What it was like making one of cinema's bloodiest samurai flicks...

[@Praenuntium]

Nakadai is a legend. Would be great if Mifune and Kurosawa were still around too. I think of these three as a sacred triumvirate when it comes to film. What a privilege to meet him.

[@LeoSkyro]

They're basically the Japanese version of Scorsese-DeNiro-Pacino if only those other 2 were still alive...

[@JeffGR4]

Tatsuya Nakadai, at age eighty-seven, still starring in action-packed samurai movies, e.g., _The Return_ (2019). Nakadai is among the coolest guys ever!

[@TheAuraOfItAll]

He's in a movie series called The Human Condition, which id recommend to everyone here. One of the great cinematic epics, and Nakadai is great in it.

[@CinemaTyler]

I think The Human Condition is my favorite of his work. Such a profound experience. It really changes you by the end.

[@sirgriffith7122]

It’s truly magnificent.

[@adamalbertrowe]

My favourite film trilogy (and the first one is just my favourite film) of all time, glad at least some others are watching it 👍

[@edgar1409]

the greatest trilogy of all time

[@GeahkBurchill]

I was such a proselytizer for Sword of Doom throughout high school. It really is one of the best Samurai films ever made. Ryunosuke was the inspiration for the character, Jei, in Stan Sakai’s Usagi Yojimbo. My interpretation of the Mifune scene is it’s what actually tips Ryunosuke over the edge into madness. Seeing a swordsman of that caliber literally breaks him, sending him spiraling out of control for the rest of the film.

[@CinemaTyler]

Oh man! That totally makes sense! I was obsessed with Usagi Yojimbo as a kid. I wonder if I still have the books lying around somewhere. I bet you're right about the Mifune scene, too. Something definitely changes in Ryunosuke after that scene.

[@GeahkBurchill]

CinemaTyler I spoke with Stan Sakai about it at WonderCon back in 1997 (I think-could’ve been ‘96). If you read Jei’s arc, you will notice a lot of references to the film, including the mill scene. Little visual elements lifted directly from the screen.

[@TheRealNormanBates]

Geahk Burchill It probably didn’t help that Mifune left him alive and ignored him

[@42kellys]

Not just what he sees but what the samurai (= Mifune) tells him about the sword the soul connected and it being wicked or good. That is haunting him, as he realises that he is totally evil, his prowess in swordfight means nothing, if his soul is wicked.

[@user-tx2nv1rb9k]

@@CinemaTyler In that scene, Ryunosuke has to face Mifune should he choose to! Mifune looks at him sideways, never staring and leaves the decision of initiating the attack with Ryunosuke because he knows he is going to kill him either way! All Ryunosuke has to do is attack but he discovers the fear of preservation in his belly, the one he did not know he had! It was an eye opening experience for him to realize he was not as empty inside especially considering that before this encounter he thought of himself as the black hole of existence devouring any living things it encounters, which is pretty much the opening of the film up to the point when he meets Mifune!

[@UnitDave]

Also... if you haven't seen Harakiri (1962) and Ran (1985), both starring Nakadai as the main character, go find a copy NOW. You are wasting time. Go. Now. Seriously, you will not be disappointed.

[@ralphmandel4073]

פינק. פנתר

[@OuterGalaxyLounge]

He's right. Harakiri is devastating, an emotional powerhouse.

[@andrewrichardson2079]

And from the same director of Harakiri ,Samurai Rebellion,Kwaidan and The Human Condition Trilogy are all amazing and feature Nakadai also

[@haoyuchen2993]

@@andrewrichardson2079 on the other hand, I think Shinobu Hashimoto also played an very import role, as the screenwriter of Rashomon, Seven Samurai , Harakiri ,Samurai Rebellion, Samurai Assassin, and the Sword of Doom

[@Toshiro_Mifune]

i am going to stress what the OP said. Go watch them now, i beg you.

[@YouCallThataKnife253]

One of my favorite Tatsuya Nakadai films is Kill! (1968). It's based on the same story as Kurosawa's Sanjuro, but it is a very different film. He's also fantastic in Kagemusha

[@AravenaScheid]

Agree! Fantastic film!

[@LeoSkyro]

I'm about to watch it, reading the synopsis I was like "this sounds really similar to Sanjuro uh..." ahahah

[@resist4resist]

I am from India and I have seen most of Mr. Nakadai's famous movies (Sword of Doom, The Human Condition, Face of Another, Kagemusha, Ran, Zatoichi in the Festival of Fire and many others). I would die happy if I ever meet him in person.

[@brosephdudeguy]

This video was a great change of pace. I like it! Keep it up.

[@christophergrat6986]

Sword of Doom is my favorite "Noir" style film. The use of shadow and light play an important role in the film itself, including the cinematography. The duel, slaying the samurai on the forest trail, the close up and pull back scene of Ryunoske staring off in doubt and fear after witnessing Shimada slaughter the ronin in the snow and my favorite scene is his shadow moving behind him on the wall intimating a supernatural force that will soon drive him insane! Kihachi Okamoto was brilliant and his Zatoichi meets Yojimbo movie was good too with the same style of cinematography, lighting and score.

[@saahilbijur2916]

Hi, I watched your video about a year ago and now I am knee deep in Nakadai's and Mifune's movies. Thanks for introducing me to such a beautiful experience!!!

[@Ace-xe2uo]

Total Brilliance as always Tatsuya Nakadai and Mifune will aiways remind of me what badass is when I picture them in Samurai movies cutting down their foes. Ty for posting Tyler.

[@ericsierra-franco7802]

Excellent video!

[@ARCLetoiix]

This is actually one of my all time favorite films. Like a riddle I can't crack. The snow assassination scene is my favorite

[@nitehunter91]

One of my favorite films. I usually spend more time watching videos before deciding to subscribe, but the uniqueness of this chosen artwork and the overall quality of the two videos I've watched (this and "North by Northwest"s) made my mind pretty quickly. Congratulations for the good work here, Tyler.

[@sophiaaldous3199]

I love that you did a video on this movie; it’s one of my favorites! Thank you!

[@paulengle5784]

What a fantastic, heartfelt video, from a true and humble fan. Cheers, dude; this film gives me such chills.

[@carpedei_]

Hey, where do I get this awesome Tatsuya Nakadai action figure?

[@similaritiesendhere]

Amazon prime?

[@bigmikem1578]

I used to have this in cassette tape. Way back in the mid 90’s.

[@sleuthentertainment5872]

The last scene of Daibosatsu Toge is so savage and the performance of Nakadai is so powerful that you even can feel his sword is cutting your guts One of the greatest moments in japanese classic cinema

[@poloshirtsamurai]

I love Tatsuya Nakadai, as evident in my profile picture. Seen a lot of his films. I specially love Goyokin, Harakiri and Kiru. I'm envious you having a chance to talk to him. Glad you appreciate him as well!

[@TheRealNormanBates]

4:18 it’s deceptive because he is looking out of his peripheral vision. It “appears” that he is looking at his feet or your legs, but what he is doing is seeing all around him and looking for movement

[@the.SteamingVegan]

I'm so glad I found you man this channel is awesome!

[@jacobleukus6930]

Quality video man it really flowed well

[@Grandmastergav86]

I love that approach to action filmmaking. Look at how beautifully they were able to shoot it. HK filmmakers were also able to shoot with clarity during The Golden Era (for me, 1966 - 1989) due to the abilities of the cast members. Sword Of Doom is a masterpiece. Nakadai and Mifune are legends.

[@Yonsucker]

Very interesting, I love The Sword of Doom, but only ever really looked into Mifune since he is generally the more famous guy. But after seeing this I realize how prolific Nakadai is as well. It must have been cool meeting him. I'm surprised though, does that mean that they didn't use stuntmen and still acted with real swords? That would be thoroughly impressive considering the scenes. Anyway, keep up the good work. Always looking forward to your videos!

[@CinemaTyler]

Thanks! I imagine that the swords were dull in the fight scenes and sharp for the scene where he is slicing up the room and the shot of him stabbing into the floor. Still, he's really pressing the end of the sword pretty hard into people during that last fight scene. Must have taken some really precise choreography to pull off.

[@davidchase9424]

When I started my samurai movie saga 30 years ago, this one grabbed, and still holds my attention, to this day.

[@tomantush4867]

The technique Nakadai's character uses is an aggressive one, inviting attack from which he can take advantage. Mifune's stance is straightforward and direct neither offensive nor defense but prepared for either.

[@lifeofbrian5092]

Great work! I really like the way that you relay a story. I especially like that you included Nakadai's ideas on characters with two sides. If you're interested, look up the Japanese terms "omote" and "ura" as they relate to Japanese swordsmanship and culture in general.

[@drewgoin8849]

"Sword of Doom" was my favorite samurai film from the period. I also like "Sanjuro" and other works of Kurosawa. "Lone Wolf & Cub" manga always reminded me of "Sword of Doom" for some reason.

[@CriticalEatsJapan]

Incredible experience, man. Thanks for sharing this with us

[@tiptoejoe4899]

really sucks to hear that there was supposed to be a sequel, but it never happened. breaks my heart :(

[@42kellys]

I think it is because the film is just perfect the way it is. I do not believe they could have upped it.

[@tiptoejoe4899]

@@bonpourvous you are the best. you had no reason to respond to a 2 year old comment and thank you for that lol

[@rinatvaliullov3247]

Amazing essay as always!

[@ChrisBennettGameDesign]

I had never thought about the ending of The Conversation as being inspired by the big end scene of this movie before. But it has all the hallmarks!

[@seen921]

What a great experience Thanks for the share

[@finleymimbles]

Hey Tyler, we love your videos! The research and the care given to each topic is really inspiring. One of the things that sticks out to me is the conversational tone. This really makes the videos approachable. So many video essayist use a sort of didactic inflection. Don’t think for a second that all your hard work goes unnoticed. Please keep making these videos. For all our sakes.

[@CinemaTyler]

Thanks so much! I really appreciate it!

[@omarvaldes5822]

I remember when I saw the movie in my town in Cuba in 1963. I was a 9 year old kid.

[@ew21st23]

I am Japanese. Please understand that I use Google translation. This figure is the same one that was sold as a snack prize in Japan over 20 years ago. In addition to this, there are Toshiro Mifune and others. In addition, there is also a colored version, which is rare and hard to get, but I have the colored version of Mifune against Nakadai. And I own a large amount of this monochrome Nakadai and now I've gone somewhere lol.

[@nidhavellir]

Amazing actor. Still working in 2020 too.

[@jbloodwo]

Tyler can’t wait to see your take on clockwork orange. And please give the book a read it will be worth the effort.

[@alaskan_bergwanderer]

'Sword of Doom' is heads and shoulders, far and away, my favorite Samurai film. Period.

[@Wladislav]

Those eyes... Probably my favourite actor in the genre.

[@jackseditzzz]

I love Nakadai and his movies, My favorite would half to be Harakiri, One from 1962, He played the role of Hanshiro well, As he did when he played Uno in Yojimbo, Great actor and great movies, Glad to see more people recognize his amazing work!

[@lilawylie]

Just discovered your channel, which I think is brilliant. Thanks so much for promoting Nakadai, who should be mentioned in the same breath as Mifune. My American father learned Japanese from my mother and fell in love with Japanese cinema. He used to joke that that a proper Mifune movie wasn't over until Mifune killed Nakadai, which happened three times. Nakadai is still alive and I would love to meet him.

[@Hello.Sailor]

Love your wall art. Good video too

[@jamespfp]

2:30 -- I have to say at this juncture, my favorite Tatsuya Nakadai role with Mifune is one of Kurosawa's, "High and Low", because he plays a lead detective, for a change. Exceptional actor is exceptional.

[@jamespfp]

RAN being the second in the list... and notably, missing Mifune. XD

[@HDCE-nv1uy]

Saw Sword of Doom on a whim, back when you had to go to video store to watch films. And that criterion cover caught my attention, and wow. This is easily in my top 10 films I love.

[@gringofett3944]

Sword of Doom was one of the first Samurai films I ever saw. I watched it shortly after watching Ran which made for a very sharp contrast. I then watched Yojimbo and a host of others. That would have been in the late 80's early 90's an I have been a fan ever since. I recently was so excited to find almost all of the Zatoichi films on youtube.

[@tobiasmuller8601]

one of my favorite videos on yt

[@LucasMartins-dy6no]

This movie was a trip! Nakadai and Mifune are my favorite actors, harakiri was just amazing also, seven samurai is my favorite movie.

[@Skoora]

Discovered this as well as many other great Japanese movies in the early 2000’s thanks to Scarecrow video in Seattle. Unfortunately I think they are gone now. Was a truly fantastic source of foreign movies and Anime. Found so much great anime there.

[@Progger11]

You know, it's interesting, people always say this film has unresolved plot points, but I have *never* seen it that way. The ending of the film feels complete to me. The people around Ryunosuke play their parts, but ultimately it isn't about their sense of closure; it's about Ryunosuke's arc finding its logical end. When the demons finally come back to haunt him, and when what little bit of humanity is left in him finally takes its stand against the monster that he has become. The result is his final descent into pure madness, rage, and animalistic havoc. He will not stop until he is finally cut down, which appears to be slowly happening, but on his way out he's going to take as many people with him as possible. He failed to see the sword as an extention of his own soul, and because of that, he's never going to face his true fighting equal. Because he doesn't earn that right. That final frame, where he's staring directly at us with those wild eyes, is the perfect ending. He's coming for us, and everyone in the world, until he's put down like the mad dog he has become. Nothing human is left. It's the only way the film could have ended, and I frankly wouldn't have wanted a sequel anyway. It feels right ending it there.

[@jpcinema4574]

Love your work. Keep it up

[@jacq4jet]

The low sword guard allow you to cut from low to high, often diagonally. Your shoulders and arms muscles can be completely relaxed, allowing you to go from 0 to 100 in a fraction of second. As for the glance in an empty space, it allow you to see more widely. I was told: "If you look into somebody eyes, he can take your heart."

[@TheInnacity]

what great and insightful piece

[@CorbCorbin]

Baby Cart to Hades is still my go to. He fights an entire regiment in that one!

[@Namfooodle]

Definitely one of the best samurai films ever, up there with Kurosawa's.

[@uncoveringthelost]

Very well done. Thanks for this.

[@bern1228]

One of my favorite movies. Thank you.

[@dastaanshaki3704]

Thank You for Nakaday Testuya

[@yourstrulyjohnnydollar8775]

I might watch this movie again tonight.

[@Dtzeo503]

I need to watch this movie.

[@Sicaoisdead]

He’s got a fierce look.

[@fletchkeilman2205]

Please forgive me, for i'm not trying to come across as some sort of arrogant nerd. But his name is pronounced tetsuya. Basically, at the end of his name you would just say tetsu followed by a yah sound. Just found your channel too by the way. Super cool to see that you have a love of samurai cinema. I know you probably are already doing this, but i guarantee you when you start getting into spaghetti westerns, you'll feel the same amount of love for that genre as you do samurai films. And of course, kung fu movies fit right in there as well. I'm looking on your channel to see if there are films i have not yet heard of, or have skipped over based on my own ignorance. If i see anything that i think you would do a wonderful job interviewing, i will definitely send it your way. I've made so many great friends just talking about samurai films. Keep up the wonderful work my friend. Postscript. I apologize if there are any errors in grammar and sentence structure. I am only able to dictate my comments into my phone, rather than type, because my phone is taking a poop on me. Also, and i promise this is the last thing, but if you liked this film, you will definitely enjoy a movie called kiru! It comes across as a remake of sandro and yojimbo, but it really is a parody of the entire genre. Plus, it is an engaging story, complete with twists and turns. On top of that, the sword play is top notch. This is one of those films that really flies under the radar, but once somebody does watch it, they fall in love with it.

[@n0denz]

It's so weird seeing Mifune without a beard.

[@OuterGalaxyLounge]

Back in the days of VHS video stores Sword of Doom was one of the easiest Japanese/"foreign" movies to find, since it seemed to be the one film guaranteed to be stocked in every Hollywood Video location's foreign section. I think I ended up buying a few used copies that the stores cast off and then sold them. I have it on disc now anyway.

[@souravdash3230]

the sword of doom in my opinion is one of the greatest samurai movies of all time.

[@UptownNYC]

The only reason I own Sword of Doom on Blu-ray is because in reading the liner notes of Criterion Collection's Zatoichi: The Blind Swordsman, I realized he played a samurai and they mentioned Sword of Doom as one of his best performances. I also found Lone Wolf and Cub as Tomisaburô Wakayama was also in an episode of Zatoichi. So many good actors/actresses passed thru that series. It's like a who's who of actors from that era of chanbara cinema.

[@craigory8123]

whats the song that starts playing at 1:42

[@egoborder3203]

LOVE this movie! Great video

[@vrixphillips]

omg, HE was playing Japanese Lear? I had no idea. Explains why I love Ran so much though, I

[@Toshiro_Mifune]

wait wait, color trilogy? i have no idea where can i find that???

[@joebagodonuts5468]

This is my favorite movie! Nakadai is so mesmerizing, he really makes that character one of the greatest movie psychopaths. It feels like the temperature should drop every time he enters a scene, and that finale!!! As they push him he becomes more and more violent until we see what was lurking beneath the surface all along. A crazed Bloodshedding demon! And the fact that it just ends without tying up those plot threads only adds to the nihilistic feeling. I love this movie. I could talk about it all day.

[@tmitz73]

Sword of Doom is the most Badass Samurai movie ever!!

[@flushfries5633]

Hey, Toshirô Mifune is pretty cool too

[@42kellys]

Well, he is incomparable I would change it around, hey nakadai is cool too. Because the ultimate cool is, only and always, Mifune Toshiro, a class by himself. However, Nakadai is an amazing actor who was able to come to his level.

[@Noah-im4fo]

Where did you get that cool action figure? :) Really cool video,too.

[@CinemaTyler]

Thanks! I found it on Ebay. They have figures of Sanjuro and the the Seven Samurai as well!

[@bufftheowl]

I'm currently rewatching all 25 Zatoichi films and just watched one that I'm sure had him as the badie. I think it was No18 Zatoichi Challenged.

[@alpineflauge909]

thank you

[@dornravlin]

Tatsuya Nakadai wish i could have been there

[@fredo1070]

Love this movie, the action is amazing.

[@VChong1991]

You call it art i call it insanity.

[@scooty222]

Were could I watch such a film?

[@Ayanami0001]

I adore Tatsuya Nakadai! Check out the 9 hour epic "The Human Condition"

[@kronoscamron7412]

fact : getting cut with a razor sharp blades hurts less and kills faster . lol also : the stance he uses is called gedan no kamae (lower stance) it is a counter attack stance , aka in old times as "waiting sword. "

[@franlovelsimic8421]

Literally just finished watching and god damn was it a bleak experience. Nakadai, Mifune and Shimura are all god tier actors and I think Nakadai is my favorite at the time of writing!

[@Zephirot080]

How about The Mirror or Stalker by Andrei Tarkovsky?

[@ComfortsSpecter]

“…” “Well I know where my next $30 is going” “Do you?”

[@melvynjones402]

My favorite samurai movie

[@TokyoSilver]

affidavitSUPER ! like testing wine ! Love and Create !

[@davidmartin2039]

Wish they continued with the trilogy....had to watch the satans sword trilogy as a substitute to find out what eventually happened to our samurai protoganst. But the acting by Nakadia in sword of doom is just far superior imo. Oh well, what could have been if they followed thru with this trilogy from beginning to end.

[@vicaldama9314]

Dude! One of the best!Also probably one of the earliest use a dream sequence! This movie blew my mind and makes me twist n shout!

[@ai-man212]

He reminds me of young Martin Sheen some of his facial expressions.

[@KortovElphame]

*hardest movie to find online ....it's very well peotected IP. Weird since even kurosawa films can be found on KZbin for free*

[@omenking123]

That film looks sick! 😀

[@zandanshah]

The movie was supposed to be a three parts series... only part1 made. Due to its nature, and blood Gore. That is all you get.

[@diabolic103]

Toshiro Mifune.was the Yojimbo loosely translated as bodyguard or bouncer, not Tatsuya Nakadai if my memory serves me right

[@benwhite3215]

Great flick

[@Well_Earned_Siesta]

Can anyone help me find the name of this samurai film I saw decades ago? Japanese sword fighter who’s so good and unbeatable that he becomes bored with life. A Chinese up and comer is possibly the only one who could defeat him, and he tries to take him on. In the final battle, the Japanese man cuts off the arms of the Chinese guy. Then he realizes no one will ever defeat him so he jumps off of a mountain to kill himself. Anyone know this one?

[@KazuyaTaki-ui3fv]

この迫力のある映画を作った岡本喜八監督にも注目してね

[@Pyro-Moloch]

Tatsuya, isn't he? I mean, TatsuYa. Not Tatsua. Or am I wrong?

[@TricksterDa123]

My absolute favorite actor in Japanese cinema. And, it is true: his eyes are mesmerizing. It was interesting to hear him point to John Wayne and Marlon Brando, two polar opposites if there ever were any, as influences on his own acting style. Equally as interesting was noting the contrasts in acting and fighting styles between Mifune and Nakadai when they were onscreen together. I saw them in several films opposite each other and, yes, Nakadai's characters always wound up on the wrong end of Mifune's sword. Lol.

[@ILLFilms]

This is one of a handful​ of films that I actually own.

[@Dravianpn02]

If you haven’t seen it, check out and review Izo by Miike. Great stuff.