Sanjuro (DVD, 1999, Criterion Collection)

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Description

A sequel to YOJIMBO, SANJURO features Toshirô Mifune reprising his role as the title character, an uncouth wanderer with a quick sword. While napping in a deserted shrine, the cynical and unkempt warrior is awakened by a meeting of nine young samurai who seek to weed out corruption within their city. While the youths take their situation at face value, the sleepy Sanjuro interjects with wise insight, pointing out that the real corruption may be hidden. The temple is suddenly surrounded by men seeking to kill the nine samurai, but Sanjuro cleverly hides them and fiercely deters the entire band of attackers, led by Muroto (Tatsuya Nakadai). Now indebted to Sanjuro, the novice warriors proceed to follow the unlikely hero around like lost puppies in their attempts to defeat the corrupt local officials.Akira Kurosawa's YOJIMBO was such a success that the director decided to make another film in the same comedic-adventure vein. Once again Mifune is in fine form, portraying Sanjuro as a gruff character who would rather laze about and drink sake than fight for justice. Constantly suspicious of the irreverent swordsman, his nine clean-cut followers slowly begin to look past his outward appearance and discover Sanjuro's deep, if unconventional, sense of honor. Featuring an excellent supporting cast and typically brilliant photography, the film is engaging from the bold opening scene to the tense, bloody final duel between Muroto and Sanjuro.