The story of 13 Assassins is rather simple. A group of samurai in feudal Japan secretly plot to kill a brutal, viscous lord. But the distance between this revelation and its ultimate conclusion is rather vast. In between there are rich, complex characters, stunning action sequences and thoughtful drama – all set to a film whose plot is actually inspired by true events?
In feudal times, a nobleman commits ritual suicide to protest the actions of Naritsugu, the Emperor’s depraved brother, whose barbaric cruelty has dishonoured the throne. The scene is shot with chilling restraint. Only the actor’s expression and the sound of intestines spilling on the soundtrack indicate the bloodletting taking place just outside the frame.
With Naritsugu next in line to succeed the Emperor and impossible to remove from power, hara-kiri is the only conceivable form of protest — unless the heavily guarded tyrant can be eliminated, through what surely would be a suicide mission against his 200 bodyguards. After complex political manoeuvring, the secret assassination plan is drafted and a dozen samurai sign on for a noble death in service to their nation.
The team comes together a few at a time until a dozen patriotic swordsmen are assembled. (The identity of the 13th team member is too good a surprise to spoil.) This men-on-a-mission film is superbly cast, impeccably shot, riveting even in static dialogue scenes, and overwhelming once the blades are unsheathed. The finale, a slashing 40-minute battle royal employing an endless variety of traps, strategies and weapons (including flaming bulls!) is action moviemaking at its most agile, extravagant and incredible. As the aging leader of the samurai squad, Koji Yakusho makes a strong, stalwart impression. For the stout of heart, this is a spectacle that demands to be seen on the big screen.
Filmed with inspiration from Akira Kurosawa’s Seven Samurai
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