Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Toshirô Mifune | ... | Musashi Miyamoto (Takezo) | |
Kôji Tsuruta | ... | Kojiro Sasaki | |
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Mariko Okada | ... | Akemi |
Kaoru Yachigusa | ... | Otsu | |
Michiyo Kogure | ... | Dayu Yoshino | |
Mitsuko Mito | ... | Oko, Akemi's mother | |
Akihiko Hirata | ... | Seijuro Yoshioka | |
Daisuke Katô | ... | Toji Gion | |
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Kurôemon Onoe | ... | Priest Takuan |
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Sachio Sakai | ... | Matahachi Honiden |
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Yû Fujiki | ... | Denshichiro Yoshioka |
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Machiko Kitagawa | ... | Kogure |
Eiko Miyoshi | ... | Osugi, Matahachi's mother | |
Eijirô Tôno | ... | Baiken Shishido | |
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Kenjin Iida | ... | Jotaro |
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>
The great cast that was in Musashi Miyamoto, the first part of this samurai trilogy continues in the second part with a few additions.
By this time Musashi Miyamoto has been on the road for three years and is still learning. The most important lesson as a Samurai will not be learned until the film is almost over. Another important lesson comes quickly after that, and it will interesting to see how it plays out in the final part.
In the opening Musashi Miyamoto is doing battle with a samurai similar to our buddy Hanzo. They are the only two I have ever seen use chains.
After this he heads to Kyoto to do battle with the best in the capital, and also to get himself mixed up with the two women who are in love with him.
Love, fickleness, treachery, rape, revenge, honor, and great sword fighting all have a place in this magnificent film.
The amazing cinematography and scenery also place an important part.
This is truly a samurai classic.