Incident at Blood Pass (1970) User Reviews

Standard period drama elevated by star studded cast (No Spoilers)

[matt-803 · 7/10 · 28 July 2007]

This film is sure to appeal to fans of its famous principle actors Toshiro Mifune (Yojimbo), Katsu Shintaro (Zatoichi) and Yujiro Ishihara (Baby Cart series). The film was the last film in director Hiroshi Inagaki's long career. It will please the fans of the jidai geki (historical period drama) more than the those looking for chambara (sword fighting flick).

The film is considered to be the last of four films featuring the 'yojimbo' (bodyguard) character or nameless samurai created for Mifune by Akira Kurosawa. The first two films, "Yojimbo" and "Sanjuro", are classics of the genre and have much more ambitious goals than the film we are considering here. The third film, the weakest offering amongst the the four, was "Zatoichi Meets Yojimbo" directed by Kihatchi Okamoto in which Toshiro Mifune does not really play the same character we are considering here and is a film which fits more comfortably into the chambara category.

This film feels much like an extension of the Japanese television 'period drama' of its day which I confess to being somewhat partial to. It is elevated by the star studded cast and their performances however it is limited by a tendency at times toward melodrama, the use of stock genre character types and what appears to be a hastily tacked on ending to provide resolution to one of the major narrative threads. It is the last element which is the most unsatisfactory and the film would probably have been better served without tying up this thread at all rather than handling it in a manner which makes it appear to be a cursory afterthought.

Still the film does have much which will satisfy fans of the genre with good performances, an interesting if complex interplay of events and an examination of human behaviour when looking at individuals placed in a high pressure situation. I have heard the film compared to Archie Mayo's "The Petrified Forest" with Leslie Howard and Humphrey Bogart. This is an apt comparison from the standpoint of the situation which the characters find themselves in.

For those solely interesting in the action elements: The film does have two interesting scenes of sword play, the first beautiful and brief, the second longer and exciting if somewhat less beautifully choreographed. It also features a ham handed fist fight near the beginning of the film which would make John Wayne appear a well schooled boxer by comparison.

But really for those looking for a blood and guts samurai flick you would be much better served by picking up something like "Sword of Doom" or something from the Zatoichi series. This is a film for fans of genre, looking for a rather standard period drama elevated by good performances by Mifune and Katsu.

It's just okay.

[planktonrules · 6/10 · 15 December 2009]

Hmmm...this is a hard film to review and perhaps the other reviewer who says this stands repeated viewings is correct, as with only one viewing I wasn't all that impressed. The biggest reason is that I had a certain expectation that was too great for even a very good film to match. Toshirô Mifune plays the "Yojimbo" (or, the Body Guard)--the same name given to his character in Akira Kurosawa's SANJURO and YOJIMBO--two of the greatest Japanese films I have ever seen. Supposedly he's the same guy in this film, but I just couldn't see that. While it was the same name and actor, it just didn't seem the same. The cleverness and comic style of this film character is gone--no finesse whatsoever. Instead of the smart and manipulative Yojimbo, Mifune instead plays a guy who mostly just stands back and watches thing happen all around him. He's just too passive and uninvolved to seem like the same guy at all.

It's a shame, really, as the film also starred Shintaro Katsu (famous for his Zatoichi character) and the combination of the two exceptional actors could have been great. Instead, the film just seems to be on hold until the last half hour--with very little occurring up until then. And, when the action did occur, the number of twists and turns and odd loyalties made the whole thing a bit confusing...and very detached. I especially had a hard time understanding Mifune's actions and attitude towards the evil Katsu. Interestingly, another film that starred both actors and was not directed by Kurosawa (ZATOICHI MEETS YOJIMBO) was also a disappointment (ZATOICHI MEETS YOJIMBO--while not a bad film, it was actually not as good as the average film in this series--and once again, you expect so much with a film supposedly starring the Yojimbo. I guess the key to both of these films is that neither had anything to do with Kurosawa! Without the famed director, you just can't say it's the same.

Passing muster...

[poe426 · 7/10 · 25 January 2012]

Like YOJIMBO and SANJURO, INCIDENT AT BLOOD PASS stars Toshiro Mifune as a ronin out to do good (though that's not really made clear until late in the going, which is okay). While the two aforementioned Kurosawa classics offer enough character and situational twists and turns to keep one guessing, INCIDENT AT BLOOD PASS is more linear and, therefore, much less engaging. It DOES boast a decent cast and some minor turns of its own, but it never quite achieves greatness. Of interest to fans of the genre is Shintaro Katsu as a villain. "Zatoichi," makes an excellent villain (he looks like a bearded Sammo Hung and, like Sammo, displays some surprising versatility). Not a bad entry, but not a world-beater, either.

Samurai drama bears repeat viewings

[gkbazalo · 16 September 2002]

Mifune and Katsu made two movies together around 1970, this one and Zatoichi vs Yojimbo, an entry in the "blind swordsman" series. This one has significantly better direction (not surprising since Inagaki is one of the best) and production values and a more interesting ensemble of characters. For fans of the Zatoichi series, its fun seeing Katsu in such a different role. Mifune plays his usual laconic yojimbo character, however, a little more serious-minded than usual. The plot structure reminded me of Petrified Forest as a diverse group of characters assemble at the remote inn run by a miserly old man together with his romantically minded granddaughter. I like this film more each time I watch it due to the eccentric characters and their interactions. Although it's not an A list film on a par with many of Kurosawa, Kobayashi or even others by Inagaki (Samurai trilogy, Chushingura) its well done and fun. Definitely recommended for fans of Mifune and samurai movies.

Japanese take on sergio?

[deng43 · 7/10 · 18 June 2007]

firstly, i did enjoy this film and would recommend it. that said i find it to be a peculiar blend. it reminds me of a spaghetti western in many ways. this isn't necessarily bad, just odd. since leone's westerns owe something to the samurai genre maybe we just see some reverse leakage. we don't get the very long peering-into-the-sweating-pores close ups, and the unusual music isn't up to morricone's standards, though it is headed that way, but there is a bridge somewhere in here that the genres have met upon more than once. a further point is that i simply find samurai films done in color to be on the edge of lurid; my own limitation i suppose. lurid can be fun.

the other oddness is that i felt part of the time as if i were watching a samurai adaptation of Agatha Christie's poirot working out the personal machinations of another sundry lot bent on the quotidian as some crime or other worked its way toward the surface of the social pool. this, too, is fine, as we seem to like the tried and true plot devices that have satisfied us previously.

as i said, i did enjoy the film; it is fun, and i don't want to put anyone off. it will get watched again at this house.

Good, but...

[arngest · 6/10 · 11 March 2010]

I agree with much of the criticisms other reviewers have mentioned, in particular that Mifune's character seems more of a disinterested spectator throughout most of the film that he probably should have been, and that the ending was on the weak side. Despite that, I thought the slow revelation of the story was intriguing. You knew SOMETHING was going on beneath the surface, and the mystery kept me watching even through the slowest moments. The layered backstabbing and betrayal behind the whole heist was a bit confusing, and the last scene was ridiculous - an afterthought that was unworthy of the rest of the film (what the heck was Crow doing wandering around in a field, anyway?). Also unsatisfying was Yojimbo's inability to admit to his feelings for Okuni - I wanted to see some character growth result from the whole experience. Still, I will take the advice of the previous reviewer who suggested the film requires more than a single viewing to appreciate it.

Beautifully Made Samurai Drama!!

[Movie-Misfit · 7/10 · 16 March 2020]

From Toho, and producer/star Toshiro Mifune, comes a beautifully made Samurai epic that continues the journey of his infamous character Yojimbo!

As per usual, with Japanese productions from this era, the sets and costumes are incredible - along with the performances from all involved. Set in the Edo period, Ambush At Blood Pass is, although far from perfect, a damn fine piece of cinema from legendary director Hiroshi Inagaki, which also happened to be his last feature as director.

Stars, Mifune and Katsu, who also starred alongside each other in the brilliant Zatoicho Vs Yojimbo - are as wonderful as always and never boring to watch. The film is full of great characters, dressed in wonderful costumes and often quite interesting, the cinematography is just amazing, and I would absolutely love to see this (if not all of Inagaki's films) restored in 4K for the ultimate viewing pleasure - as the picture quality on this Artsmagic/Warrior UK DVD release is criminal... As with most Samurai classics, there is a different pace and feel to the artistry captured on screen. From the visuals to the production design, the score to the script, it just has something that sets it apart from what others around the world were offering at the time!

While there may be better Samurai films out there, Ambush At Blood Pass 'passes' its 2 hour running time quite nicely, and holds up for repeated viewings. Although heavy on drama (compared to the Hong Kong and Taiwanese kung fu films of the 70's), it does still have some great moments of swordplay and fighting albeit in typical classic Samurai style.

Overall: A pleasure to watch, Ambush At Blood Pass is a fantastic swan-song for director Inagaki, and a must for fans of classic Samurai cinema!

Excellent chambara film, but not without its faults.

[massaster760 · 8/10 · 27 June 2007]

Treachery, betrayal, romance, and double crossings abound at a small inn at a remote pass in Inagaki Hiroshi's Incident at Blood Pass, a wonderfully constructed and suspenseful chambara classic.

Toshiro Mifune reprises his role as a wandering ronin named Yojimbo, sent on a mission to a remote mountain pass named Sanshuu Pass. His instructions are simple he is, "to go to Sanshuu pass where (he) will wait until something happens." Once there, Mifune takes up a short residence at a local inn run by Oyuki and her grandfather. One of the residents at the inn is a doctor named Gentatsu (Katsu Shintaro, in a role that's a considerable departure from his Zatoichi character) who helps the innkeepers with their daily chores. Shortly after Yojimbo arrives, an officer barges in with a prisoner named Tatsu, this event throws into action a series of events which results in more plot twists and turns than a hot bowl of Soba noodles.

Mifune and Katsu are excellent as always. Katsu's performance of Gentatsu is deliciously corrupt and ambiguously evil. Mifune is a little more reserved and serious than in Zatoichi Meets Yojimbo(Blood Pass and ZMY, are the only two films that feature both Katsu and Mifune) but is great and plays the role of a ronin like only he can. The ensemble cast is good as well from the grandfather down to Okuni (a woman Mifune saves from an abusive husband earlier on in the film). I particularly liked Kinnosuke Nakamura's power tripping dispatch officer Hiyomi who was as great as he was irritating.

Blood Pass also features some beautiful cinematography and a rousing score. There are some beautifully filmed shots of snow capped mountains and foggy forests with a buoyant orchestral score. The film also features percussion music ala a young group of villagers who are in a drum band who frequent the inn.

Although Incident at Blood Pass is a samurai film, it's not stuffed with chambara action. Most of the fun of Blood Pass comes from a hostage situation which occurs at the inn about an hour into the film. These segments are suspenseful and well directed, and are just as enjoyable as the free for all swordplay that fills the last ten minutes of the film.

Incident is a great film but not without it's faults. The first 40 minutes are paced so slow that it borders on tedium. Katsu's Gentetsu disappears from the film for about a half an hour and is sorely missed. Lastly, the final scene of the film (Don't worry I won't give it away) seems as if it was thrown in at the last second.

Bottom Line- Incident at Blood Pass has it's faults but it's strengths clearly outweigh its negatives. Highly recommended for fans of the genre but still a great film by any standards.

Hurry Up and Wait!

[masercot · 8/10 · 21 April 2012]

Like most Japanese film enthusiasts, I looked forward to this film with great antici...pation. When I finally saw it, it wasn't what I thought it would be and I wasn't disappointed.

Toshiro Mifune doesn't have to try to be charismatic...he just shows up. Even in this film, whenever Mifune was off-screen, I was anticipating his return in the back of my mind. Blood Pass didn't have much of the usual slaughter associated with the actor; but, that made the movie a bit more realistic.

Shintaro Katsu is a chameleon. I've seen the man as Zatoichi and as Hanzo the Razor and he impresses me with ability to live a part. As doctor/head-thug, he didn't get much screen time, but he didn't disappoint when he was on screen.

The rest of the cast was standard and a little dull...

But, the plot was very interesting: Go to Blood Pass and wait for something to happen. There is a tension throughout the movie because you (and Yojimbo) have no idea what he is waiting for or why. As the movie progresses, you have no idea as to the alignment of Yojimbo until he plays his hand...even then, it isn't what you expect.

Was this as good as Zatoichi? No. As good as Kurasawa-directed Mifune movies? Definitely not. But, an excellent movie and worth a watch.

Lone swordsman Toshiro Mifune faces a motley crew at a mountain inn.

[BrianDanaCamp · 21 January 2002]

INCIDENT AT BLOOD PASS (aka MACHIBUSE, 1970) is a period suspense drama set at a remote inn located at a crucial mountain pass in Tokugawa-era Japan. It takes the time-honored premise of gathering a motley cast of characters and forcing them into close quarters together as trouble brews before a major confrontation. Toshiro Mifune stars as a wandering `yojimbo' (bodyguard) who has been hired to go to this pass and wait for something to happen. Quite a number of intriguing characters show up before Mifune gets a chance to figure out what his mission is.

Shintaro Katsu (known for playing the title role of the blind swordsman in the Zatoichi series) plays an exiled doctor to whom there is more than meets the eye. A young wife whom Mifune rescued from an abusive husband gets a job at the inn and falls for Mifune. A young gambler arouses the passions of the innkeeper's pretty granddaughter. A zealous constable arrives holding a con man prisoner and proceeds to repulse everyone with his overbearing arrogance. When two of the con man's confederates come to try to free him, Mifune sides with the constable and fights and kills one while the other gets away to alert his gang. When the gang arrives that night, they hold everyone in the inn hostage and, not long afterwards, Mifune learns his true mission.

A lot of tension is generated as the characters gather, romances develop, alliances form, and the audience is kept guessing as to who's really who and what's really what. Eventually we learn that the criminal gang is waiting to rob a caravan of the Shogun's gold scheduled to come through the pass the next day and the stage is set for a major action setpiece.

The film is structured like a play, with most of the action taking place within the sprawling mountain inn where the characters all congregate. It recalls any number of Hollywood crime dramas and westerns where gangsters or outlaws hold a group of people hostage for an extended period while the hero waits for his chance to turn the tables on them. The characters here are all fascinating and well-etched and the conflicts that emerge develop naturally and believably from the volatile mix. In addition, they're all extremely well acted in a piece that's beautifully photographed and staged.

Unfortunately, the payoff for all the waiting and suspense is surprisingly weak. Fans of Mifune and samurai films routinely expect a major sword duel between the hero and his antagonist to close the film, but it never happens here. A good reason is given for averting the confrontation with Mifune's opponent (who will go unidentified so as to avoid a spoiler), but it leaves the audience hanging. The final action, when it does occur, is run through rather quickly, relegated to the simple matter of rounding up and apprehending the criminals rather than releasing any tensions or providing cathartic bursts of violence. The first 5/6 of the movie is so good that it remains worth seeing, but don't expect an action-packed finale. The film is available on tape in the U.S. in a beautiful letter-boxed transfer with English subtitles.