A cinematic showcase for Kurosawa, and the legendary Toshiro Mifune
Not too long ago, Criterion offered up a 4K re-release of Seven Samurai, a landmark of cinema not just as a standalone feature, but through it’s impact and resonance across the medium since its release. A standout is the character Kikuchiyo (the legendary Toshiro Mifune) who after his own poor beginnings and eventual suspect presentation as a warrior, added layers and complexity to the film’s juxtaposition of the peasant class and the prestige and pomp of the samurai, two different groups shakily united against the band of raiders that threaten a village. This incredible performance, and masterwork of filmmaking led to Kurosawa and Mifune combine their talents to craft a new character and again revisit Japanese history with Yojimbo, and it’s sequel Sanjuro, both combine for the latest 4K release from the Criterion Collection.
YOJIMBO
The 50s and 60s were a golden age of the Western genre. Glimpsing this untamed frontier inspired Kurosawa to funnel the scope and grandeur into films that charted the history of his homeland. The danger and vibrancy of the wild-west aligning to the feudal period in Japan, the code of the Samurai taking the place of the cowboy. More than just steeping these tales in history, he sought to chronicle the shifts in society and conflicts in culture as current day Japan progressed into the modern age.
This is achieved through Sanjuro (Mifune), a skilled warrior who uses his wits to rally people to a righteous cause and unite against their oppressors and exploiters. At first glance, the problem seems to be a number of petty thugs and crooks, but there are people in power who are lining their own pockets and pitting those beneath them against each other to serve their own ambitions. The creep of capitalist culture raising its head in feudal Japan.
These themes of economic and social status play well against elements of humor and action. The latter brought to life with some dynamic camerawork and compositions. Kurosawa uses locations as well as camera placement to tell us about this time and place, as well as it’s peoples. It’s easy to see why some consider Yojimbo to at least match the Seven Samurai in terms of technical prowess as the conflicts come to a head for some thrilling action, enlivened by a barnstorming score from Satô Masaru. Mifune crafts a new icon with Sanjuro, with a vibe and attitude you can easily admire. A compelling mix of charisma and rugged physicality, which contrasts to his silky movement and maneuvering.
SANJURO
Sanjuro followed up the story just over a year later, and serves as a complement and counterpoint to Yojimbo. Our hero has become a weary soul, and is enlisted by a young group of inexperience samurai to stamp out corruptive elements within their ranks. Elder members of the clan look to blame 9 of their own recruits for their own misdeeds and plotting. It’s a familiar tale of those on the lowest rungs of the ladder being downtrodden and abused for those above. Yojimbo, now somewhat mellowed by age, takes these youths under his wing and gives them a timely reminder of work ethic and the warrior code to help them get out of the situation.
Sanjuro tilts more comedic than it’s predecessor, teaming up an older man with a bunch of young, precocious samurai. But it still scrutinizes aspects of societal change, targeting political corruption, capitalist creep, and also the importance of how a new generation needs to aspire to be worthy of status. While lighter in tone, the action sequences do feel a step above the already impressive feats seen in in Yojimbo, and that keen Kurosawa eye is evident in every frame.
The Package
The two films are each housed in their own plastic case, combined together in a card slipcover. Each of the paired releases includes a 4K disc, and a Blu-ray version which hosts most of the extra features. Like the previous Seven Samurai release, this is a pristine presentation of both films. The monochromatic nature of the film shows off the large range and dynamism of the blacks and whites, and accompanying contrast of image. This supports superb levels of detail and depth of image. It’s a very textured, inviting image that retains an authentic grain for that cinematic feel. Extra features include:
- Audio commentaries by Kurosawa scholar Stephen Prince: The author of one of the foremost works on the director contributes two commentaries, each is steeped in well-researched information, cultural context, technical analysis, and an enduring appreciation of Kurosawa. A very polished and prepared addition
- Documentaries on the making of Yojimbo and Sanjuro, created as part of the Toho Masterworks series Akira Kurosawa: It Is Wonderful to Create: Each is a fine if formulaic making of featurette
- Teasers and trailers
- Stills galleries of behind-the-scenes photos
- Booklet Liner: Containing essays by film writers Alexander Sesonske and Michael Sragow and comments from Kurosawa and members of his casts and crews. There are great reads alongside a series of stills, and information about the films restoration
The Bottom Line
Criterion’s latest treatment of Yojimbo/Sanjuro is a worthy one indeed. A superb 4K presentation of this Samurai pairing. Extra features feel a little light, considering this is a dual package, but the commentaries from Price offers great stuff for the Kurosawa obsessive.
Yojimbo/Sanjuro is available on 4K-UHD via Criterion now
