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In the vein of the original, the latest release from the acclaimed game developer, the samurai adventure game, celebrates renowned Japanese cinema artists via special presentation modes. Whereas the first title featured only a black-and-white tribute to the classic samurai films of the master filmmaker, the new game features a partnership with the popular anime director the acclaimed artist for a visual style that incorporates chill music. Plus, there is a Takashi Miike Mode that ramps up violence and grime in combat and positions the view nearer to the fight.

Takashi Miike is known for a wide-ranging filmography, including movies spanning gritty crime stories, children's entertainment, and animated series brought to life. Yet, when searching for a place to start, anyone enjoying the sword combat of Ghost of Yōtei should check out Miike’s the action film, a bloody good Japanese film.

A Timeless Remake including Powerful Thrills

First shown in 2010, 13 Assassins is a remake of the classic of the same name from filmmaker the original creator. It follows a group of killers who, heavily outmatched, set out to eliminate the cruel the villainous noble (played by Goro Inagaki) before he can becoming part of the ruling body. Other lords are concerned that his ascent would lead to a nation divided as he’s left a path of high-born victims behind him, and his family connections to the Shōgun have kept him safe from justice.

Because of his cruelty and a violent climax, 13 Assassins is far from a movie for sensitive viewers. The story starts with a person opposing the lord's rise by performing ritual suicide, the ceremonial death by slicing through one’s abdomen. The villain's brutality go beyond mentions by the cast, they’re shown. He aims bows at defenseless servants, and assaults a female then beheading her husband.

The heroes are in the right, without a doubt.

The samurai the leader (acted by the star) is tasked with taking out the antagonist. Much of the first half of the movie is dedicated to showing Naritsugu’s threat and the assassin finds supporters. He and his assassins move to a town where they set a snare for Naritsugu (battling adversaries along the way). After their arrival, Takashi really gets cooking.

The Spectacular Finale and Well-Choreographed Action Sequences

The ending demonstrates why this movie is now such a popular samurai film. The assassins do not simply hide for the lord to deliver himself their weapons. Facing 200 with only 13, and must utilize all available resources to take down the opposing side. In particular, converting the whole village of the place as a weapon. (Thankfully, the residents, who safely escape and aren’t caught up of the carnage.) The setting turns into an advantage; the assassins set up countless traps and barriers that might envy the Home Alone character impressed, employing every strategy to get the edge in the conflict ahead.

The fight is amazing — and well-staged. Viewers avoid the jerky camera of modern action movies muddying up the action, or basic fights using excessive editing. Rather, broad views and excellent choreography avoid visual confusion, turning an inherently thrilling long fight even more impressive. The action is consistently understandable, despite numerous foes assault (and get killed by) a lone swordsman in a field of katanas, as an instance.

How 13 Assassins Is Timeless

Revisiting 13 Assassins, it's clear why Sucker Punch links enhanced violence with Takashi; the characters just get caked in the elements. None emerges unharmed, and those left standing at the end are coated with the grime of battle. Plus, it appears very realistic, with few computer graphics used just for explosions in the setting. The realism of the costumes, scenery, and action provide the movie a certain classic vibe; though it's been years today, and seems it could have been released last week.

If Ghost of Yōtei fans take a pause from experiencing samurai action and just want to see plenty of samurai action, fans ought to watch the movie. Takashi's warrior film matches ideally with the experience, and should not be missed for all enthusiasts of the genre.