I’ve enjoyed some of Akira Kurosawa’s works (Yojimbo, Sanjuro, Ran, Seven Samurai, Rashoman), and The Hidden Fortress is on my list, but I’d like to hear any of your suggestions for samurai cinema.
I’ve enjoyed some of Akira Kurosawa’s works (Yojimbo, Sanjuro, Ran, Seven Samurai, Rashoman), and The Hidden Fortress is on my list, but I’d like to hear any of your suggestions for samurai cinema.
I’ll piggyback off of this and agree with Zatoichi (the first is definitely worth it) and most definitely the excellent Sword of Doom and Harakiri.
I’m also gonna add a few more:
The Samurai Trilogy - Mifune really gets to stretch his legs and show off some incredible character growth. Great story and action that might not reach Miyazaki’s best but gets darn close.
Samurai Rebellion - a slower paced film (for a samurai movie) that ratchets up the tension with almost each passing scene until it culminates in an emotional confrontation in the fields.
Kubo and the Two Strings - newer stop motion film that maybe stretches the genre a bit but I still highly recommend it. Absolutely stunning.
I have several more that are on high my watchlist:
Kwaidan, Kagemusha, Onibaba, Three Outlaw Samurai