#312: SHINODA, Masahiro: Samurai Spy (1965)

SHINODA, Masahiro (Japan)

Samurai Spy [1965]

Spine #312
DVD

Years of warfare end in a Japan unified under the Tokugawa shogunate, and samurai spy Sasuke Sarutobi, tired of conflict, longs for peace. When a high-ranking spy named Tatewaki Konyama defects from the shogun to a rival clan, however, the world of swordsmen is thrown into turmoil. After Sasuke is unwittingly drawn into the conflict, he tracks Tatewaki, while a mysterious, white-hooded figure seems to hunt them both. By tale's end, no one is who they seemed to be, and the truth is far more personal than anyone suspected. Director Masahiro Shinoda's Samurai Spy, filled with clan intrigue, ninja spies, and multiple double crosses, marks a bold stylistic departure from swordplay film convention.

100 minutes
Black & White

Monaural

in Japanese

2:35:1 aspect ratio

Criterion Release 2005

Director/Writers

Based on the novel by Koji Nakada.

Screenplay by Yoshiyuki Fukuda.

Masahiro Shinoda was 34 when he directed Samurai Spy.

Other Shinoda films in the Collection:

#564: Pale Flower (1964)
#104: Double Suicide (1969)

The Film

Film Rating (0-60):

60

The Extras

The Booklet

Ten-page wraparound featuring an essay by Alain Silver.

Commentary

None.

Video interview

With director Shinoda (16 mins.)

Gallery

Of key characters in the film.

Extras Rating (0-40):

39

60 + 39 =

99

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