I recently viewed a subtitled version of Makai Tensho: Samurai Reincarnation from my video store. I had previously viewed the dubbed version a few times throughout the years and found the movie to be strangely appealing but also confusing and the dubbed dialog rather silly. Characters would suddenly disappear or appear without any explanation and the plot seemed somewhat incoherent. The subtitled version appears to have more footage, which helps explain the story much more clearly and the movie appears much more sophisticated. In the subtitled version, the subtlety of the acting is quite good. For example, the acting of Kenji Sawada as the Christian Shiro appeared almost ridiculous and over the top in the dubbed version, but hearing it in Japanese with subtitles, it had much more subtlety and created a much more complex character. There are many good and familiar actors (to those familiar with this genre)who give good performances from Sonny Chiba as Jubei Yagyu to Tomisaburo Wakayama as the elder Yagyu, who is famed for his character in the Lone Wolf and Cub series. Don't judge this movie, until you have the opportunity to view the subtitled version!
16 Reviews
Visual masterpiece
Leofwine_draca16 April 2016
SAMURAI REINCARNATION is a visual tour de force from action master Kinji Fukasaku. From the very first scene in which 37,000 people are massacred and the camera pans over a wasteland populated by severed heads, you know you're going to be in for a real treat with this one. I've found Japanese period films made around the late '70s and early '80s to be real masterpieces in terms of set design and cinematography and SAMURAI REINCARNATION carries on that trend.
The plot is slow moving but this is a film that rewards close viewing so it doesn't matter. After his people are massacred by a cruel Shogun, a Christian is reincarnated as a devil and goes around collecting famous dead people, bringing them back to life so that they can slaughter the living. Only one man can stop them: Jubei Yagyu, a one-eyed pirate-looking dude played by genre star player Sonny Chiba at the top of his game.
As a samurai film, this has plenty of dramatic action scenes to recommend it, and they're all of the classic variety; a duel on a beach is a highlight, but the real wowzer is an extensive fight in a burning building. You've never seen fire burning like this before and the fight scene is incredible, as well as looking incredibly dangerous for the actors involved. Alongside Chiba, we get a supporting turn from Hiroyuki Sanada, playing a role that's a bit different to his usual heroic stuff, and there's even a pivotal part for LONE WOLF & CUB star Tomisaburo Wakayama. SAMURAI REINCARNATION is a film possessed of a dark and brooding atmosphere throughout; it's a grim, haunting, and visceral tale, and completely oppressive too. In fact, it might well be one of the moodiest Japanese films of the 1980s.
The plot is slow moving but this is a film that rewards close viewing so it doesn't matter. After his people are massacred by a cruel Shogun, a Christian is reincarnated as a devil and goes around collecting famous dead people, bringing them back to life so that they can slaughter the living. Only one man can stop them: Jubei Yagyu, a one-eyed pirate-looking dude played by genre star player Sonny Chiba at the top of his game.
As a samurai film, this has plenty of dramatic action scenes to recommend it, and they're all of the classic variety; a duel on a beach is a highlight, but the real wowzer is an extensive fight in a burning building. You've never seen fire burning like this before and the fight scene is incredible, as well as looking incredibly dangerous for the actors involved. Alongside Chiba, we get a supporting turn from Hiroyuki Sanada, playing a role that's a bit different to his usual heroic stuff, and there's even a pivotal part for LONE WOLF & CUB star Tomisaburo Wakayama. SAMURAI REINCARNATION is a film possessed of a dark and brooding atmosphere throughout; it's a grim, haunting, and visceral tale, and completely oppressive too. In fact, it might well be one of the moodiest Japanese films of the 1980s.
Great fun for any Samurai movie enthusiast.
houseofjames6 November 2005
While Makai Tensho cannot be mistaken for masterpiece film-making, it is definitely a fun-ride for those in love with Samurai movies. The cast is filled with a veritable who's-who of Japanese cinema, including such luminaries as Ken Ogata, Soony Chiba, Tetsuro Tamba. It is also very gratifying to see the venerable Tomisaburo Wakayama (star of the 70's epic Lone Wolf and Cub series), still slicing and dicing with the best of them.
The film has some incredible action set pieces, including a stunning showdown in a burning castle. Some of the effects and costumes are a little over-the-top, but the actors seem to be having so much fun, and the direction is so fast paced, that you just can't help but be swept up into the pulp fantasy. Makai Tensho is a gem in modern samurai films.
The film has some incredible action set pieces, including a stunning showdown in a burning castle. Some of the effects and costumes are a little over-the-top, but the actors seem to be having so much fun, and the direction is so fast paced, that you just can't help but be swept up into the pulp fantasy. Makai Tensho is a gem in modern samurai films.
Not bad despite the terrible dub
kartaron9 June 2002
I thought at first this was filmed for the asian TV market because of the obvious set design and film quality at the beginning(reminiscent of Dark Shadows). However, the film slowly builds in pace and scope until it's climax: a duel in an inferno, the burning remains of the mansion of the shogun. It is easily up to the par of the low budget asian action movies of the period. The mythology of the film is quite interesting, both in the time period it is placed and the characters that are included. The samurai that Toshiro Mifune brought to western audiences, Musashi Miyamoto, plays a key part. The only significant flaw to this film is the previously mentioned dub. Not only are the voices not timed properly but almost all the voice actors are VERY poorly chosen and seemingly refuse to emote with their characters. There are some moments with dramatic overacting but anyone seeking information on a film titled Samurai Reincarnation shouldn't be seeking subtlety. Also of note, many of the key players of this film including Sonny Chiba and the Director himself were involved in the film The Legend of the Eight Samurai, a film much like this one with similar qualities and flaws(including the dub).
Despite being dubbed and NOT a film for kids, it's a good example of the genre
planktonrules31 July 2007
Warning: Spoilers
Unfortunately, I was not able to watch this movie in its original form, as it had been dubbed into English. While there could be multiple dubbed versions, I assume there is only one and was surprised to see it was described by one reviewer as having "Ernie and Burt" dubbing. That's because while far from perfect, when it comes to Asian martial arts films, there are many, many films with far worse dubbing! Overall, with the so-so dubbing it was still pretty watchable.
When the film begins, it appears to be a serious movie about the 17th century massacres of Japanese Christians--an excellent and under-discussed subject from history. No one knows the exact numbers, but at least tens of thousands of converts were ordered brutally killed by the Shogun. The vividness of all the decapitated heads and the rest of the carnage was exceptionally well portrayed for a film from 1981.
Unfortunately, instead of remaining a serious historical drama, the film veered off to weirdness when a surviving Christian (and an apparently not very good one) sells his soul to Satan in order to have the power to create death and destruction in retribution both for the massacres AND God's not stopping it. While this is very strange and convoluted logic, his plan works out very well as he's given powers to take anyone from the brink of death and make them servants of the dark forces. Of those enlisted to this evil cause was the mega-famous Musashi Miyamoto--known to history as one of the greatest swordsmen of all time (I'm sure he was rolling in his grave like a rotisserie when this movie came out).
The group of demonic beings bent on revenge now numbered five and they set about killing and doing nasty stuff with no real set goal--just destruction for the sake of destruction. Their leader even created a plague that wiped out all the crops and the poor rebelled. While these rebellions are historical facts, I sincerely doubt if demons caused them. In addition to all this, they really enjoyed just being nasty--as in one scene, one of the nicer demonic possessed beings was ordered to rape and murder a girl who looked to be about 12. This, and the copious amounts of nudity make this a film that no sane parent would let their kids see.
So, with five maniac demons running amok, who's to stop them? Well, it's up to Jubei Yagyu (played by Sonny Chiba) to obtain a special sword that will allow him to slay these creatures. It turns out that like Musashi, Jubei Yagyu was also a real-life legendary swordsman who lived during this same period (during the massacres). Considering that Chiba is a huge star in Japan and plays the lead, the conclusion of the film isn't a great surprise, but the action is spectacular though a tad goofy due to all the supernatural mumbo-jumbo.
Once again, while this is an enjoyable martial arts film, I must point out that this is NOT a film for kids as it has nudity throughout and shows a rather savage attempted rape as well as lots of violence. So despite the Christianity angle, this is NOT a particularly religious or uplifting film--just one with lots of hack and slash!
When the film begins, it appears to be a serious movie about the 17th century massacres of Japanese Christians--an excellent and under-discussed subject from history. No one knows the exact numbers, but at least tens of thousands of converts were ordered brutally killed by the Shogun. The vividness of all the decapitated heads and the rest of the carnage was exceptionally well portrayed for a film from 1981.
Unfortunately, instead of remaining a serious historical drama, the film veered off to weirdness when a surviving Christian (and an apparently not very good one) sells his soul to Satan in order to have the power to create death and destruction in retribution both for the massacres AND God's not stopping it. While this is very strange and convoluted logic, his plan works out very well as he's given powers to take anyone from the brink of death and make them servants of the dark forces. Of those enlisted to this evil cause was the mega-famous Musashi Miyamoto--known to history as one of the greatest swordsmen of all time (I'm sure he was rolling in his grave like a rotisserie when this movie came out).
The group of demonic beings bent on revenge now numbered five and they set about killing and doing nasty stuff with no real set goal--just destruction for the sake of destruction. Their leader even created a plague that wiped out all the crops and the poor rebelled. While these rebellions are historical facts, I sincerely doubt if demons caused them. In addition to all this, they really enjoyed just being nasty--as in one scene, one of the nicer demonic possessed beings was ordered to rape and murder a girl who looked to be about 12. This, and the copious amounts of nudity make this a film that no sane parent would let their kids see.
So, with five maniac demons running amok, who's to stop them? Well, it's up to Jubei Yagyu (played by Sonny Chiba) to obtain a special sword that will allow him to slay these creatures. It turns out that like Musashi, Jubei Yagyu was also a real-life legendary swordsman who lived during this same period (during the massacres). Considering that Chiba is a huge star in Japan and plays the lead, the conclusion of the film isn't a great surprise, but the action is spectacular though a tad goofy due to all the supernatural mumbo-jumbo.
Once again, while this is an enjoyable martial arts film, I must point out that this is NOT a film for kids as it has nudity throughout and shows a rather savage attempted rape as well as lots of violence. So despite the Christianity angle, this is NOT a particularly religious or uplifting film--just one with lots of hack and slash!
For real fan only
DrTopo4 August 2006
Warning: Spoilers
That movie is alright but the beginning is horribly long and boring. The first 30 minutes or so are spent resurrecting dead people and it seems like an eternity. However, afterward you get a few good fights. For Kill Bill fan, you get to see where Tarantino got his inspiration for the Hattori Hanzo scene. Except this time it's Sony Chiba who ask for a sword. Hattori Hanzo doesn't want to make him a sword until a resurrected Musashi shows up at the door. Musashi ends up leaving but they know he'll be back so Hattori Hanzo makes a sword that can cut spirits (like in Kill Bill).
The fight with Sony Chiba and Musashi is really good and so is one more fight in the movie. Definitely not as good as Shogun's Samurai that also features Chiba as Jubei Yagyu but cool to see for Chiba or Tarantino fans. What I recommend is to listen to the first 5 minutes then fast forward until they are done with the reincarnation crap.
The fight with Sony Chiba and Musashi is really good and so is one more fight in the movie. Definitely not as good as Shogun's Samurai that also features Chiba as Jubei Yagyu but cool to see for Chiba or Tarantino fans. What I recommend is to listen to the first 5 minutes then fast forward until they are done with the reincarnation crap.
Subtitled version only!! One of Sonny's best!!
masteryagyu27 May 2000
I would like to preface my review by saying that I am reviewing the Canadian (subtitled) version of Makai Tensho, NOT the sacreligious, crap-dubbed, bargain basement version, recently released. The subtitled version is probably out-of-print by now, but if you can find it, it has Sonny Chiba as Jubei on the cover (the new dubbed version has Sonny incorrectly portrayed as Iba from Shogun's Shadow on the front).....Now for the review....We have many of the heavy hitters from the famed Japan Action Club in this movie: Sonny Chiba, reprising his role as Yagyu Jubei from "The Yagyu Conspiracy", Ken Ogata (Shogun's Shadow) as Musashi, Henry Sanada, Tomisaburo Wakayama (Lone Wolf and Cub) as Yagyu Tajima, and many other noted actors. Incredible fight scenes (the flaming castle at the end---damn!), mystical script (Christians vs. the Shogunate), moody soundtrack, and an "interesting" scene with Sanada...they all make for a truly classic chambara epic. Whenever Sonny grabs that cool hat, eyepatch and a sword, you know it's quality. GET THE SUBTITLED VERSION!!! Watch it the way it was meant to be watched (or go to Japan, get an original tape and make a fansub!) ----Master Yagyu
Very good for the whole story of Jubei
wesle82722 February 2000
The parts of the movie that I have seen fit to the other story
For those of us who enjoy Martial arts films this one is just the same. The dubbing may have a bit of a flaw but once you get into it,it is a very good story. It is the predecessor of the ''96 title Reborn from Hell, the story in both are similar but Samurai Reincarnation tells more of the story.
For those of us who enjoy Martial arts films this one is just the same. The dubbing may have a bit of a flaw but once you get into it,it is a very good story. It is the predecessor of the ''96 title Reborn from Hell, the story in both are similar but Samurai Reincarnation tells more of the story.
Compelling samurai/dark-fantasy epic by one of Japan's most revered filmmakers
K_Todorov25 April 2007
When you blend historical figures with fictional stories that go way beyond realism, you often get mixed results. Well to be honest you really don't get good results. Suffice to say it's a dangerous line to tread. Luckily when you have an experienced director like Kinji Fukasaku and a great cast of actors like Sonny Chiba and Tomisaburo Wakayama you can't expect anything less then good. And "Makai Tenshu" is good, really really good. Flawlessly using legendary figures from Japanese history such as Jubei Yagyu and Myamoto Musashi in a thick supernatural plot about vengeance, along with some of the most stylish action sequences I've seen in chambara movies.
"Makai Tenshu" is an adaptation of the book bearing the same name. A pseudo-historical variation of the story about the Christian rebellions during the opening years of the Tokugawa Shogunate. And their subsequent, brutal conclusion. That event seals the fate of thousands upon thousands of Christians. It is here where our tale begins, amidst the bloodied aftermath of the massacre. After a mysterious ritual is performed, the leader of the Christians Shiro Amakusa returns from the dead to exact his revenge on the Shogunate. He vows the destruction of Japan and it's rulers. But before that can happen he must gather his retinue. Tortured, wretched souls whose life has been incomplete, unfinished. He offers them a second chance. Reincarnation, as demons like himself. This leaves the Yagyu clan with Jubei Yagyu (Sonny Chiba) and his father Tajima Yagyu (Tomisaburo Wakayama) as the only ones capable of confronting them.
I enjoyed very much how this story was handled. Divided into two parts the movie spends it's first hour on establishing the villains and their present motivations. Everything is written so that it makes sense, Amakusa's chosen for minions is not random and each has a role to fulfill. For example he uses the female he's risen, under a different name and background to seduce the Shogun and cloud his mind. While the ninja is used to used to eliminate anyone who has been curious about her "past". This level of detail is certainly satisfying when it comes to nitpicking every single detail. And it's not just the villains that are developed well. The relationship between Jubei and his father is also explored and plays an interesting part in the story. Fukusaku directs this first part of the film accordingly, while keeping his trademark kinetic action direction for the expositional second portion of the movie. There, the entire build up from firts part explodes into a series of stylishly directed action sequences. Fukasaku demonstrates his skill once again, using the sets and landscapes as an effective tool that enhances the experience of watching samurai duels. Skillful swordplay is not absent with the likes of Chiba and Wakayama both chambara veterans. This is not a movie that depends on strong acting ability to express itself, but even so performances are still commendable and at a higher ladder than most movies in the genre.
Visually speaking "Makai Tenshu" is a feast for 80s cinema fanatics. If you love old-school special effects as I do, then you've come at the right place. There is some lovely use of montages and the classic lighting effect does add up to the whole experience of watching a movie about demons and sorcery. But what really takes the cake in terms of visual goodness is the awesome set design. A tremendous amount of work has been put in the creation of these sets and it all pays out. Looking at that great opening shot of the massacred Christians was a chilling, beautiful moment as a twisted horroresque picture was laid upon my eyes. Bodies piled up, heads stabbed on pikes, crosses everywhere and the scorched sky, mesmerizing shot.
Kinju Fukasaku once again delivers a truly visceral experience. A story so carefully written and so visually stunning that it makes me long for the time when there was no CGI or Digital Cameras, when directing a movie was not just a question of budget but of skill and creativity.
"Makai Tenshu" is an adaptation of the book bearing the same name. A pseudo-historical variation of the story about the Christian rebellions during the opening years of the Tokugawa Shogunate. And their subsequent, brutal conclusion. That event seals the fate of thousands upon thousands of Christians. It is here where our tale begins, amidst the bloodied aftermath of the massacre. After a mysterious ritual is performed, the leader of the Christians Shiro Amakusa returns from the dead to exact his revenge on the Shogunate. He vows the destruction of Japan and it's rulers. But before that can happen he must gather his retinue. Tortured, wretched souls whose life has been incomplete, unfinished. He offers them a second chance. Reincarnation, as demons like himself. This leaves the Yagyu clan with Jubei Yagyu (Sonny Chiba) and his father Tajima Yagyu (Tomisaburo Wakayama) as the only ones capable of confronting them.
I enjoyed very much how this story was handled. Divided into two parts the movie spends it's first hour on establishing the villains and their present motivations. Everything is written so that it makes sense, Amakusa's chosen for minions is not random and each has a role to fulfill. For example he uses the female he's risen, under a different name and background to seduce the Shogun and cloud his mind. While the ninja is used to used to eliminate anyone who has been curious about her "past". This level of detail is certainly satisfying when it comes to nitpicking every single detail. And it's not just the villains that are developed well. The relationship between Jubei and his father is also explored and plays an interesting part in the story. Fukusaku directs this first part of the film accordingly, while keeping his trademark kinetic action direction for the expositional second portion of the movie. There, the entire build up from firts part explodes into a series of stylishly directed action sequences. Fukasaku demonstrates his skill once again, using the sets and landscapes as an effective tool that enhances the experience of watching samurai duels. Skillful swordplay is not absent with the likes of Chiba and Wakayama both chambara veterans. This is not a movie that depends on strong acting ability to express itself, but even so performances are still commendable and at a higher ladder than most movies in the genre.
Visually speaking "Makai Tenshu" is a feast for 80s cinema fanatics. If you love old-school special effects as I do, then you've come at the right place. There is some lovely use of montages and the classic lighting effect does add up to the whole experience of watching a movie about demons and sorcery. But what really takes the cake in terms of visual goodness is the awesome set design. A tremendous amount of work has been put in the creation of these sets and it all pays out. Looking at that great opening shot of the massacred Christians was a chilling, beautiful moment as a twisted horroresque picture was laid upon my eyes. Bodies piled up, heads stabbed on pikes, crosses everywhere and the scorched sky, mesmerizing shot.
Kinju Fukasaku once again delivers a truly visceral experience. A story so carefully written and so visually stunning that it makes me long for the time when there was no CGI or Digital Cameras, when directing a movie was not just a question of budget but of skill and creativity.
Probably good if you like this sort of thing
Stevieboy66616 August 2020
I saw a trailer for this on a VHS tape and I was intrigued by the combination of action and horror elements (I am a huge fan of the latter). I do like the movie Shogun Assassin but otherwise these Samurai type movies aren't really my thing. The film looks good, sounds good (taking into account that I watched it on a very old, early 1980's tape) and there is plenty of fighting. However, the plot confused me, at 2 hours it felt very long and the English dubbing was awful.
Samurai swords, demons-ghosts, and flute music...
nowyat28 September 2001
Maybe I'm strange, but I thought this was the best movie I have ever seen. It seems long, but short too, as you watch it. And maybe, to us Americans, the kabuki style make-up is slightly KISS-like. Still, it was beautiful and thoughtful. I can't even begin to describe the plot. Think Charles Dickens crossed with H.P. Lovecraft. Anyway, here's what I think may have happened... an extremely good-looking Japanese Christian denounces his faith in the beginning, bitter about the whole Shogan clan system and all his friends being killed. He becomes an eternal satanic warlock, who is able to raise other disgruntled spirits from the dead. Over time they get up a group of undead who plan to topple the government. (Not, perhaps without some justification, but remember, they are evil.)
On the other side, a one-eyed, fabulously talented swordsman. He's more of a Buddhist, not so interested in eternal vengeance and all. He goes to the most evil swordsman in Japan, and asks him to make him a sword, because only a creature of evil can create a sword that can kill evil ghosts, (or gods). There are many wonderful scenes besides the sword making one. (The swordmaker gives his all and dies.) The Shogun lord is enamoured of one of the undead group, (she's very lovely). I think this may have been his ex-wife whom he had murdered. When the royal court goes out hunting (with beaters dressed in black and white french prisoner costumes???), as the villagers flee before them she says "Oh look, there's a nice deer to shoot", (or something to that effect, and all the courtiers and eventually the prince, begin shooting the villagers with arrows, sort of a mass hallucination). They tie them up on stakes, still thinking they are deer. It was all very surreal. If you like excellent sword fights, good mob scenes, nice nature scenery, and theological conflict, this movie has it all and more. You MUST see it. Oh, and it all ends in flames. Lots and lots of flames. A must see for pyromaniacs as well.
On the other side, a one-eyed, fabulously talented swordsman. He's more of a Buddhist, not so interested in eternal vengeance and all. He goes to the most evil swordsman in Japan, and asks him to make him a sword, because only a creature of evil can create a sword that can kill evil ghosts, (or gods). There are many wonderful scenes besides the sword making one. (The swordmaker gives his all and dies.) The Shogun lord is enamoured of one of the undead group, (she's very lovely). I think this may have been his ex-wife whom he had murdered. When the royal court goes out hunting (with beaters dressed in black and white french prisoner costumes???), as the villagers flee before them she says "Oh look, there's a nice deer to shoot", (or something to that effect, and all the courtiers and eventually the prince, begin shooting the villagers with arrows, sort of a mass hallucination). They tie them up on stakes, still thinking they are deer. It was all very surreal. If you like excellent sword fights, good mob scenes, nice nature scenery, and theological conflict, this movie has it all and more. You MUST see it. Oh, and it all ends in flames. Lots and lots of flames. A must see for pyromaniacs as well.
Better see the 2003 remake instead
ebiros210 October 2011
Based on a novel by Fuutaro Yamada, plot for this movie has been changed a great deal from the original novel because director Kinji Fukasaku felt that it would be impossible to fit all the story into a 2 hour movie.
After the Christian revolt of 1637, its leader Shiro Amakusa (Kenji Sawada) comes back to life, and calls demonic force to mount revenge against shogun's clan. Demonic world grants Shiro the ability to bring the dead back to life. Shiro uses this power to brings back to life six of the best samurais that ever lived. Shogun's side has their guard, the Yagyu clan. It's leader Tajimanokami Yagyu, send's his son Jyubei, and a team of ninja swordsmen to counter the demonic force of Shiro.
I've heard much about how great of a director Kinji Fukasaku is, but so far I've yet to see dazzlingly good movie that's made by him. In fact, all the movies I've seen of his are mediocre to very average in quality, and this one is no exception. The level of acting, and visual presentation is at the level of a high school school play. Lots of over the top emotion, horrible colors, makes this movie look cheap in quality. Dramas are portrayed very superficially, and there're no depth, or sobriety to any of the characters. Lots of kinky details are put to the forefront to - I believe, impress the audience.
The 2003 remake of this movie is of much better quality. I recommend the 2003 version over this for viewing.
After the Christian revolt of 1637, its leader Shiro Amakusa (Kenji Sawada) comes back to life, and calls demonic force to mount revenge against shogun's clan. Demonic world grants Shiro the ability to bring the dead back to life. Shiro uses this power to brings back to life six of the best samurais that ever lived. Shogun's side has their guard, the Yagyu clan. It's leader Tajimanokami Yagyu, send's his son Jyubei, and a team of ninja swordsmen to counter the demonic force of Shiro.
I've heard much about how great of a director Kinji Fukasaku is, but so far I've yet to see dazzlingly good movie that's made by him. In fact, all the movies I've seen of his are mediocre to very average in quality, and this one is no exception. The level of acting, and visual presentation is at the level of a high school school play. Lots of over the top emotion, horrible colors, makes this movie look cheap in quality. Dramas are portrayed very superficially, and there're no depth, or sobriety to any of the characters. Lots of kinky details are put to the forefront to - I believe, impress the audience.
The 2003 remake of this movie is of much better quality. I recommend the 2003 version over this for viewing.
Exceptional
ownthesuffering27 January 2007
Samurai Reincarnation is my favorite film. Every aspect of this movie caters directly to my taste. And although my taste is often for the bizarre, this movie is almost always held together by great acting. The story, if you can get passed the totally strange (yet contextually wonderful) opening, is completely engrossing to anyone interested in Japanese myths, history, culture, or just really great ghost stories. Aesthetically, Samurai Reincarnation is masterly crafted. From a battlefield filled with mountains of corpses to the elaborate interior of the shogun's palace, each setting perfectly sets the stage for the story to unfold. The costumes are all beautifully designed as well. Of course, the sword fights! With characters such as the sword fighting legend Miyamoto Musashi and Jubei Yagyu, it would only be appropriate to include sword fights of the highest caliber. And that's exactly what you'll find! Everything in the movie comes together as the complete package for me, and even though it might not end up being your favorite movie, give this one a chance if anything I wrote about above interests you; it won't disappoint!
Oh, GREAT MUSIC TOO!
Oh, GREAT MUSIC TOO!
Beware Bert & Ernie, Sesame Street American dub- Unwatchable!!
Nate-927 August 1999
I couldn't watch the entire film the dubbing was so bad. So I turned down the sound and heard nothing. After ten minutes I couldn't watch it either way...which is too bad since it looked like a good film. But this was a serious samurai horror film that was dubbed by people who thought it would be funny to do Erkel or Bert & Ernie voices over a Japanese film. These are the same people who ruined Ninja Wars! It's great for Mystery Science Theatre 3000 but this was a legitimate release!
For a film about resurrection, there's not much life in this one.
BA_Harrison5 February 2023
In a battle against the Tokugawa shogunate army, thirty-seven thousand Christians wind up dead, their severed heads stuck on poles. More than a bit miffed by the brutal slaughter of his people, Shiro Amakusa (Kenji Sawada) renounces God and vows vengeance, assembling a team of 'devils' by resurrecting the recently deceased - people who died with regrets and who want to return to life to fulfil their desires. One-eyed samurai Jubei (Shin'ichi Chiba) finds himself fighting the devils, one of whom is his own father, whose dying wish was to be able to pit his swordsmanship against his son.
Samurai Reincarnation opens with the striking image of a battlefield strewn with bodies and littered with heads, and ends with a sword duel amidst a blazing shogunate palace; throughout, we get Sonny Chiba sporting an eye-patch, just the thought of which is enough to send many fans of Japanese action cinema into paroxysms of ecstasy. However, I seem to be in the minority in finding the film as a whole incredibly disappointing. Sandwiched between the memorably grisly battlefield imagery and the fiery finalé is a whole load of tedium, with much talking and just a handful of not-particularly-exciting fight scenes. Kinji Fukasaku (Battle Royale) directs proceedings with an eye for a cool visual (the sets are certainly impressive), but injects very little in the way of excitement, his film seriously dragging in places.
The subtitled Japanese version I watched clocked in at just over two hours. Apparently there's an eighty-eight minute cut that was released to home video - it's not often that I advocate watching a severely edited movie, but in this case you might be doing yourself a favour (I jest, of course: watch the whole film as intended or just don't bother and put on G. I. Samurai, The Street Fighter or The Legend of the Eight Samurai instead).
Samurai Reincarnation opens with the striking image of a battlefield strewn with bodies and littered with heads, and ends with a sword duel amidst a blazing shogunate palace; throughout, we get Sonny Chiba sporting an eye-patch, just the thought of which is enough to send many fans of Japanese action cinema into paroxysms of ecstasy. However, I seem to be in the minority in finding the film as a whole incredibly disappointing. Sandwiched between the memorably grisly battlefield imagery and the fiery finalé is a whole load of tedium, with much talking and just a handful of not-particularly-exciting fight scenes. Kinji Fukasaku (Battle Royale) directs proceedings with an eye for a cool visual (the sets are certainly impressive), but injects very little in the way of excitement, his film seriously dragging in places.
The subtitled Japanese version I watched clocked in at just over two hours. Apparently there's an eighty-eight minute cut that was released to home video - it's not often that I advocate watching a severely edited movie, but in this case you might be doing yourself a favour (I jest, of course: watch the whole film as intended or just don't bother and put on G. I. Samurai, The Street Fighter or The Legend of the Eight Samurai instead).
why did this get a 6.6?
jacobjohntaylor117 September 2020
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
