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9

MarcDoyleMay 2, 2011

The first three or four minutes had me slightly worried about how accessible this movie might be, but shortly after the introduction, it grabbed me by the throat, and I was wide-eyed and enthralled throughout. What was most welcomed, for me,The first three or four minutes had me slightly worried about how accessible this movie might be, but shortly after the introduction, it grabbed me by the throat, and I was wide-eyed and enthralled throughout. What was most welcomed, for me, was the steady strand of humor running through it. The extreme violence and cruelty at the outset, and the resultant revenge plot and execution would have been too heavy without some lighter moments, and Miike draws an excellent balance. Koji Yakusho's performance is stellar, and the "13th" Assassin is hilarious. Really solid film.… Expand

3 of 3 users found this helpful30

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10

DeadsarowJun 25, 2011

13 Assassins is enthralling, beautiful, violent, and disturbing. It takes from everyplace, adding feeling to every portion. The fights are exciting, intense, and bloody as hell. The humor is perfectly peppered in which is a refresher for the13 Assassins is enthralling, beautiful, violent, and disturbing. It takes from everyplace, adding feeling to every portion. The fights are exciting, intense, and bloody as hell. The humor is perfectly peppered in which is a refresher for the momentous and gripping action movie it is. Perfection.… Expand

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

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8

Noisy-NinjaJul 17, 2012

Great movie; watched it twice already. It's along the lines of Seven Samurai or Magnificent Seven. I always enjoy stories about the Japanese feudal culture; this one has a good story, acting, and vibrant scenes. I strongly recommend if youGreat movie; watched it twice already. It's along the lines of Seven Samurai or Magnificent Seven. I always enjoy stories about the Japanese feudal culture; this one has a good story, acting, and vibrant scenes. I strongly recommend if you are into Asian action. -- This is not your typical kung-fu in which you grow action numbed by the end of the first scene. The action is well spaced, paced, and emphasized by the interesting story throughout. --… Expand

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

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9

Orlandu84Apr 29, 2011

13 Assassins may not be a perfect movie, but it is a superb samurai flick. Solid acting, believable plot, and a tremendous action sequence make this one of the best modern samurai movies that I have ever seen. Having said that, I should also13 Assassins may not be a perfect movie, but it is a superb samurai flick. Solid acting, believable plot, and a tremendous action sequence make this one of the best modern samurai movies that I have ever seen. Having said that, I should also state quite clearly that samurai movies are not for everyone. If you don't know whether you like samurai movies, this one is a fine example of them. Takashi Miike's direction and camera work were excellent. I highly commend this movie to anyone who loves samurai, feudal Japan, or Asian action movies.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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7

wheretomaDec 17, 2011

Granted, i watched it at midnight, the only showing in our area. Still, the movie was engaging. There is a deep level of violence that will be difficult for most - think kill bill. The story however unfolds brilliantly and somehow i don'tGranted, i watched it at midnight, the only showing in our area. Still, the movie was engaging. There is a deep level of violence that will be difficult for most - think kill bill. The story however unfolds brilliantly and somehow i don't think i noticed the time pass.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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7

FiresideMay 3, 2011

This film is directed by the same director that held the reigns for the epic-tastic masterpiece, Ichi the Killer. He has done some other stuff, but it's mostly watchable garbage. This film, well it's.. meh. In short, 13 Assassin has theThis film is directed by the same director that held the reigns for the epic-tastic masterpiece, Ichi the Killer. He has done some other stuff, but it's mostly watchable garbage. This film, well it's.. meh. In short, 13 Assassin has the stank and feel of a bo-bo-fied Kurosowa film sans any real heart: this movie is missing a soul.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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7

wordy_actionsJul 21, 2011

I just finished watching the movie, and I was thoroughly impressed. The movie is brutal in its portrayal of violence and war, and the movie conveys a very strong anti-war message. For fans of samurai movies, this is a must see. While the filmI just finished watching the movie, and I was thoroughly impressed. The movie is brutal in its portrayal of violence and war, and the movie conveys a very strong anti-war message. For fans of samurai movies, this is a must see. While the film is rather slow and deliberate in the first half it brilliantly contrasts with the hectic chaos of the second half. The final battle, which lasts for about an hour, is notably impressive. The film isn't without flaws though. Only about half of the assassins are given much character, but those that do stand out are very good. The acting throughout the movie was good but not fantastic. The sets, costumes, and fights are all excellent though. If you're a fan of action movies, don't go into this expecting stylized swordplay or acrobatics. The fights are simple but vicious and kinetic, which is a refreshing change of pace from all the action movies that try to outdo each other with elaborate and complicated fights.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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9

HalfwelshmanMar 30, 2012

13 Assassins works on numerous levels, as a sumptuously rich period drama, as an action-packed historical epic, as a complex political thriller and as a moral tale of revenge and honour. The film follows a small group of samurai and ronin who13 Assassins works on numerous levels, as a sumptuously rich period drama, as an action-packed historical epic, as a complex political thriller and as a moral tale of revenge and honour. The film follows a small group of samurai and ronin who band together to bring down a diabolical, but politically untouchable warlord. The film utterly engrosses you from the very start, and you are given time to get to know and care for the protagonists, and learn about their vastly differing ways of life and views of the world, and witness the conflicts these differences create within the group. Despite their personal, social, intellectual and spiritual differences, it is hugely rewarding to watch the assassins put their grudges aside to fight together for what is right. It's a slow burner, but the narrative never plods, and you really feel like you are on the same seemingly impossible quest as the 13 assassins. Through a mixture of fantastic performances from the whole cast, stunning visuals and production design, flawless fight choreography (particularly in the extended, jaw-droppingly complex battle of the finale),Takashi Miike's masterful direction of every aspect of the film, and a perfect balance between fantasy and reality, 13 Assassins makes for a truly spellbinding viewing experience.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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10

DLUHN84Aug 22, 2011

Right away you could tell it should be taken seriously. Nothing fantastical or Hollywood about it. Very well shot and has an excellent story, as well as, enthralling dialogue. You are so invested in the story that when the action arrivesRight away you could tell it should be taken seriously. Nothing fantastical or Hollywood about it. Very well shot and has an excellent story, as well as, enthralling dialogue. You are so invested in the story that when the action arrives it seems like a bonus. The action itself is fast-paced and gritty with very little c.g.i. Once the major battle ensues it continues unwavering until a completely unique and creative ending. Easily my favorite Japanese film ever!… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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8

TyrackNov 26, 2011

Well, a really good job (artistic/casting/story..). A very good reference in this genre, and a bit of fantasy with some details. I think this is an excellent mix of Samurai movies and some manga spirit (samurai shamploo...etc). Not aWell, a really good job (artistic/casting/story..). A very good reference in this genre, and a bit of fantasy with some details. I think this is an excellent mix of Samurai movies and some manga spirit (samurai shamploo...etc). Not a revolution in this type, so 8/10, but just great. Congratulations to this team.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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9

DoctorFilmMar 31, 2016

Takashi Miike is in top slashtastic form with this samurai drama.

Set around 1844, when the feudal Shogunate still ruled Japan, the action starts with an attention-grabbing sequence showing a nobleman (Masaaki Uchino) committing hara-kari.Takashi Miike is in top slashtastic form with this samurai drama.

Set around 1844, when the feudal Shogunate still ruled Japan, the action starts with an attention-grabbing sequence showing a nobleman (Masaaki Uchino) committing hara-kari. It’s explained that his ritual suicide was sparked by shame over fact that his daughter was raped and murdered by Lord Naritsugu Matsudaira (smoothly heinous Goro Inagaki), the current Shogun’s brother, whose bloodlust — and just plain lust — seems to know no bounds.

Deciding that enough’s enough, high-ranking Shogun official Sir Doi (Mikijiro Hira) hires respected samurai Shinzaemon Shimada (Koji Yakusho, a local household name better known offshore for “Babel” and “Memoirs of a Geisha”) to assassinate Naritsugu.

Slightly draggy middle act focuses on Shinzaemon preparing a team of, natch, 13 assassins to slay the baddie and his retinue — which means the avengers will come up against Shinzaemon’s old friend, now Naritsugu’s right-hand samurai, Hanbei Kitou (Masachika Ichimura).

Some of Shinzaemon’s band of brothers are given more prominence than others, like his gambling-addicted nephew, Shinrokuro (Takayuki Yamada), and his sturdy, fiercely loyal apprentice, Hirayama (Tsuyoshi Ihara). There’s also scruffy oldster Sahara (Arata Furuta), who asks for payment upfront (if you mapped the cast of “Ocean’s Eleven” on this, he’d be Elliott Gould), and rangy non-samurai Koyata (Takayuki Yamada, providing comic relief), who couldn’t give a damn about honor but is up for a good scrap.

Pic’s last 45 minutes or so basically offers one long battle scene as Shinzaemon and Naritsugu’s posses square off in a town loaded with booby traps set by Shinzaemon’s crew to even the 200-13 odds. Heads literally roll, but considering Miike’s reputation for extreme gore, the violence is largely restrained. Swordplay throughout is gracefully executed, with Miike and editor Kenji **** striking a judicious balance between closeups and long shots. Indeed, the film’s staging makes consistent logical sense, providing a clear idea of what’s going on where and who’s who.

Most welcome of all, Miike proves here he can play it straight when he wants to, and while there’s just enough humor to leaven the proceedings (especially when things are at their grimmest, often courtesy of the deliciously, near-satanically evil Naritsugu), there’s no winking at the audience or any attempt to subvert the genre. That said, the script interjects a contempo sensibility by raising issue with the strict samurai code that calls for unconditional obedience to masters, even at the cost of what’s best for the nation. There are obvious nods to Kurosawa, but also to more contempo genre fare. Offshore auds may struggle somewhat to keep up with the earlier reels’ copious discussions of propriety and allegiance, which play such a major role in shaping events.

Terrific, character-defining costumes by Kazuhiro Sawataishi; a rousing, propulsive score by regular Miike-collaborator Koji Endo; and great, vivid sound work, especially from the pic’s Foley artists to suggest the sound of sliced flesh, round out a tip-top tech package. The version to be released in Japan will be 20 minutes longer, nearly all of it set in a bordello that’s visited the night before the battle; producers apparently felt this slowed the pic down too much, and cut it for the international version shown in Venice.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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9

BathtubTomMay 1, 2011

Best samurai movie ever? 13 Assassins just might be. The cinematography is superb, the story is solid and the acting is respectable. Takashi Miike's directing is fantastic, and the fight scenes are EPIC. Let me say ive not been a fan ofBest samurai movie ever? 13 Assassins just might be. The cinematography is superb, the story is solid and the acting is respectable. Takashi Miike's directing is fantastic, and the fight scenes are EPIC. Let me say ive not been a fan of samurai flicks.. till now.… Expand

4 of 5 users found this helpful41

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7

CanisrahJun 4, 2011

Certainly an entertaining film - and a standout in the genre of Samurai films, even if it's not up there with the very best of them. Great tension and build up to the climatic battle - but the battle itself goes for a long time, perhaps aCertainly an entertaining film - and a standout in the genre of Samurai films, even if it's not up there with the very best of them. Great tension and build up to the climatic battle - but the battle itself goes for a long time, perhaps a little too long to maintain the tension built up over the course of the narrative. Still, solid addition to the collection!… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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5

bitterblueMar 11, 2013

There is nothing special about this movie, I don't see the appeal. The main heroes are honorable and strong fighters, but none have any personality so it's impossible to feel any emotion when any of them die. The main villain is alsoThere is nothing special about this movie, I don't see the appeal. The main heroes are honorable and strong fighters, but none have any personality so it's impossible to feel any emotion when any of them die. The main villain is also one-dimensional with no personality, so there's no emotion when he dies either (and it's obvious he will die, so at least make him compelling). The production value for a Japanese film is very good, but the content is very shallow.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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1

JP_Aug 9, 2011

Terrible. The same crap that I've seen in every samurai movie, repeated step by step and image by image. If you want to see yet another Samurai movie that starts with a monster-leader doing atrocities on innocent people, so that you feelTerrible. The same crap that I've seen in every samurai movie, repeated step by step and image by image. If you want to see yet another Samurai movie that starts with a monster-leader doing atrocities on innocent people, so that you feel no torture or death is good enough for him, then progress to the little guys defeating the big guys by each of them hacking 10 people to death with simple strokes, this is the movie for you. Why not just watch Seven Samurai again? The high critical reviews for this movie astonish me.… Expand

3 of 20 users found this helpful317

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3

jon44Aug 18, 2011

I found this incredible tedious. You've seen all the action sequences before (and the ones you haven't don't come off well--flaming, low-budget, CGI warthogs, for example) and there's just not a lot of substance or real themes here. InI found this incredible tedious. You've seen all the action sequences before (and the ones you haven't don't come off well--flaming, low-budget, CGI warthogs, for example) and there's just not a lot of substance or real themes here. In fact, though the movie does question the nobility of lower status individuals sacrificing themselves for elites, it's like a typically bad action movie, where the good guys could easily have just shot a bad guy on a bridge (with perfect justification), but instead, let him go, committ hari-kari themselves (who knows why), and allow the bad guy to amass additional forces for the epic final battle....… Expand

1 of 8 users found this helpful17

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10

Lambo442Aug 22, 2011

Amazing movie. incredible build up to one of the most epic battle scenes ever committed to film. Definitely the best samurai movie I've seen. A flawless piece of cinema. Takaski Miike is a true master.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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6

wishmasterMay 10, 2011

is a brutal and bloody film, hmm but it was not the great movie because I miss and history so to say the same of the Eastern battles. Maybe it was the final battle well prepared, generally a good movie to entertain a Tuesday night =)

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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4

ivan_fukitmanSep 3, 2012

With a metascore of 80, I was expecting a something special. I got really desappointed.12 Samurai walking and slashing dozens of minions like they were not here. No suspense whatsoever, fake battles with enemies dropping like flies whileWith a metascore of 80, I was expecting a something special. I got really desappointed.12 Samurai walking and slashing dozens of minions like they were not here. No suspense whatsoever, fake battles with enemies dropping like flies while the protagonists stay unharmed(we are talking about samurai fights of one vs 20), and cheesy humour made me regret to have started to watch it. It might be a Japanese way of filming, but it's been done way better before("Zatoichi"(with Shintarō Katsu) or the "7 Samurai"( Akira Kurosawa) Have everything this movie misses : Realism...… Expand

0 of 3 users found this helpful03

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10

daviddelnorte23Aug 2, 2017

Es el remake de "Grupo Salvaje" (una de mis tres películas favoritas de siempre) es lo que decían y el principal (y suficiente) motivo para lanzarme a ver esta obra maestra porque aunque es un remake de otra película japonesa de los años 60',Es el remake de "Grupo Salvaje" (una de mis tres películas favoritas de siempre) es lo que decían y el principal (y suficiente) motivo para lanzarme a ver esta obra maestra porque aunque es un remake de otra película japonesa de los años 60', está mas que claro que la obra maestra de Sam Peckimpah es la principal fuente de inspiracion de Miike en este MAGISTRAL film. No voy a esconder el hecho que este tipo de temática en cuanto a misiones suicidas, cosas imposibles de que salgan bien, me encantan. Pero no pintado como en las epopeyas y grandes gestas, sino llevado a lo que es, algo imposible, donde uno mismo elige la manera de morir. La película ya desde el principio tiene momentos impactantes con muchos "bemoles" que rápidamente hacen intuir que esto es otra cosa. El villano es una pasada, una de las personas con menos humanidad que he visto nunca (y eso que la lista es larga). Pero la clave de la película es esa batalla final, una de las más largas que he visto, la cual es una auténtica CARNICERÍA y un baño de sangre, la cámara no rehuye nada y es bastante impactante todo. La relación entre los samurais que ya en días de paz no saben como morir de una manera noble, y se aferran para lo que viven: luchar. Es el motivo más hondo que les hace embarcarse en dicha misión. Por poner algún pero es que al estar concebida por Japoneses, en los nombres y en la materia histórica del relato te puedes perder un poco a veces, si no tienes algunos conocimientos de esta civilización, pero aquí las miradas y los rostros son los que más palabras dicen, ya que cuentan con una gran potencia visual.

En conclusión, una de las películas que más me han gustado por derivar, claramente de "Grupo Salvaje" y derivar tan DIGNAMENTE y tan FIELMENTE. Esta película es ya otro nivel y muy superior a lo que estoy viendo últimamente, no le doy un 10 por derivar de otra, aunque se lo merecería. Para mí esta es, ORO PURO.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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7

nutterjrDec 31, 2012

A film about honour, justice, zen... and one of the best battle scenes in recent memory, a combat that lasts about an hour in the 'village of death' during which time a whole army is annihilated by 13 samurai soldiers.