely.

[@spikelj]

Great list! If you haven't, you should check out Tsukamoto's "Killing" from 2018. It's a very modern take on the chanbara genre.

[@barnabuscollins5038]

My introduction to these was through IFC and them showing Zatoichi. I was sick one morning and it relaxed the hell out of me. Here we are years later and I'm watching lists like this to see if there is anything I might've missed or need to watch again.

[@roaminronin7818]

Nice list! I haven't seen After the Rain, Love and Honor, & At Rivers Edge of these but they are my watchlist (just added the latter). Without repeating any from the same series, I'd go: 1 Harakiri 2 Sword of Doom 3 Samurai I (the other 2 are good too, esp the 3rd) 4 Zatoichi Challenged (I've seen them all & about 4 could be tied here but the ending duel gives this one the edge) 5 Samurai Rebellion 6 Twilight Samurai 7 Lone Wolf & Cub: Sword of Vengeance (I too need to rewatch the series cuz they kind of run together for me a little) 8 Kill! 9 Three Outlaw Samurai 10 Sword of the Beast *left Onibaba off since its not really chanbara, & Samurai Assassin & Goyokin were really close Thanks for sharing the love of this awesome genre!

[@bushidoblues9302]

Great list! I really like Kill! It was a fun parody of the genre. And I look forward to watching more Zatoichi and lone wolf films. I also need a Musashi trilogy rewatch as that's also been awhile since I've seen it. Definitely watch all of Shuhei Fujisawa samurai films.

[@1418Markyboy]

Strong list! Nice wink to Sowrd of the Stranger btw

[@bushidoblues9302]

@@1418Markyboy I love Sword of the Stranger!

[@therecalcitrantseditionist3613]

Happy there are a few on here i havent seen, and so will correct that soon. There are a few not mentiomed which i think would be on my own list which are: Kiru 1968 (kill!!!), samurai rebellion 1967, when the last sword is drawn 2003 (tho it does continue the story past a couple logical and good endings), and one rarely mentioned samurai assassin 1964. Also i have to mention of Gate of hell from 1963

[@JapanLovers]

I watched Hara Kiri today. 10/10. Thanks for the suggestion.

[@bushidoblues9302]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching it

[@swzzlestik5426]

The Nakadai rabbit hole is one of the great journeys through Japanese cinema. From The Human Condition to The Wolves to Odd Obsession you will have your mind blown by Japan's other great actor. But how about some of the great & fun series of lady gamblers? Junko Fuji, Kyoko Enami, Meiko Kaji, Michiyo Yasuda? You can lose your mind

[@victordota6713]

I'm Brazilian, I'm a lover of Chanbara Films, I've been following your channel for a while, and I learn a lot about this wonderful Cinema...

[@bushidoblues9302]

Thank you! It's always great to meet fellow fans of Chanbara

[@ladyscarfaceangel4616]

Zatoichi is awesome! I love how he's a massage therapist! Having knowledge in how the muscles work can definitely be used as an advantage in battle. It also makes it much easier to spot weakness in your opponent just by observing the way they are standing & walking. I feel Zatoichi can just sense that when he touches ppl. You really don't need your eyes to be a massage therapist. We don't need to use our sight. It's all feel. I personally close my eyes during my sessions because I can focus better & read the signs of my client's body. I think I love Zatoichi so much because I am a massage therapist myself.

[@bushidoblues9302]

That's awesome that you have a bit of a role model in your field of work. I'll admit to wanting to become a massage therapist just from watching the movies. Apparently in Japan it was common for blind people to be masseurs, so their definitely is truth to that.

[@poloshirtsamurai]

He sucks at being a masseur though, him being at the lowest rank: Zato. You're probably better than him.

[@williedynamyte]

Great list of films. There are some real gems here. Have you seen Samurai marathon?

[@W4kT3k]

I've seen most of these films, Rivers edge, Love and Honor and the Hidden Blade are the ones I have to look for. I don't have a problem with the Last Samurai, it's a movie not necessarily a history lesson, and I enjoy it. Love the Rurouni Kenshin films, and 13 Assassins, was actually thinking about re-watching it tonight, but chose to watch a movie I haven't seen yet...Sword of Desperation. I liked it, a slow burn with little action, but I liked the ending.

[@bushidoblues9302]

Cool I never saw sword of desperation. I'll add that to my watch list.

[@mr.doctorcaptain1124]

The last samurai is one of my all time favorite films. Just phenomenal in every way

[@thumbsaloft]

Let them hate on The Last Samurai all they want, it's my absolute favorite Tom Cruise movie!

[@dskennels210]

Where can I see twilight Samurai and at the rivers edge ?

[@bushidoblues9302]

You can buy them from samuraidvd.com using discount code BUSHIDO BLUES or you can hope they appear for free on KZbin. Sometimes twilight samurai pops up.

[@frankmartinez4856]

Great selections 🤗 have Swords of Doomed (VHS) Hari Kiri (finally on DVD, on VHS) saw my first Samurai movie in 1963! Yojimbo, while we were n Mexicali 😳ten years later studied Shinwa Taido (Aikido) 😬

[@nicholascntinopoulos9208]

Thank you for this

[@bushidoblues9302]

You're welcome!

[@daviddusaro4235]

i like your samurai choices.i would like to recommend one of my favorite samurai movies to you. FESTIVAL OF SWORDSMAN 2.starring Otomo Ryutaro and a very young Wakayama Tomisaburo of the famous Lone Wolf and cub serious; with all round great actors. some scenes will be shocking and not for the faint- Hearted. but overall its a must watch again and again.. very enjoyable.

[@bushidoblues9302]

Awesome i love Wakayama. I guess I'll have to watch the first festival of swordsman

[@akechijubeimitsuhide]

Knew what number 1 was going to be, really no contest there :D I need to rewatch again.

[@bushidoblues9302]

Yeah I rewatched it for this list. The movie is perfect.

[@akechijubeimitsuhide]

@@bushidoblues9302 That grass field duel is probably one of the best, and apparently this movie was the first time Nakadai had to do swordfighting!

[@Balla1527]

My journey began decades ago, collecting dozens of Chinese martial arts movies, mainly jet li. Over the last decade I've moved onto Japanese samurai films, amassing a total of 35 dvds (admittedly 23 of those are the criterion zatoichi box set) but hands down, samurai films are my favourites.

[@ReinhardtCustoms]

Great list. Harakiri is indeed amazing. I would add Three Outlaw Samurai as well. Just fantastic.

[@bushidoblues9302]

@@ReinhardtCustoms three Outlaw Samurai is brilliant! There’s so many iconic shots!

[@BigBeeBeeSting]

I have just discovered the films of Takeshi Kitano, Akashi Mike and Hiroshi Inagaki and this is a great list to follow up on. I remember the lone wolf and cubs films from so long ago and they were so strange and wonderful.

[@mattbliven5345]

Great list thanks for taking the time. Last samurai is definitely really good. Just watched unforgiven last night good pic. The first zatoichi is definitely my favorite of what I've watched so far as well.

[@silversamurai6709]

You should watch a first three films of the the Zatoichi Blind Swordsman series... you won't be disappointed. I would get into the television series of Ichi, but it's like $75 on DVD in which I'd still rather wait until that series goes on Blue ray hopefully sometime in the near future. If there are some samurai films that you'd like to see on blue ray, I'd like to hear your input.

[@bushidoblues9302]

I want to start seeing more samurai films on 4k like seven samurai or Hara kiri. Ran looks amazing in 4k. I've seen 6 of the Zatoichis so far. I wonder if the Television series is any good.

[@Primitive_dad]

Great list. I recently picked up all four of the Fujisawa based films and they are easily some of the greatest movies of any genre Ive seen. Currently reading the Bamboo Sword and its really interesting to see how these short stories were brought to life.

[@bushidoblues9302]

Yeah so far every Fujisawa I've seen has been a great hit. I read the synopsis for the Bamboo Sword and it sounds like an interesting story that I'll probably read at some point.

[@Primitive_dad]

They’re all short stories so it wont take long. Worth reading for sure.

[@deanzaZZR]

You redeemed yourself with the #1 pick. Surprised to not see Samurai Assassin (侍) in the list. Also surprised to see no version of the Tale of 47 Ronin. It's lengthy and takes some patience to enjoy, but I would recommend Inagaki's Chushingura from 1962. ✌️

[@bushidoblues9302]

Yes I've seen and own Chushingura but forgot to mention it as it's been awhile since I've seen it. It definitely was an epic and a fascinating story from what I remember. Is the original 47 Ronin any good? I always hear people say it's too long or that it's boring.

[@deanzaZZR]

@@bushidoblues9302 Actually I have never watched the legendary 1941 Mizoguchi version. Snippets I have seen do look kind of boring. 😀 The other version I am familiar with is the Daiei version from the 1960s which includes both Shintaro Katsu and Raizo Ichikawa. It was just alright. Have you watched any Sleepy Eyes of Death with Raizo?

[@peterwhitman8629]

@@bushidoblues9302 the Mizoguchi version of the 47 Ronin is long and has very little action. I would say it is one of the best. Beautiful and deep.

[@cynedr]

Your voice is very nice bro. I watch Harakiri at least once in 6 months.

[@robertwrase6026]

Good list. Though Samurai Rebellion would make my top 10. That movie is so damn good. Love how the way the movie unfolds is similar Mifune’s sword style. Keep backing up into a corner until finally an explosion of violence

[@bushidoblues9302]

Yes my new list would put samurai rebellion at number 3. It is a masterpiece, Slightly below Harakiri

[@mr.lui-gtlv8774]

Finally someone who mention Goyokin! That movie is the cornerstone of samurai redemption. Disrespectfully underrated.

[@KeiBrightwing]

I liked Samurai Rebellion more than I did Hara-kiri. Samurai Rebellion is like a Greek tragedy: the protagonists are SOL and no matter what they do, they just cannot win. It's such a heart-breaking, cathartic story.

[@Darkman-Fishing]

I love the Last Samurai It’s a good film and I’m glad it lead you to this. My love of Samurai films came from watching Shogun Assassin As a child. Fell in love with Kurosawa as 7 samurai was my second film. Great list.

[@bushidoblues9302]

Thanks! Shogun Assassin came right after the last Samurai for me. I have a lot of love for it

[@gregbundy2752]

Shogun Assassin, and the series Lone Wolf and Cub, I have, and it's still awesome!

[@bihan1429]

The thing I love about Hara-Kiri is the cinematography. It is so ahead of it's time, and especially as now that we can watch it remastered in HD, it almost feels like a modern movie that's intentionally been filmed in B&W. Hasn't aged at all

[@bushidoblues9302]

It's a perfect film!

[@BooBop1987]

What a Wonderful Top 10 List to Watch!

[@bushidoblues9302]

Thanks!

[@BooBop1987]

@@bushidoblues9302 Your Welcome!

[@tshikaraproject2661]

Good ranking. Harakiri is definitely a film to be watched. I'm not that petty about 'the last Samaurai' either, even though it depicts the Samurai and their perception of honor totally wrong among other historical false facts. Great cinematography and actors and it brought people like you to become interested in Samurai. Not everyone is fortunate like me and get the story of the 47 Ronin as an old book with fascinating illustrations into his hand as a 10-year-old. Kepp up the good work!

[@bushidoblues9302]

Thank you! I'm jealous of that 47 Ronin book. Must be a beautiful treasure to have.

[@etiennevaudrey2993]

Did you liked Samurai from Kihachi Okamoto with Mifune ? It is a weird mixed flick written by Shinobu Hashimoto, I kind of liked it even if he is mixed liked.

[@jtilton5]

Some other honorable mentions in my opinion: Nemuri Kyoshio (film series) Rikyu (1989) Gohatto (1999) warning, it's a Nagisa Oishima film so it does blur the line between drama and softcore gay porn When The Last Sword is Drawn Sword of Desperation Three Outlaw Samurai (1964)

[@bushidoblues9302]

I'm waiting for Merlin to get back from his trip so I can review When the last sword I'd drawn. Three outlaw samurai is good and I haven't seen the others.

[@marklutz8499]

@@bushidoblues9302 for good, campy fun.....samurai wolf. 2 films I believe.

[@marklutz8499]

Dojo challengers. Just fun.

[@bushidoblues9302]

@@marklutz8499 dojo challengers 1 is a great fun film

[@ianpitkin6324]

Great list thanks

[@bushidoblues9302]

Glad you liked it!

[@sleuthentertainment5872]

The father of my fiancee likes, particularly, the movies of Hiroshi Inagaki, maybe because of the old-fashioned style of samurai's honor and courage that displayed. I prefer the 60s chambaras...

[@bushidoblues9302]

Yeah Inagaki has made alot of great chanbara films. I feel like the 60s were the golden years for the genre.

[@ubervocal8777]

Thanks for putting together your list as there are a couple modern ones I will check out. I would add that after watching a lot of dark, depressing Samurai flicks that "Samurai Fiction" is a refreshing chaser. Also, no Ninja's? The "Shinobi no Mono" series should get a shout out. I would have found a way to get Chushingura on the list (Inagaki, '62) as that and Musashi's are THE quintessential Samurai stories, foundational to understanding the genre.

[@bushidoblues9302]

All great choices!

[@bushidoblues9302]

@@jesseowenvillamor6348 nah.

[@gergotajtyi]

Dear BushidoBlues! Can you help me with the music that plays during the introduction at the beginning of the video? Thanks a lot!

[@uleebuffalo]

Definitely Harakiri, Gyokin and Lonewolf and Cub belong on this list. Hitokiri, Caste of Flames, Hunter in the Dark, Bushido:Cruel Code of the Samurai and the OTHER Last Samurai (1974) also deserve a mention. Love your videos, keep em coming.

[@bushidoblues9302]

Thank you. I'll have to add those to my watch list. Last Samurai 1974 is one I've been looking for for awhile. Is it the same concept as the 2003?

[@ye4ry2so5t]

I would like to introduce two Samurai drama series based on Samurai novels. Oni-Hei Hanka-Tyo (Crime records wrote by COO Heizo Hasegawa) and Ronin Kyoshiro Nemuri.

[@bushidoblues9302]

Thanks I'll check them out.

[@tsukimami]

Why didnt you put Lady Snowblood on the list? You used the cover though…

[@d_ruggs]

how do you even watch at river's edge? I cant find it anywhere online to stream or purchase

[@bushidoblues9302]

samuraidvd.com/at-rivers-edge/ Use the discount code BUSHIDO BLUES

[@aragmarverilian8238]

Thank you for the great list! I copied all the titles and will eventually watch them :D I also watched one of the Crimson Bat movies the day before. Still just as lovely as I remembered it - afterkill scene and all.

[@bushidoblues9302]

Crimson Bat, I will add that yo the list!

[@aragmarverilian8238]

@@bushidoblues9302 Now, after I watched all four of them, I kind of feel sad there weren't any more Crimson Bat movies. The second installment Mekurano Oichi jigokuhada or Hellish skin, is by far my favorite. There are a number of great scenes, especially when Oichi decides to change her life. Lean writing there, nothing too pompous, and Yoko Matsuyama delivers. Even the corny moments were just as entertaining as I remembered them.

[@berrrNation]

i've watched after the rain and some of the movies u mentioned, may i ask where do you watch zatoichi movies?thanks

[@nclsrmnc6643]

Goyokin, Hitokiri, The Sword of Doom, Samurai Rebellion, Harakiri, are definitly top 5. Samurai Assassin, Kill!, The Age of Assassins, Three Outlaw Samurai, 13 Assassins (the original, 1963), The Last Samurai (the original, 1974), Baby Cart #2 and #5, Zatoichi #6, #15, #16 #17, #26 and #27, Samurai Vendetta, Shogun's Samurai are all contenders for a Top 20 before many of the movies you mentioned.

[@2Phast4Rocket]

The dude make his career of playing a Zatoichi

[@marklutz8499]

Not to contradict, but.......Nakadai is and outstanding all around actor. In the classic Kurosawa detective film, High and Low, he portrayed the lead detective. Intensity emits from his eyes. Tied easily for favorite Japanese actor of all time. Mifune, Nakadai, and Shimura. When all three together, buckle up. With my most respectful regards.

[@bushidoblues9302]

I honestly never knew he was in high and low, he must have been young. I need to pay attention to that next time. Yeah Mifune, Nakadai and Shimura are Japan's best.

[@ChimeraActual]

Hiroshi Inagaki's Samurai Trilogy

[@bbb462cid]

Yes. I'm a fan, but then again, seeing Mifune's presence on screen is enough to make almost any film good

[@davem.2191]

I can't find "At River's Edge" anywhere to stream. :(

[@bushidoblues9302]

You can only buy it on samuraidvd.com so far.

[@kyuss89]

13 assassins kicked ass. Zatoichi! Love samurai cinema and this will help me check out some I havnt seen

[@Tomsabormusic]

The Last Samurai was a great film! Inaccurate, sure. But closely enough tied to historical events that its reasonably easy to get a footing in learning the real history.

[@justinkauffman731]

My favorite genre but Zatoichi films and tv series along with Yakuza Papers bring me to my happy place. I consider Zatoichi to be Yakuza genre.

[@gergotajtyi]

Does anybody know the artist and the track name of the first introduction music? (first 25 sec) Thanks a lot!

[@bushidoblues9302]

It's from the movie Sword of the stranger kzbin.info/www/bejne/qoWsqJWrqMeBZ8k

[@rockethead5705]

Bandits Vs Samurai Squadron! Hideo Gosha is the most underrated director

[@theodorerooseveltsantlers270]

Would also add Three Outlaw Samurai, Kuroneko, When the Last Sword is Drawn and Blade of the Immortal. Kurosawa is a great place to begin if you've never seen a samurai film. Great list though.

[@Prixnup]

There it is, when the last sword is drawn has been right at near the top for me for a long time. Glad to see it get a mention 🍻👌🏻

[@johnran6015]

Check out Bushido The Cruel Code of The Samurai, also Babycart At River Styx is easily #1 over this entire list.

[@bladetasticknives5712]

Where can you watch “After the Rain” ?

[@GoPioneersLaser0]

With the Last Samurai, I think most people assume it is Algren and thats why they hate it. In reality the Last Samurai is Katsumoto. Katsumoto committed seppuku and died with honor. Algren went home.

[@bushidoblues9302]

Yeah that's a good point. Algren was just helping.

[@bushidoblues9302]

The name the last Samurai, could also be depicting something plural.

[@arminjoemarblanche1948]

Lady Snowblood?

[@bushidoblues9302]

It's good but not quite on my top 10.

[@CHFILMS.]

How on earth did samurai rebellion miss out on the top 10 I’m shocked

[@heartofcinema3454]

interesting, no Samurai trillogy (Musashi Miyamoto series) and 3 outlaw samurai.

[@bushidoblues9302]

Good ones! Especially 3 outlaw samurai, I did a video on it.

[@JokerMxyzptlk]

I love all these. It's hard picking 10. Have you seen falling camellia?

[@bushidoblues9302]

Actually no. Is that a good one?

[@JokerMxyzptlk]

@@bushidoblues9302 I liked it a lot. The story wasn't quite as deep as something like when the last sword is drawn, but I remember enjoying it a lot.

[@puffyeggpuff]

Sword of Desperation 2010 , also very good

[@bushidoblues9302]

It's excellent. I have a review of it.

[@makidiaz3894]

Please I need your help, I watched HaraKiri and now I don’t know what to watch next? That was my favorite black and white movie. What next? Plz tell me ❤

[@bushidoblues9302]

You can watch the director's other movies like Samurai Rebellion

[@makidiaz3894]

@@bushidoblues9302 thanks for quick reply. Subbed. Awesome channel idea. Samurai genre is amazing and has a deep cut of choices of films to analyze

[@Thejoshrandall]

I suggest after Kobayashi move on to okamoto's and gosha's offerings then move on to Kurosawa. Other than that, you can't loose with any staring Toshiro M. and or Tutsaya Nakadai. Happy viewing.

[@makidiaz3894]

@@Thejoshrandall can u say movie name?

[@makidiaz3894]

@@Thejoshrandall ?

[@albion65]

I heartily recommend MAKAI TENSHIO: SAMURAI REINCARNATION (1983) starring Sonny Chiba, Tomisaburo Wakayama, Kenji Sawada, and in an early role Hiroyuki Sanada. It was the first live action adaptation of the books that would inspire the anime NINJA SCROLL. I also recommend SWORDS OF VENGEANCE: THE FALL OF AKO CASTLE and SHOGUN'S SAMURAI: THE YAGYU CONSPIRACY. All three films showcase Chiba's talent as a Chambara star.

[@bushidoblues9302]

Yeah I need to watch more Chiba films. Those sound great!

[@albion65]

@@bushidoblues9302 all three were directed by Kinji Fukasaku, the mad genius behind 2000's BATTLE ROYALE.

[@bushidoblues9302]

@@albion65 wow big actors and a big director. Sold!

[@sushishogun2486]

have you seen the movie Samurai Marathon ( 2019) and the movie Blade Of The Immortal (2017 ) and Sword Of Desperation 2010 movie . there really good . let me know if there any more good Samurai get released in the United States . This is a very interesting video.

[@bushidoblues9302]

Thanks I haven't seen those yet but I've heard of them. I'll have to check them out.

[@bushidoblues9302]

Thanks I haven't seen those yet but I've heard of them. I'll have to check them out.

[@Primitive_dad]

Hara-Kiri is just another level of film. What did you think of Takashi Miike’s remake?

[@bushidoblues9302]

It was very similar except the ending was a little different. Still a great film and brave of him to remake it.

[@shawnh2651]

Know where I can buy “ At Rivers Edge”

[@bushidoblues9302]

From here. Use the discount code BUSHIDO BLUES at checkout. samuraidvd.com/at-rivers-edge/

[@elbertrippee3371]

Everyone should check out "When The Last Sword is Drawn."

[@bushidoblues9302]

It's a great depiction of the shinsengumi. I have a video of that as well.

[@bbb462cid]

I'm partial to the Inagaki Samurai trilogy

[@paulwiggins183]

Not including Samurai Rebellion in the top ten is an unforgivable act.

[@bushidoblues9302]

It's better the first time you watch it. On rewatch it's not as good but still an excellent film. This is why top 10s aren't easy. Also I didn't want my top 10 to look like everyone else's.

[@chrisken8902]

Shouldn't it be "the Samurai REDS" ?? And who in the world is Non Kurosawa ???

[@Prometheus4096]

No Gohatto/Taboo?

[@benjaminsente7430]

So you didn´t mention "The Last Sword" (2007)

[@bushidoblues9302]

Never heard of it. Any good?

[@benjaminsente7430]

@@bushidoblues9302 High artistic standard. It´s worth comparing to Twilight Samurai, as far as depiction of Samurai, their honor System, Myth and Reality goes. *Kubi* (2023) is also worth watching and comparing along those criteria.

[@patrickbateman8824]

Naked Ambition 1970 possibly greatest Asian movie ever made !

[@bushidoblues9302]

This one? m.imdb.com/title/tt0198872/ What's so great about it?

[@eagleclaw006]

No Samurai Fiction?

[@londellsharrieff3938]

You need to watch the original 13 Assassins movie

[@bushidoblues9302]

I have a video covering the original that will drop today.

[@londellsharrieff3938]

@@bushidoblues9302 awesome have you seen any of Zatoichi TV episodes

[@bushidoblues9302]

@@londellsharrieff3938 no just the movies. Is the show any good?

[@kpjetsfishing]

I feel like When The Last Sword Is Drawn doesn't get the love and respect it deserves

[@bushidoblues9302]

Yes very under-rated!

[@kpjetsfishing]

@@bushidoblues9302 how many samurai movies do you own? Lol

[@bushidoblues9302]

@@kpjetsfishing Alot haha from years of collecting. The ones I review from Merlin are digital though. I also own every Kurosawa film. I should make a video showing my current collection.

[@kpjetsfishing]

@@bushidoblues9302 I stand at 55 and had recently watched three outlaw samuraiand got me back into watching them. Then was like is anyone doing reviews for these?? Then I found you. Love this channel

[@bushidoblues9302]

@@kpjetsfishing thank you. Wow 55 that's quite the collection! Do you mostly get criterion? There's a vintage record store by me that I got alot of samurai classics from.

[@memmori1]

The old 13 Assassins is so much better than the remake. Absolutely different in emotions, the old one was an immense tragedy of duty and loyalty, the new one is a simple entertainment for those who prefer brutality more than any other part in samurai movies

[@bushidoblues9302]

That's interesting. I'm about to watch the old one

[@gremlin35]

Make sure to watch the 1990 TV version which is also great in its own way.

[@kaseyjackson8237]

Sword of Doom is one of my favorites

[@bushidoblues9302]

It's so good!

[@bbb462cid]

The snow fight is sublime

[@FartoTheClown]

I feel like Hara-kiri is to samurai film, what Unforgiven is to westerns.

[@bushidoblues9302]

Yeah it's definitely top tier in the genre.

[@albion65]

Here's an interesting idea for a watch/video. Take a look at the two wildly different recent Hollywood takes on the story of the 47 Ronin. 47 RONIN from 2013 got the lion share of the press and scorn for adding Keanu Reeves and Eastern mythology to the tale, while LAST KNIGHTS from 2015 flew completely under the radar. KNIGHTS moved the story to a made up European Reinassance setting but ironically managed to tell the story more correctly than the Reeves film. Honestly I would say KNIGHTS is the better of the two, but I'm suggesting this more as a look at how Hollywood treats the story some call the national epic of Japan.

[@bushidoblues9302]

I love it!

[@albion65]

@@bushidoblues9302 excellent. Not sure if you've seen 47 RONIN (2013) but it had Hiroyuki Sanada in the pivotal role of Oshi and Rinko Kikuchi as the shape shifting witch. LAST KNIGHTS had a mostly non Asian cast but it was directed by Kazuaki Kiriya of CASSHERN (2004) and GOEMON (2009) making his English language debut.

[@danielspencer6174]

Samurai film was shogun and assassin is good also 13 assassin very good in Japanese. Only Hollywood Samurai film is last Samurai it was in English it good .

[@parsa2176]

well i wouldnt call ryunosuke an antihero dude is a straight up villian

[@bbb462cid]

Agree. But an interesting one.

[@Jbgro]

Sword of doom!!

[@vagabond4576]

Damn your first time seeing Hiroyuki was in The Last Samurai. Back in the VHS days as a kid. I was a big fan since Legend of the 8 Samurai. It was a really loose version of a novel and spawned the game Samurai Showdown.

[@duncanidaho2130]

No love for the red headed samurai with the full moon technique? Shame. I like those movies.

[@bushidoblues9302]

Rurouni kenshin the beginning is awesome

[@jtilton5]

@@bushidoblues9302 I think he was refering to Nemuri Kyoshiro (The Sleepy Eyes of Death) the main character played by Raizo Ichikawa has reddish brown hair due to being half Caucasian. And his famous dueling technique is the full moon cut.

[@bushidoblues9302]

@jtilton5 oh wow that sounds like a good one!

[@duncanidaho2130]

@@jtilton5 Yup. That's the one. Awesome set of movies.