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In the vein of its predecessor, the recent offering by the creators of Ghost of Tsushima, the samurai adventure game, celebrates celebrated Japanese directors through exclusive display settings. Whereas Ghost of Tsushima included solely a grayscale nod to the classic samurai films of Akira Kurosawa, the new game sees a joint effort with the cult series creator the acclaimed artist for a display option that introduces lo-fi beats. It also includes a special Miike setting that enhances gore and dirt in battles and positions the camera nearer to the fight.

Miike boasts a wide-ranging body of work, featuring works encompassing violent gangster tales, family-friendly films, and animated series brought to life. Yet, when searching for a place to start, anyone who love the samurai sword fights of the game needs to watch the director's 13 Assassins, an excellent warrior movie.

A Timeless Reimagining featuring Gripping Action

First shown in 2010, 13 Assassins is a remake of the 1963 film of identical title from director the original creator. The story centers on a group of killers who, facing overwhelming odds, embark to take down the cruel the evil ruler (acted by the talented actor) before he can entering the Shogunate Council. Various leaders fear that his promotion would lead to internal conflict due to his a trail of noble blood following him, and his familial ties to the supreme leader have protected him.

Due to Naritsugu’s actions and a gory ending, the film is not a film for those who are squeamish. It opens with a figure resisting Naritsugu’s ascent by committing seppuku, the ceremonial death by disembowelment. His cruel behavior aren’t just alluded to by supporting roles, they are depicted. He fires arrows at defenseless servants, and rapes a woman prior to killing her spouse.

The assassins have good reason, without a doubt.

The warrior Shimada Shinzaemon (played by the renowned actor) is assigned killing the antagonist. A large part of the opening acts of the film is dedicated to detailing the danger he poses as the assassin gathers companions. The group then travel to a location where they can ambush Naritsugu (fending off enemies on the route). When they reach, Takashi hits his stride.

The Grand Finale and Clear Action Sequences

The climax shows why 13 Assassins has become such a cherished Japanese epic. The assassins do not simply hide for the lord to deliver himself their blades. Facing 200 with only 13, and need to employ every trick to overcome Naritsugu’s forces. In particular, converting the entire town of Ochiai into a trap. (Thankfully, the residents, who thankfully flee and stay out of the violence.) The setting is used as a tool; the group construct numerous snares and barriers that could inspire the Home Alone character impressed, employing every strategy to get the edge in the battle to come.

That battle is amazing — and easy to follow. Viewers avoid the shaky cam of a Bourne film muddying up the scenes, or straightforward moments using a million cuts. Rather, wide shots and superb fight planning leave no room for hard-to-follow action, turning an already exciting extended battle sequence all the better. The fighting is consistently understandable, despite numerous foes pounce on (and fall to) one fighter in an arena of swords, for example.

The Reasons 13 Assassins Is Impactful

Returning to this classic, viewers notice why Sucker Punch associates enhanced violence with Miike; the characters are drenched in it. No one escapes untouched, and the survivors when it's over are soiled by the dirt and blood. It also feels very realistic, with limited digital effects employed only for detonations around town. The authenticity of the attire, scenery, and fight scenes give 13 Assassins an almost enduring quality; though it's been years by now, and appears as if it could have been released just now.

Whenever Ghost of Yōtei users want to rest from playing warrior combat and only desire to view plenty of samurai action, it's wise to check out this film. Takashi's action movie matches ideally with the experience, and is essential viewing for every devotee of Japanese cinema.