Shogun's Samurai - The Yagyu Clan Conspiracy [DVD]

I have seen a lot of Japanese films including the Lone Wolf and Cub series, Kurosawa's epics, and many of the considered classics of the Samurai genre. I have enjoyed a lot of Sonny Chiba's work that fall more into the action genre appreciated by martial arts fans. However, there were a couple of his ninja fantasy films that I was disappointed with. It was with lowered expectations that I first saw this film which turns out to be prehaps the very best film he has appeared in. The story is compelling, the action scenes are exceptional and the film compels repeated viewings. It is a bit complex because this is more than just some samurai gore fest, rather it is a contrived tale that serves as window into a particular era of Japanese history. It is a fictional extrapolation to consider a possibility of an actual occurrence in history and the ending takes you by surprise. I have been wanting to buy this film but held out for a blu ray version rather than pay an exorbitant amount for a hard to get dvd. Be warned though, it is steeped in Japanese culture and ritual but the themes are as old as Shakespeare. For me, it compares nicely with Ran, The Seven Samurai, Yojimbo and other historical fiction films. The blu ray includes an extra that recounts the actual history which I found very useful.

The Blu-ray of this movie has not yet been released in Japan.

MUST SEE & ENJOY FIRST. ONE OF THE BEST. UNBELIEVABLE, MUST READ you must judge for yourself, but I highly recommend it. one two three four five six seven eight. nine!!

Don't understand the criticism of this movie but along with shoguns assassin & Seven Samurai it's part of my greatest collection of dvds.Probably will be part of my will.lol

one of the best sonny chiba movie the best samurai ever on bluray for the first time

Excellent movie!

Story's pretty good. I like the structure of the plot with all the twists and turns, although I wished the fight scenes were more intense and dramatic. Alot of the fight scenes were super short with one hit kills. I expected more especially towards the end. The characters for my taste were a little funky, but the film was made awhile back so I guess I can't expect too much. Overall it's not bad.

I totally enjoyed this movie. Admittedly I saw it only becasue of Toshiro Mifune however he had only a small part. Nevertheless I was not disappointed. The action, romantic angst,the conspiracy and intrigue more than mdae up for it. The battle scenes were engaging without being needlessly gory. I say this is a great film.