Yojimbo (1961) Review

Yojimbo, directed by Akira Kurosawa, is a 1961 samurai film that has become a classic of Japanese cinema. The film tells the story of a ronin, or masterless samurai, who wanders into a small town in the midst of a brutal conflict between two rival gangs. The ronin, named Sanjuro, decides to play the gangs against each other in order to profit from the chaos.

One of the most striking aspects of Yojimbo is the way it blends elements of the samurai genre with elements of film noir. The film has a gritty, dark atmosphere that is reminiscent of classic Hollywood crime dramas like The Maltese Falcon and The Big Sleep. This atmosphere is enhanced by the film's striking black and white cinematography, which emphasizes the shadows and contrasts of the film's urban setting.

The film's main character, Sanjuro, is a fascinating and complex figure. He is a skilled warrior who is not above using deception and manipulation to achieve his goals. He is also a bit of a rogue, with a dry sense of humor and a love of sake. Sanjuro is played brilliantly by Toshiro Mifune, who imbues the character with a mixture of toughness, cunning, and charisma.

The film's supporting cast is also excellent. The two gangs, led by Seibei and Ushitora, are portrayed as equally ruthless and amoral, with neither side deserving of sympathy. The other notable character is a young woman named Nui, who is caught in the middle of the conflict and becomes a pawn in Sanjuro's game. Nui is played with subtlety and nuance by Yoko Tsukasa, and her character adds a touch of humanity to the otherwise bleak story.

One of the most memorable scenes in the film is the showdown between Sanjuro and Ushitora's men in the narrow street. This scene is a masterclass in suspenseful filmmaking, as Sanjuro dispatches his opponents one by one while being forced to retreat step by step. The scene is expertly choreographed and filmed, with the camera always in the right place to capture the action and tension.

Another standout aspect of the film is its use of humor. Despite the dark subject matter, Yojimbo has many moments of levity, often provided by Sanjuro's dry wit and irreverence. The humor adds a welcome balance to the film's more violent and serious moments.

Yojimbo has had a lasting impact on cinema, both in Japan and around the world. The film has been remade and referenced countless times, including in Hollywood films like A Fistful of Dollars and Last Man Standing. The film's influence can also be seen in the works of directors like Quentin Tarantino, who has cited Kurosawa as one of his major inspirations.

Yojimbo was not initially well-received in Japan, where critics felt that it was too violent and amoral. However, the film was a hit in other countries, particularly in Europe and the United States, where it helped to popularize Japanese cinema.

The film was shot in a purpose-built set that was designed to resemble a real-life Edo-period town. The set was built on the outskirts of Tokyo and included a main street, a marketplace, a temple, and various other buildings.

The film's screenplay was written by Kurosawa and Ryuzo Kikushima, with input from other members of the production team. The script was based on a story by Dashiell Hammett called "Red Harvest," which also inspired other films like Miller's Crossing and A Fistful of Dollars.

The film's score was composed by Masaru Sato, who also worked on other Kurosawa films like Throne of Blood and The Hidden Fortress. The score is notable for its use of traditional Japanese instruments like the shamisen and shakuhachi, as well as its Western-style orchestration.

Yojimbo was followed by a sequel, Sanjuro, which was released the following year. Sanjuro features many of the same characters as Yojimbo, including Sanjuro himself, and continues his story as he becomes embroiled in a new conflict.

In addition to its impact on cinema, Yojimbo has also had an influence on other forms of media, including video games. The character of Sanjuro has appeared in various games over the years, including the popular Samurai Shodown series.

Finally, it's worth noting that Yojimbo is a film that rewards multiple viewings. On the surface, it may seem like a straightforward action movie, but there are many layers to the film that become apparent upon closer inspection. The characters are all complex and morally ambiguous, and there are many subtle moments of character development that can be easy to miss on a first viewing.

In conclusion, Yojimbo is a masterpiece of Japanese cinema that blends elements of the samurai genre with film noir to create a gripping and unforgettable story. The film's striking black and white cinematography, complex characters, and expertly choreographed action scenes make it a must-see for any fan of cinema. Toshiro Mifune's performance as Sanjuro is particularly noteworthy, and the film's impact on cinema is undeniable. Yojimbo is a classic for a reason, and it remains as powerful and relevant today as it was when it was first released over 60 years ago.