The content has been summarized by others. For the person who has not seen these films, the summary cannot convey the content of these 3 films.In short, the story of perhaps the greatest master of Japanese sword skill ever, a historical/almost mythical figure from 1600 feudal Japan.
The 3 movies tell of his evolution from a young hot head with exceptional ability, to a master of both his martial art and of life from a Japanese Shinto perspective.
These films are full of Japanese culture and mentality.
The actors are spell binding.
The fight sceens are believable and of the highest standard. (No, the actors cannot walk up walls!!! and fly through the air!!!).
The story for me, was and is deeply moving.
Do not misunderstand, my insight and identification does not parallel that of the main character, but it is a story which has become part of me.
I do not know if this will appeal to every one.
It is in Japanese with subtitles.
Some parts of the film become slow.
Nonetheless, for me, this is a masterpiece and one of my all time favorites.
It is timeless.
Several years have goneby and Musashi Miyamoto has emerged invincible in over SIXTY duels. Interestingly enough, one sees no pride or ambition in Musashi's manner. He turns down job offers from important lords, including the Shogun's martial arts teacher. In the meantime, Kojiro Sasaki (Koji Tsuruta) regrets the little recognition he has so far received, and seeks to duel Musashi and attain immortal fame.
Otsu (the beautiful Kaoru Yachigusa), the quintessence of loyalty, has fervently sought to see Musashi once again, having parted unwillingly in Part II. In like manner, Akemi (charming Mariko Okada) maintains hope of seeing Musashi, having through a tragic turn of events wound up as a courtesan in a geisha house. Yet both women defy their seeming fates and separately seek Musashi, a testament to the power of love. Musashi himself has not forgotten his love for Otsu, expressed in his Kwannon statuettes made in her likeness. In a poignant paradox, Musashi escapes fame and the follies of this world as a farmer, having once been in that position and dreaming of fame.
In the meantime, Kojiro's skill is finally recognized and he comes under the employ of the Shogun.
The romance between Musashi and the two women is tragically resolved, and a battle between Musashi and a group of bandits proves very costly. Yet Kensei maintains his poise and graciously accepts Kojiro's challenge to a DUEL AT GANTRYU ISLAND. The perfection of Musashi's technique evident in the fact that he carves an oar into a sword on the trip to the island, using wood against the steel of the deadly Swallow Cut. ONE OF THE MOST MOMENTOUS SCENES IN JAPANESE MOTION PICTURE HISTORY.
Hiroshi Inagaki once more deliviers a beautifully directed and cinematographed motion picture. The color is surely the finest in the trilogy, in particular the opening sequence with Kojiro amidst the waterfall and rainbow, and the duel at dawn with its stunning red and gold -Atsushi Yasumoto's photography is brilliant.Ikuma Dan's score is less triumphant and more peaceful and contemplative (though no less dramatic). The pacing is more deliberate, but the strong characters and riveting storyline more than compensate.
This duel establishes MUSASHI MIYAMOTO as the Greatest Swordsman in History. After this battle, he no longer uses real swords in combat, only wooden ones. He goes on to write A BOOK OF FIVE RINGS (a must-have), "A guide for men who want to learn strategy," required reading for kendo students and Japanese businessmen to this day. Musashi Miyamoto Kensei represents the ability in all of us to attain perfect understanding.
Buy The Samurai Trilogy (The Criterion Collection) (1956) Now
While I don't think these films are quite up to the level of the other great Japanese samurai films of the 1950s (such as Sansho the Bailiff & Seven Samurai), the really great things about the Samurai Trilogy for me were in the marvelous use of natural surroundings, the attractive Japanese leading ladies, and above all being able to see Toshiro Mifune starring in color.Regarding the DVD transfer, let me first say that I am a frugal guy who does not think that any DVD, however good the transfer, is ever worth 30 bucks. That said, I don't know what all the fuss is about over the image quality on these disks. The film was not released in widescreen so the full-screen image is correct. The only scenes which are perhaps too dark are in the end of the second film, because it was filmed that way originally! The VHS is even darker as far as I could tell. I have 20/40 vision, yet I had absolutely no problem reading the subtitles ever in any of the three films. The image quality in general is not Jeanne d'Arc but it certainly never came close to impairing my ability to enjoy the films. Finally, there are no special features beyond theatrical trailers on any of the DVDs, but the three-pack is also priced cheaper than any other Criterion issues (less than $20/disc) so why complain!
Read Best Reviews of The Samurai Trilogy (The Criterion Collection) (1956) Here
Blu-ray picture is simply amazing, especially considering this film is almost 60 yrs old. Many scenes are so crystal-clear and detailed you truly feel like you're actually there as an observer instead of watching a film. Detail is razor-sharp; you can see intricate fabric textures and very fine face details in closeup shots. In carefully-lit interior scenes, color is rich but not over-saturated; outdoor scenes are good but not quite as vibrant. Insert says "These new high-definition digital transfers were created on a Spirit Datacine from 35mm low-contrast prints struck from the original camera negatives." Also color fluctuations, scratches, splices, jitter, flicker, etc. were corrected.Highly recommended definitely a big step up from the DVD version.
Want The Samurai Trilogy (The Criterion Collection) (1956) Discount?
The main thing missing is the much anticipated commentary track. I got so used to Seven Samurai, Yojimbo, and others that I got spoiled with. I know this is not a Kurosawa masterpiece but it's still a masterpiece on its own. Wish they had a commentary track with Stephen Prince. Anyways...for each of the 3 films, William Wilson, gives the historical info on the real Musashi Miyamoto and how it relates to the film where many parts are fictitious for entertainment purposes and you'll find them in the "supplements" section.They put the 2 bluray discs on one spindle which is divided top and bottom and the booklet on the left side on a single bluray case. I have a slight gripe about this set up. First, the films can't be sold separately because 2 movies are on 1 50gb bluray dual layer and the 3rd movie is on the 2nd bluray 25gb single layer. So, wanting a collector's item goes right out the door due to not having individualized packaging just like Yojimbo and Sanjuro.
The films are in it's original 1.33:1 aspect ratio at 1080p HD and amazon's listing at 1.77:1 is incorrect. When viewing on your widescreen TV, you'll see 2 black bars to the sides just like Seven Samurai. The picture quality is definitely leaps and bounds superior to that of the 2004 criterion DVD release. The colors are vibrant and the contrast is maxed out. Almost feels like I'm watching something new entirely. Some might be turned off by the heavy grain quality but keep in mind this film is old. In todays standards with recent films, the grainy quality would be unacceptable. Audio has been improved as well with a noticeable higher Mhz monaural. If you're watching on a 120Hz or 240Hz refresh rate TV, go ahead and turn them off, it gets distracting with the blurriness of movements.
Recommended.
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