Sword of the Beast (1965)

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Director: Hideo Gosha

Writers: Hideo Gosha, Eizaburo Shiba

Stars: Mikijiro Hira, Go Kato, Shima Iwashita, Toshie Kimura, Kantaro Suga, Yoko Mihara, Kunie Tanaka



Made just about twenty years after the end of WWII, this samurai drama is a provocative cautionary tale about the way a code of honor based on fealty to military leaders can be manipulated by the unscrupulous men at the top. 





Eager for reform, Gennosuke (Hira Mikijiro), a rank and file samurai, is urged to assassinate a high-ranking minister, then forced to go on the run after his patron disavows knowledge of his actions. 



Pursued by the daughter of the slain man, he vows to live selfishly like a "beast" until he encounters another samurai, Yamane (Kato Go), who is working a secret gold mine with his young wife. 



Recognizing that this couple is also being used, he tries to make them aware of their peril.

 


Gosha Hideo's brief drama is a solid film with good action, fine acting, and an interesting message that shows Japan struggling with its militaristic heritage.


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