Sanjuro Review- By Michael Carlisle

Title: Sanjuro
Year: 1963
Director: Akira Kurosawa
Country: Japan
Language: Japanese

A companion piece for Akira Kurosawa's Yojimbo (1962), Sanjuro is not as acclaimed nor as well-made a picture, but it certainly is worth watching and is criminally underrated by critics and cinephiles alike. Kurosawa's fable about a strong and savy outlaw samurai was turned into another vehicle for legendary Japanese actor Toshiro Mifune, arguably the picture would have failed without him. The intensity he brings to his character is unmatched and could not have been mimicked by any other. 

Toshiro Mifune stars as Sanjuro, a crafty samurai who helps a young man and his fellow clansmen save his uncle, who has been framed and imprisoned by a corrupt superintendent.

Kurosawa's picture is a journey into the psychology of leadership. Sanjuro is able to lead men because he appears to be confident, regardless of if he actually feels that way. This is because the average soldier is a frightened herd animal, neither good nor evil, but acting in cowardice rather than morality. Sanjuro's very presence subjugates grown men, the same way grown men's presence subjugates little boys. Sanjuro is a calm cat with direction, whereas his men are barking dogs without direction. 

The abstract framing of each glorious shot removes the predictability of each scene, and makes Kurosawa's film seem like it is a free-for-all, an environment in which anything is possible and anything can happen. It is a fun film to watch, full of frantic energy and well choreographed sword-play. It lacks Yojimbo's wit, but it hits the jugular in terms of shock and suspense. His final showdown demonstrates the pure horror of senseless war.

In conclusion, though Samurai duels are shocking spectacles, Kurosawa's eye makes the combat look beautiful. Kurosawa and Mifune's film partnership has created a considerable amount of classics, Sanjuro certainly being one of them. It might not have much replay value, but it's certainly a must-see if you are a fan of Japanese Cinema. 3.5/5