Another Directed by Yoji Yamada!

The Hidden Blade

Japanese, English subtitles

2004, 132 Minutes

5 Stars

One of Rainy Day's all time favorite Japanese movies is The Twilight Samurai. The Hidden Blade ranks right next to it; both were directed by Yoji Yamada. This movie begins quietly, and builds as a low caste samurai must come face to face with his honor, his caste, and the woman he truly loves. Loyalty, honor, and virtue carry the day as the tension builds, and the battle must be won. The Way of the Sword shown at it's best, and most humane. This movie will appeal to both men and women. Though not one continuous sword fight, the ones there are fabulous. Dare Rainy Day say it? This is a thinking person's samurai movie;-)

 
Click here for a trailer.
Have you seen this one? What do you think? (Rainy Day has seen it twice and is considering buying it.)

You've got to be carefully taught

Shinobi: Heart Under Blade

Japanese, English subtitles

2006, 100 minutes

5 Stars

For those of you who love martial arts movies with a hint of sci-fi/fantasy, and special effects, this is a feast for the eyes! A story of 400 years of inter-clan war, forbidden love, and manipulation by the Shogun to eliminate the two warring tribes by forcing the best fighters to leave and duel to the death. Rainy Day is not a huge fan of 3D; however, because of this movie, she may have to rethink her thoughts when it comes out in 3D next year. It calls to mind the old song from South Pacific that you have to be carefully taught - to hate. And for 400 years the two ninja clans, Iga and Koga have been carefully taught to hate. Can love trump 400 years of carefully taught hate?

For those of you too young to remember South Pacific, click here for the song. 

For a trailer of the movie, click here.

To leave a comment, click below;-)

War is Never a Good Thing

Ugetsu

Japanese, English subtitles

1953, 97 minutes

5 Stars

Rainy Day does not normally care for dark films; however, when the acting and the photography combine with a well written story, she finds herself drawn into the world on the screen. Such is Ugetsu. It is the story of two peasants who desire to better their lives, and how they leave their wives alone in war-torn 16th century Japan to cope on their own as they seek instant wealth. It is, undoubtedly, one of the greatest films ever made not to mention being a masterpiece of Japanese cinema. The three 'extra' interviews are well worth watching and will give even greater insight into the film and how the surreal scenes were filmed. While the movie is dark, and somewhat magical, it has a logical end, and (spoiler alert) not everyone dies.

Click on the title for a trailer

Biopic of HH the 14th Dalai Lama

Kundun

1997, English

135 minutes

5 Stars

Rainy Day has long had an interest in the 14th Dalai Lama. She actually remembers when he escaped from Tibet, though the memories are hazy. When this movie played in theaters, Rainy Day couldn't attend and was therefore delighted to see it on Netflix the other day. Martin Scorsese directs a cast of non professional actors, including Tenzin Thuthob Tsarong, a grandnephew of His Holiness, the 14th Dalai Lama. I had hoped for stunning photography of Tibet, but the film crews were not allowed in-country, and instead filmed in Morocco. Absolutely stunning photography. This beautiful movie is well worth the time to watch. Rainy Day agrees with other reviewers, the second hour is the most engrossing, as Kundun becomes an adult, and knows he will lose his country to his 'liberating' neighbor, China. Kundun received 4 Oscar nominations, and should have won them.

Click on title for 10 minute trailer

Entertainment at it's best - Jumong!

Jumong: Vol 1

2006, 7 Discs

Korean, Excellent subtitles

5 Stars

Rainy Day never said she was the brightest bulb in the box, and getting hooked on a 4 Volume series was, well, not expected. She has finished the first 20 episodes, and now impatiently waits for Volume 2. Based on early history (and myths) of Korea it is the story of Jumong, the young man bound for greatness and glory, as the man who unites the three kingdoms of Korea. There is palace intrigue, romance, sword fights galore and the best costumes Rainy Day has ever seen in a movie.  There are 81 episodes, of which Rainy Day has seen the first 20. These episodes are some of the best entertainment out there. The subtitles are superb, up long enough to actually read, as well as watch what's going on. Make the popcorn, grab a soda, and enjoy!

Click on the title for a 5 minute Youtube trailer; google Jumong and go down to Videos for Jumong for a variety of same 

And One for the Whole Family! (not a single sword fight)

The NeverEnding Story

English

1984, 94 minutes

10 out of 5 Stars

Rainy Day watched one of her all time favorite movies, again. Although she knows the story, knows the end, she still cries a wee bit at the end, and cheers when the Luck Dragon comes. This is a story the whole family can enjoy. Rainy Day is sorry it has never won awards – it should! The sets alone are worth something, the story is charming and filled with fantasy and mystery and beauty. This movie is for the young (Netflix says 8+) and young at heart—anyone wanting an entertaining movie. True, the special effects are, well, from 1984, but the story is so involving, you really don't notice them that much. Even Paco Belle (Rainy Day's dog) enjoyed the movie. Especially Falcor, the Luck Dragon;-) It's the most entertaining 90 minutes you'll see in a long time!

trailer is linked to title above

Have you seen this movie? How many times?

The Sword of Doom

The Sword of Doom

Japanese, English subtitles

1966, 121 minutes

Tatsua Nakadai, Mifune Toshiro

5 Stars

This is not a happy movie, and unless you have a very warped sense of humor, Rainy Day suggests you pass on it. However, if you like superb acting, and are an aficionado of action photography, and don't mind a movie that explores the depths of evilness, then this is the movie for you. The mood is dark, the film severe and serious. Tatsuya Nakadai's performance as a man who is evil to the core, not because he wants he wants money or power, just because he can be, is spellbinding. Some of the absolute best swordfights Rainy Day has seen, with amazing action. Mifune Toshiro is also in the movie, and his solemn phrase, "The sword is the soul" is the key to unlocking this treasure, dark as it is.

Trailer linked to title, above