Samurai II: Duel at Ichijoji Temple
(1955)
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Samurai II: Duel at Ichijoji Temple
(1955)
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| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| Toshirô Mifune | ... | ||
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Koji Tsuruta | ... | |
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Mariko Okada | ... | |
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Kaoru Yachigusa | ... | |
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Michiyo Kogure | ... |
Dayu Yoshino
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Mitsuko Mito | ... |
Oko, Akemi's mother
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Akihiko Hirata | ... | |
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Daisuke Katô | ... | |
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Kuroemon Onoe | ... |
Priest Takuan
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Sachio Sakai | ... | |
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Yû Fujiki | ... |
Denshichiro Yoshioka
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Machiko Kitagawa | ... |
Kogure
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Eiko Miyoshi | ... |
Osugi, Matahachi's mother
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Eijirô Tôno | ... | |
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Kenjin Iida | ... | |
After years on the road establishing his reputation as Japan's greatest Samurai, Takezo returns to Kyoto. Otsu waits for him, yet he has come not for her but to challenge the leader of the region's finest school for Kendo. To prove his valor and skill, he walks deliberately into ambushes set up by the school's followers. While Otsu waits, Akemi also seeks him, expressing her desires directly. Meanwhile, Takezo is observed by Sasaki Kojiro, a brilliant young fighter, confident he can dethrone Takezo. After leaving Kyoto in triumph, Takezo declares his love for Otsu, but in a way that dishonors her and shames him. Once again, he leaves alone. Written by <jhailey@hotmail.com>
Although this is a samurai movie, story is far more than just sword fights. Musashi Miyamoto is perhaps the most famous swordsman in Japan. He starts from a humble beginning to become the best sword fighter in Japanese history.
Based on a novel by Eiji Yoshikawa, the second chapter of Musashi trilogy focuses on years of Musashi's development as a master swordsman. He challenges many famous fighters of his time. This included Yoshioka kendo school. Musashi defeats the headmaster there. This spawns a grudge match between the Yoshiokas and Musashi.
I've read Yoshikawa's novel before seeing the movie, and the fight sequences aren't as gritty as depicted in the novel. This is perhaps the producers intent not to portray Musashi as a mean swordsman.
This chapter also introduces Kojiro Sasaki - a master swordsman who is to become Musashi's arch rival.
You get to see young Toshiro Mifune , Kaoru Yachigusa, and Mariko Okada in their prime delivering their A list performances.
A very classy film that's worth watching.