Free Samurai Films by Roland Thorne

to remain in Asano’s castle and fight the troops sent to claim it. Oishi, the Chamberlain of the Asano samurai, convinces them to leave peacefully, hoping to reinstate the clan with Daigaku, Asano’s brother, as the new lord. When the Shogun banishes Daigaku, Oishi is forced to reconsider his position. He decides on a course of justice, seeking to punish Kira for his crimes. Oishi lives a false life, as a decadent drunk, hoping to fool Kira and his allies. Many of the other ronin make similar sacrifices. They are successful in fooling the authorities, and when the time comes, they assemble in Edo. In a brave assault on Kira’s mansion, the 47 ronin find and behead him. The ronin are then ordered to commit seppuku, a punishment they accept, now that they’ve found justice for their dead lord.

ANALYSIS
     
    The 47 Ronin is a true classic of the samurai film genre, and captures the very essence of the samurai ideal. Based on historical events, which have become legendary through numerous retellings, The 47 Ronin is a story of total loyalty and dedication.
    The story of the 47 loyal ronin is a traditional tale in Japan, and one which Japanese audiences in 1962 would have been very familiar with, in much the same way that archetypical stories such as Romeo and Juliet are immediately recognisable to western audiences. As such, The 47 Ronin can be a bit confusing to those unfamiliar with the traditional stories. There are lots of characters and subplots, all variously linked to the central story of the ronin. Don’t be at all surprised if you find it difficult to remember who certain characters are; many are only introduced very briefly. This is not a fault in the film; Japanese audiences would have no problem following the story, simply because they already know it. Don’t be too concerned about following the various subplots first time round; the central story is the most important, and is a rewarding viewing experience all of its own. With subsequent viewings, the subplots become easier to follow, and make The 47 Ronin an even more enriching film.
    Having said this, the film’s basic plot is a moving experience, and shows the best side of the samurai’s dedication and loyalty. The hardships the ronin suffer, and the sacrifices they are prepared to make, all for the sake of their dead lord, are truly amazing, and make for compelling viewing. Chamberlain Oishi makes the biggest sacrifice of all: in order to fool his enemies, Oishi divorces his wife and adopts the life of a lazy playboy, much to the scorn and ridicule of many other ronin. It’s particularly moving when Oishi hears of the death of one of the ronin; struggling to contain his emotions he continues to party in a brothel, sad that his friend has died, but unable to show it. Another of the ronin, Okano, makes a similarly difficult sacrifice: he courts Otsuya, the sister of a carpenter, in order to get the plans to Kira’s new house. When Okano realises he actually loves the girl, he grows to despise himself for using her, but does so anyway, and secures the plans. The manner in which these men put aside all their personal concerns to pursue their just cause is a perfect representation of the unwavering loyalty of the ideal samurai.
    Director Hiroshi Inagaki gives this story the epic treatment it deserves, taking us inside lush mansions and palaces, and, as always, making use of beautiful Japanese landscapes. Having already told the epic story of master swordsman Miyamoto Musashi, Inagaki has the right experience to make the best of such larger-than-life material. The battle at the end of the film is magnificent; the 47 ronin fight their way through Kira’s mansion in a series of beautifully choreographed fight scenes, which not only look fantastic, but are also extremely convincing.

THE VERDICT
     
    A classic film, although potentially confusing to non-Japanese audiences. Don’t make this your first samurai film; Inagaki’s Samurai Trilogy or Kurosawa’s