East Meets West

Audience Reviews

View All (2) audience reviews

Audience Member This film is about a roving, self appointed, Yakuza who has determined that revenge is the best way to make a living. He gets paid to help others get their vengeance. I know, sounds serious right? Well, it absolutely is not. The roving Yakuza, Sukeroku Sukedachiya, is hilariously inept, yet also talented in the manner of the "wise-fool" of fairytales. On his way back home to his former village to visit his mother's grave, our hero comes upon a chance to get some vengeance of his own. Sukeroku, played charmingly by Hiroyuki Sanada (真田広之), is acrobatic, silly, and charismatic, despite being a bit dim in several ways. He's actually a fine strategist, and it is just fun to watch him plotting and scheming, always with a winning and mischievous smile on his face. The supporting cast of the film plays it to the hilt, most of the characters being downright lovable, unless they are of the villain variety, in which case it is terribly fun to dislike them, and there is no guilt involved when the audience enjoys watching them get their come-uppance. There is also a surprisingly emotional and sweet side to the film, when a Ronin, Umetaro Katakura, who the police intend to hunt down, takes up their challenge. The character, beautifully and under-statedly played by Tatsuya Nakadai (仲代達矢), is dignified and heart-wrenching. If you are looking for a fun movie with some good swordplay, fun hide-and-chase scenes, and charming characters, this is a good one to pick. It will be difficult to find with subtitles, and the film is entirely in Japanese. I have not seen a dubbed or subtitled version, but I have to say, I felt that the acting in the film, along with the lighthearted and silly nature of the story itself was incredibly easy to follow, even without dubbing or subtitles. Are you feeling adventurous? Go for it. I highly recommend. Rated 4.5/5 Stars •  Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 01/23/23 Full Review Audience Member Not perfect, but funn(ier) take on Red Sun theme from the other side of the ocean. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 01/28/23 Full Review Read all reviews

East Meets West

My Rating

Read More Read Less POST RATING WRITE A REVIEW EDIT REVIEW