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Similar to the first installment, the recent production from Sucker Punch Productions, the action title, honors celebrated Japanese filmmakers by means of exclusive display settings. Whereas the initial game had solely a monochrome tribute to the timeless cinema of the legendary director, the sequel sees a joint effort with Samurai Champloo creator Shinichirō Watanabe for a display option that incorporates relaxing rhythms. Additionally, it offers a Takashi Miike Mode that enhances gore and dirt in combat and puts the perspective closer to the action.

The director is known for a wide-ranging collection of films, featuring works covering bloody yakuza epics, kids’ movies, and animated series brought to life. However, for those seeking a entry point, fans appreciating the sword combat of this title needs to see Takashi's the samurai epic, an excellent samurai flick.

A Timeless Reimagining including Gripping Thrills

Debuted in 2010, the movie is a remake of the classic of similar name from director Eiichi Kudo. It follows a band of warriors who, vastly outnumbered, embark to eliminate the cruel the villainous noble (acted by Goro Inagaki) to prevent him from joining the government assembly. Different nobles fear that Naritsugu rising to power would cause civil war since he has created a legacy of aristocratic deaths behind him, while his family connections to the ruler have left him unpunished.

Due to his cruelty and a gory ending, this movie is hardly a flick for sensitive viewers. It begins with a character resisting Naritsugu’s ascent by performing ritual suicide, the ceremonial death by cutting the stomach. The villain's brutality go beyond mentions by the cast, they are depicted. He aims bows at defenseless servants, and rapes a woman prior to beheading her husband.

The heroes have good reason, certainly.

The samurai Shimada Shinzaemon (played by the renowned actor) takes on the mission of taking out the antagonist. A large part of the initial segment of this story focuses on showing Naritsugu’s threat while the hero finds supporters. The group journey to a town where they set a snare for Naritsugu (fending off enemies along the way). After their arrival, the director ramps up the action.

The Spectacular Climax featuring Clear Fight Scenes

The ending demonstrates why the film stands as such a popular warrior movie. Shinzaemon and his allies do not simply hide for the lord to come to their weapons. They’re 13 against 200, and must utilize everything at their disposal to defeat the enemy army. Specifically, transforming the entire town of the place against him. (The people, who thankfully flee and avoid being involved of the bloodshed.) The location turns into an advantage; the assassins build numerous snares and barriers that could inspire the fictional hero jealous, using all means to get the edge in the upcoming fight.

That battle is spectacular — and easy to follow. You won’t find the unsteady footage of modern action movies obscuring the scenes, or straightforward moments needing too many edits. Rather, broad views and excellent choreography leave no room for visual confusion, turning an already exciting prolonged conflict more enjoyable. The fighting is always clear, even as numerous foes attack (and are slaughtered by) one fighter in a field of katanas, to illustrate.

The Reasons The Movie Remains Relevant

Returning to this classic, you can see why the developers connects enhanced violence with the director; the combatants become covered in the elements. Not a single person emerges unharmed, and those left standing when it's over are soiled by the grime of battle. Plus, it appears very authentic, with limited digital effects employed only for detonations in the setting. The authenticity of the outfits, scenery, and fight scenes provide this film a certain timeless feel; it’s 15 years old currently, but seems it might have come out last week.

When players fans take a pause from engaging in samurai action and simply prefer to see plenty of warrior battles, they should view 13 Assassins. The director's samurai flick complements excellently with the experience, and is a must watch for every devotee of samurai stories.