The Twilight Samurai (Tasogare Seibei)

The Twilight Samurai (Tasogare Seibei)

93% Liked It
liked it

The Twilight Samurai (Tasogare...

Erina Hashiguchi, Hiroshi Kanbe, Hiroyuki Sanada, Kanako Fukaura, Miki Itô, Min Tanaka, Mitsuru Fukikoshi, Nenji Kobayashi, Ren Osugi, Rie Miyazawa

A heartfelt elegy directed by Yoji Yamada, The Twilight Samurai tells the story of Seibei Iguchi (Hiroyuki Sanada), a man who has trained as a samurai and belongs to a samurai clan, but doesn't fight ...( read more  read more... )alongside them in any battles. Instead, Seibei, a recent widower, has devoted himself to caring for his two daughters and ailing mother. His reluctance to fight makes him a curiosity -- and soon lands him an assignment that could cost him his life.

Id: 4054935

Do you want to see this movie?

My Friends Said...


Recent Reviews


  • April 23, 2009
    A rather quiet film, The Twilight Samurai is a gentle, insightful, beautiful piece about a widower who works as a dull accountant for a war lord. And, oh yes, he happens to be a hell of a good swordsman when necessary. He reluctantly fights and only seeks to do exactly enough to...( read more) halt the attacks.


    All that might seem to be code words for dull, but Twilight Samurai is a fascinating, unique and thought provoking glimpse into the life of a low-ranking Samurai. Highly recommended for any fan of samurai films.
    Photobucket
  • September 10, 2008
    This Oscar nominated historical drama stars Hiroyuki Sanada as a junior samurai with far less interest in battle than caring for his young daughters and senile mother causing him to be a source of amusement to his colleagues and embarrassment to his extended family. This is a ver...( read more)y thoughtful period piece set during times of change towards the end of the feudal period of Japan's history. Hiroyuki Sanada puts in a very sensitive performance as the unwilling swordsman who is humble and selfless in his ambitions; this in fact is the crux of the story, rather than glory and action. There is in fact very little action to speak of, although the final duel is brilliantly done. It is more an elegant period drama cum love story about a man's struggle for dignity in adverse conditions and the wonderfully understated performances and direction make for a delightfully artful experience. The absence of blood and guts may disappoint those looking for an action packed hack and slasher, but those seeking something more cerebral will find plenty to enjoy. A finely made and intelligent story very much in the tradition of Kurosawa in general, and the likes of Red Beard in particular.
  • February 3, 2008
    The harsh ways of the samurai life. No glamour or heroic battles, just a man trying to survive in a very elitist society.
  • December 19, 2007
    the great underdog story. a man who should struggle between the path of glory and being a good father, he really doesnt struggle at all. fatherhood comes first for the main character much to the suprise of the other samurai. a story about a man who seems lost to all around him...( read more) but really only cares for what he loves.
  • September 30, 2007
    Ito: With a sick wife, two young daughters and an aged mother in his care, my father was unable to drink with his colleagues. He had to hurry home every evening at dusk. I was told the men he worked with gave him the cruel nickname of 'Twilight Seibei'.

    Twilight Samurai is about...( read more) a man who despite having to seemingly struggle to go on in life, is still very happy just watching his children grow up.

    Hiroyuki Sanada stars as this man, a low level samurai who has lost his wife, has a senile mother, two young daughters, and a lot of debt to pay. He spends so much time on his family and his household, that he has no time to even clean up himself or fix he holes in his kimono.

    He eventually meets with an old childhood friend of his, Ms. Tamoe, who has recently divorced her violent husband. This leads to questioning Iguchi's ways of moving on from his dead wife as well as getting some extra help around the house by remarrying. However, Iguchi is to shy of a man to easily answer these questions.

    All of this leads up to a great third act where Iguchi is obligated to kill a fellow samurai has held himself up inside his house.

    This movie works great in pretty much every way. Sanada is wonderful as 'Twilight,' along with the rest of their actors. The story is great in focusing the hardships that are his life. The movie looks and sounds great and authentic. This could have easily been made by Kurosawa back in the 50s and be no different. My favorite part of this film comes from the way the final 30 minutes play out.

    Being that this is a samurai film, it is very slow paced, with this film in particular having almost no action, but its not that kind of film. However, for the few fights that there are, they do seem like a true struggle between men.

    Very well made Japanese film, that could easily be placed with the older classics of the 50s.

    Seibei Iguchi: I am ashamed to say that over many years of hardship with two daughters, a sick wife and an aged mother, I have lost the desire to wield a sword. A serious fight, the killing of a man, requires animal ferocity and calm disregard for one's own life. I have neither of those within me now. Perhaps in a month... alone with the beasts in the hills I could get them back. But tomorrow, I am afraid, is completely impossible.
  • October 7, 2009
    One of the best samurai films ever made. Totally underrated. Deserves an Oscar (in my opinion). Best scene? Final battle between Seibei and Zenemon. Unlike other samurai films who focus on principals, wars, BUSHIDO, this film shows the true realistic portrayal of samurais in that...( read more) era. Instead of fighting wars, Seibei is fighting to feed his family with only 50 roku wage. There is some romance here and there, but I wouldn't count it as a major theme. Highly recommended for anybody who enjoys samurai flick.
  • October 1, 2009
    I liked the acting, story and characters, but what annoyed me was the cinematography at some of the scenes. It was too dark, and you didn't know who was talking or who was satnding or sitting down. I couldn't see a thing. But still, i'd like to see this again.
  • September 1, 2009
    An unassuming tale from old Japan, unfolded quietly, but with such cultural texture and warmth that I was enraptured.
  • July 2, 2009
    Unusual Samurai, artistically told tale. Brilliant acting.
  • April 15, 2009
    The Twilight Samurai is a story about a Samurai family, headed by a widower raising two daughters and his mother with Alzheimer. Not much action was captured in this film, still it shows how far Seibei has drifted from his professional vows. When he is called on to defend the ho...( read more)nor of his clan, his skill is resurrected although his heart is not in it.

    Beautifully filmed and dramatically staged, 'Twilight Samurai' will amuse, dazzle and delight you. Told from the perspective of his daughter reflecting on her life with her father, this sentimental tale will delight you with joy. I think the ending was a little abrupt for me and without a clear resolution. Maybe due to my lack of Japanese language skills it distracted me from this well-acted, set and costumed film. ( had subtitles but still)

    Tasogare Seibei" is a masterpiece from the director and writer Yoji Yamada, who is unfortunately unknown for me. I am not sure whether more of his films has been released, Im just interested in seeing more of his work.

Opening This Week

Top Box Office

Upcoming Movies

New on DVD