Goyokin [DVD]

BY ALL MEANS, RENT THIS FILM! But, for the truly discriminating viewer of jidaigeki*, might I suggest that viewers hold out for a better DVD version to purchase -- one with superior English translation compared to this DVD by Media-Blasters/Tokyo Shock. Otherwise, the movie itself well merits five stars."Goyokin" is a subtle, utterly compelling work. Superb direction (action sequences and mise-en-scène composition), acting (including the great Tatsuya Nakadai), writing, and cinematography do ample justice to this deceptively straightforward, yet culturally and thematically complex, drama.Devotees of this remarkable yet undeservedly obscure film have waited decades for a quality print, and for years a DVD version. What a disappointment, then, this version -- the only saving grace of which IS the print, which thankfully retains the film's impressive cinematography.Julia Rose's translation, though technically serviceable, is at times wincingly glib for such a mature, understated work as "Goyokin." (Accountability should also rest with the DVD's translation manager Anna Yamamoto.)The translation often fails to grasp the suggestive nuances and complexities of the Japanese people, their language, history, and culture. This film demands not only a command of all these elements, but a mastery of English as well, in order to convey traditional Japanese refinement to an English-speaking audience. That is to say, a depth of sophistication worthy of the film's artistry.Fine and noteworthy motion pictures merit long life in a loyal and dedicated audience, who deserve to see them exactly as their creators envisioned in the final cut. In this case, I hope fans of "Goyokin" will one day be rewarded with an alternative DVD version, one with a finesse of translation equal to the level of this exceptional classic.Despite this criticism -- and as other fans have already commented here -- I'm sincerely grateful that this treasure of a movie can now be seen by a wider viewing public. I'd like to think Ms. Rose gave it her best shot, but Gosha's "Goyokin" deserves better.* Period films that typically, but not exclusively, focus on the Edo period of Japanese history, from 1603 to 1868.

"Goyokin" is probably one of the least-known of the samurai films from Japan. That's a pity, because it is also, arguably, one of the best ever made of that genre. Released in 1969, the film had a limited release in the US, and then languished in storage due to legal matters.The story focuses on Wakizaka Magobei (Nakadai Tatsuya), a samurai who returns to face the clan that he'd left meany years before. A subterfuge, performed to steal the official gold of the title; a massacre, done to eliminate any convenient witnesses or informants. All create the psychological tension that forms the drama surrounding Nakadai. The director, Gosha pits clan loyalty against morality, or doing what is right. In this respect, Gosha is similar to Masaki Kobayashi, who explored similar themes in "Harakiri," (also starring Nakadai) as well as his "Human Condition" trilogy.Several other folk have mentioned that this film reminds them of the spaghetti westerns of Sergio Leone. That observation isn't so far-fetched. This film was copied and made into a forgettable Hollywood western: "The Master Gunfighter," with Tom Laughlin, of "Billy Jack" fame. Think of it as Cowboys with Swords.An intelligent script, superb direction, outstanding cinematography ("Goyokin" was the first film in Japan to be filmed in Panavision) and the excellent acting of Nakadai. The climactic duel in the snow, with Nakadai and Nakamura Kinnosuke as the clan head (his brother-in-law), is visually stunning.Hopefully, the re-release of this film will allow a wider audience to appreciate it.

I once suffered through “The Master Gunfighter,” which I consider one of the most dreadful Westerns ever inflicted on the viewing public. Memories of that movie almost spoiled my enjoyment of “Goyokin.” The awful Western was based on this excellent movie. “Goyokin” was advertised as a story of revenge, which it most definitely is not. It is a story of atonement. A Samurai unwillingly becomes a party to a horrific crime, abandons his clan, and spends years grieving over the fact that he did nothing to prevent it. He learns that his former lord is preparing to repeat the crime, and he decides to stop it. The final duel alone is worth the price of the DVD.

DVD Review: "WAAAAAAAAAAH! They replaced the word blade with sword." The subtitles are fine. I think these people have a stick up their a$$ because the English subs have this "American slang" even though these words in the subs as opposed to the actually Japanese translation are of the same definition. Sheesh! Anyways, PERFECT DVD!!Movie Review: Some slaughter occurred in some village and this Yakuza is mad about it and plans on revitalizing their clan by waiting for a boat and some ronin hates it. The end. I don't explain stories well. Anyways, this is a really good movie will a good story, good characters, and some wonderful samurai action.Conclusion: 5 stars for the DVD and 4 for the movie.

Great samurai flick. This is one of my favorite samurai films because it's fast paced, has great action and a great plot, the acting is incredible, and it's fun. Some samurai movies are good, but, after seeing once you don't feel the need to watch again. I can imagine watching this multiple times and showing it to a friend sometime. No, it's not Kurosawa, but, it doesn't have to be.

I love Tatsuya Nakadai. This is not my favorite of his films, but it's good. Gosha's movies tend to be a little darker than some other samurai films. There's often not a clear line between the good guys and the bad guys.

This is a great samurai action film! It's a great morality tale and it's greatly directed. The plot moves along very fast so at times it's hard to follow, but if followed, it is greatly put together, The action is definitely the best part of this film, which includes great sword fights. The cinematography is great!

Very good!

MARVELLOUS MOVIE.VERY BAD VIDEO RECORDING: DIRTY (A GLUE ?) SURFACE - UNABLE TO CLEAN; CAN BE PLAYED (STILL BY FITS AND STARTS) IN HIGH QUALITY DVD PLAYERS ONLY.BAD PACKING - A DISK NOT ARRESTED SO A LOT OF SCRATCHES MADE DURING THE TRANSIT.