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Not rated. () |
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(1824) |
2039 |
13610 |
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(1196) |
1337 |
8925 |
Male |
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702 |
4685 |
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Plot:
An honest, low-ranking samurai, Munezo Katagiri finds himself buffeted by the confusion of old and new in mid-19thcentury Japan. Facing outside pressure, the Shogunate is trying to open Japan to the W...( read more 
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Recent Reviews
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MCT:September 4, 2008
Director Yoji Yamada has been writing and directing films since the 1960s, so it is no surprise at how much recognition The Hidden Blade receives in its home country of Japan.
Let me get this out of the way. At first glance this movie is deceiving. The title is actually an appropriate one with the way the film plays out, but at the same time it makes the film seem like it is all about Samurai and swords. This film is all about Samurai, but it isn't all about the swords. This is not an action adventure by any means.
A good portion of the first half seems unnecessary, but it all falls into place as the movie progresses. I will also say that it progresses 10 minutes past the 2 hour mark, but this slow pace does wonders for the story, which feels like a film from the 1980s or early 90s. It doesn't look like a film from 2004. You really get a chance to understand all the major characters and their relationships. Even with the serious story, Yamada finds the time to insert really small chunks of comedic scenes that are HILARIOUS. It doesn't feel out of place either.
The action. There is a small duel near the end of the film and that is it. The camerawork is great, but the swordplay, while realistic, is a little bland. Don't watch this if you are expecting Samurai swordplay.
The acting is as good as the story. Masatoshi Nagase carries the film and the beautiful actresses are pleasant to watch.
The Hidden Blade is a bunch of great action sequences away from being a Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, but this is worth the watch if you like good dramatic stories.
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MCT:March 13, 2008I typical film about the honor of samurais. However, the director manages to take care of almost every little detail to ensure the movie is as interesting as it can be. I am quite disappointed that the average for this movie is so low. I believe it may be because more expect alot of fighting and the result is very little of that. So, for those that have yet to watch this ... dont expect this to be an action movie but rather a drama movie. That way, you will not be disappointed.
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MCT:December 19, 2007fantastic film. winner of 12 japanese academy awards, this one has a great ending. not as good as the film yomada made right before this one, but a great flick with a deeper story than many samurai films.
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MCT:October 1, 2007Saw this some months ago, I don't know what, but the way the shots were done, more than the story, was just intriguing. The story wasn't entirely brilliant, but the main character was fascinating as hell.
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MCT:August 19, 2007Samurais are pretty sweet. I really liked the clash between Eastern and Western culture. Overall an entertaining movie complete with an awkward love scene at the end.
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MCT:July 6, 2007
Not much action in this samurai movie. I felt it is too long and its quite hard to capture my attention.
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MCT:May 3, 2007
Ahhh... this movie i like it too (already got the DVD of this movie).
I remembered when Munezo slashed off his 'old friend's' arm, pretty gruesome and scary with the amazing technique that he already learned from one of the sensei (oops sorry for the spoilers).
Not only that this movie also got romances in it too. I recommended for those who like the Samurai/ Bushido. -
MCT:April 10, 2007
Not what I was expecting but I enjoyed this. It was funny, you felt for the characters and the story was good.
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MCT:February 19, 2007
A samurai movie with a (sort of) happy ending. More of a love story than a sword swinger but some really good performances.
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MCT:January 31, 2007
At first glance I was fixated on the look of the Samuri. Then, on second fixation, I gave up any other representations of the Samuri that I have seen. Embracing the film, I really fell in love with what I feel was an accurate potrayal of the Samuri, the Geisha, Retainers, Code, Honour, "the ritual suicide", and among others the clothing and village atmosphere. Nothing seamed so over the top, except the Retainers. Katagiri was such a warm charcter as was his love Kie. Without dramitizing the fact of artillery, enough emphasis was dealt to the fact of how meaningless life is with guns and ammo. There is no discusion, no code, no honour, just a distance of communication, resulting in one after thought, that being death. As will most kung-fu historians, the hidden blade was something to look forward to. Here, our Hero, Katagiri, shows there is only death to see in the Hidden Blade, there is no skill to learn. Drawing on Kie, the love in this film ( also I might add that the intro, and use of Kie's sister was magical), we see that being a homemaker is not dishonour, nor nothing against feminism. Yes there was the Geisha in the film, but they were denounced with their insignificance towards an honorable showdown, and the love a wife had towards her then "criminal" husband. The Geisha simply laughed, knowing nothing of real love nor loyalty. In closing I will say the Hidden Blade very much surprised me because of their truth to the story and period. I would reccomend this to any 4th grade elementary class for historical bearing. I saw Sparticus, in that grade for my first ever film. I truly believe the Hidden Blade can be of such importance when learning Asiatic philosophy and lifestyle.
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MCT:October 15, 2006I am soo pissed, we didnt get this at my store and its supposed to be great. Now I am gonna have to buy a copy and I hate buying movies before I see them.
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MCT:September 15, 2006
This show, to me is rather interesting. Like the title itself, many parts or pieces of the movie is hidden with gems that you have to uncover..
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MCT:September 3, 2006
I can honestly say, that Hidden Blade is one of the most "japanese" a modern japanese film can offer. Hidden Blade is not an action flick. This is a modern classical samurai movie. In this effect it succeeds, effectively portraying the life of a samurai and his honor amidst a decadent and unforgiving world. Highly recommended for samurai fans and as a source material for L5R.
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MCT:August 11, 2006
Already on my Netflix queue. The Japanese movies I see never disappoint me. Especially historical types.
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MCT:July 27, 2006
Stately, nuanced and sensitive. Themes of honor, love and responsibility are weaved beautifully. Unbearable tension ends in a quick burst of violence, and you realize you've seen a gem of a film.
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MCT:June 24, 2006
im on the fence with this one cause all the actors are asian im not being rasist its just tht i dont know any asain actores beside jackie chan lol
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MCT:June 23, 2006
I don't know- it could be a really good movie (like Memoirs of a Geisha) or it could be really bad since it's not mainstream. I dunno it'd be interesting to see it.
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MCT:June 21, 2006
Sounds like the type of movie I like. Conflict between new and tradition and dealing with change and all it entails
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MCT:June 19, 2006they are mocking the japanese by putting the people purple and green. unless they are supposed to be purple and green.....
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MCT:June 18, 2006
as long as it has some actual samurai fighting in it, otherwise its just mayb another japanese historical drama
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MCT:June 11, 2006
this looks like one of those movies where they are japanese and move their mouths in japanese while in the background they explain what's happening in english. boring.
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