Directed by
Takashi Miike
Made by
Magnet Releasing
The film is set in 1840s Japan, during the waning years of the Tokugawa shogunate. It follows the sadistic younger stepbrother of the reigning Shogun, Lord Matsudaira Naritsugu of Akashi, who indulges in his propensity for violence and sexual assault without consequence. Recognizing the increasing danger posed by Naritsugu’s ambition, Sir Doi Toshitsura (Mikijiro Hira), the Shogun’s Justice, grows alarmed at the prospect of Naritsugu attaining greater power.
The plot thickens when a member of the Mimiya family openly commits harakiri, a ritual act of defiance against their cruel overlord, Naritsugu. In the aftermath, Sir Doi seeks the expertise of Shinzaemon, a seasoned samurai loyal to the former Shogun, and covertly hires him to carry out the assassination of Naritsugu. However, the plot is soon uncovered by Naritsugu’s loyal retainer Hanbei, an old friend of Shinzaemon’s, who monitors Doi’s clandestine meetings.
In a brutal display of his merciless nature, Naritsugu exterminates the entire Mimiya family, ignoring Hanbei’s pleas for mercy. Yet, Hanbei remains bound to his duty of protecting his lord. Shinzaemon gathers a team of eleven other samurai, including his nephew, Shinroukuro, to ambush Naritsugu during his return trip from Edo to Akashi. Just before their departure, Hanbei delivers a chilling warning to Shinzaemon, threatening dire consequences should he attempt to carry out the assassination.
With Sir Doi’s support, the group takes decisive measures by recruiting town Ochiai, creating an intricate trap to ensnare Naritsugu. They also gain the backing of a minor lord who bears his own grief; his daughter-in-law was assaulted and his son murdered at Naritsugu’s hands. Together, they block the highway to force Naritsugu into the town where their trap awaits. However, unforeseen challenges arise when the assassination group is ambushed by ronin hired by Hanbei to eliminate the schemers.
Opting for a mountainous route, the group finds themselves lost but soon meets Kiga Koyata, a hunter who becomes their guide, ultimately joining them as the thirteenth assassin. They transform the town into a complex maze filled with booby traps and camouflaged fortifications. Yet, when Naritsugu arrives, he is accompanied by an overwhelming force—200 troops instead of the anticipated 70.
What ensues is an intense and chaotic battle, with the assassins launching a blend of arrows, explosives, and blades against Naritsugu and his men. Amidst the frenzy, the deranged lord revels in the violence, declaring that this is the most enjoyable moment of his life. He tells Hanbei of his intent to revive the wars reminiscent of the Sengoku period when he rises to the Shogun’s council.
Despite the assassins suffering heavy losses, they manage to inflict significant damage on Naritsugu’s forces. Eventually, the final confrontation sees Shinzaemon and Shinroukuro cornering Naritsugu and Hanbei. In an act of defiance, Shinzaemon slays Hanbei, only to be insulted by Naritsugu, who disdainfully kicks the severed head of his loyal retainer.
In a tense exchange, Naritsugu arrogantly proclaims the purpose of people and samurai is to serve their lords. Yet, Shinzaemon counters that lords depend on the people’s support and warns that abuse of power will lead to rebellion. In a fatal duel, both warriors deliver mortal wounds to each other. As Naritsugu crawls away, experiencing fear for the first time, he begrudgingly thanks Shinzaemon for the thrill before the latter ends his life.
Following Shinzaemon’s death, Shinroukuro wanders through the aftermath, eventually encountering a miraculously recovered Koyata. Together, they make their escape from the town. The epilogue reveals that the Shogun’s government concealed the truth of these events, fabricating a narrative that Naritsugu died of illness on his way back. Ultimately, just 23 years later, the Tokugawa Shogunate would be dismantled during the Meiji Restoration.
Introduction of Lord Matsudaira Naritsugu
The film opens in 1840s Japan, highlighting the reign of the sadistic Lord Matsudaira Naritsugu, the shogun's younger stepbrother. Naritsugu is depicted as a ruthless individual who indulges in violent and sexual transgressions, operating without fear of consequences.
Sir Doi Toshitsura's Alarm
Sir Doi Toshitsura, the Shogun's Justice, expresses his growing concern about Naritsugu's unchecked ambitions and the potential threat he poses to the shogunate. Doi's worries lead him to seek a solution to neutralize Naritsugu's dangerous rise to power.
Mimiya Family's Harakiri
In a defiant act against Naritsugu's tyranny, a member of the Mimiya family commits harakiri, a ritual suicide meant to challenge their cruel overlord. This bold move prompts Sir Doi to take action against Naritsugu.
Hiring of Shinzaemon
Sir Doi seeks Shinzaemon, a skilled samurai loyal to the former Shogun, proposing a plot to assassinate Naritsugu. Despite the risks, Shinzaemon accepts the mission, understanding the weight of the task ahead.
Naritsugu's Brutal Extermination
In a demonstration of his violent nature, Naritsugu orders the extermination of the entire Mimiya family, dismissing pleas for mercy from his retainers. This massacre reinforces the need for action against him and hardens Shinzaemon's resolve.
Assembling the Assassins
Shinzaemon gathers a group of eleven samurai, including his nephew Shinroukuro, to carry out the assassination plan. They prepare for an ambush against Naritsugu, who is traveling from Edo to Akashi.
Hanbei's Warning
Hanbei, Naritsugu's loyal retainer and an old friend to Shinzaemon, uncovers the assassination plot and delivers a chilling warning. He threatens severe repercussions if Shinzaemon and his team proceed with their plan.
Recruitment of Town Ochiai
With Sir Doi's backing, Shinzaemon's group strategically enlists the help of town Ochiai to set a trap for Naritsugu. They gain support from a minor lord seeking justice for his own losses at Naritsugu's hands.
Ambush by Ronin
As the assassination group executes their plans, they encounter unexpected trouble when ambushed by ronin hired by Hanbei. This setback forces them to reconsider their strategy and approach.
Meeting Kiga Koyata
In a twist of fate, the group finds themselves lost in the mountains but meets Kiga Koyata, a knowledgeable hunter who offers to guide them. Koyata becomes an ally, joining the ranks as the thirteenth assassin.
Preparing the Town's Defenses
In anticipation of Naritsugu's arrival, the assassins transform the town into a maze filled with booby traps and fortifications. Their meticulous preparations aim to outsmart the overwhelming numbers of Naritsugu's men.
Naritsugu's Arrival
When Naritsugu finally arrives with a much larger force than expected—200 troops instead of the anticipated 70—it sets the stage for an intense confrontation. The assassins are now faced with a daunting challenge.
The Battle Commences
A chaotic battle erupts as the assassins employ a mix of arrows, explosives, and swords against Naritsugu's soldiers. Amid the chaos, Naritsugu revels in the violence, making it clear that he thrives on the conflict.
Final Confrontation
In the climactic moments, a duel takes place between Shinzaemon and Naritsugu, with others involved in the melee. The intense battle culminates in fatal exchanges, as both warriors deal mortal wounds to each other.
Aftermath and Deceit
Following the death of Shinzaemon, his nephew Shinroukuro escapes the grim aftermath of the battle with Koyata. The Shogun's government soon conceals the truth, spinning a narrative that Naritsugu died from illness, marking the end of an era.
Shinzaemon
Shinzaemon is a seasoned and principled samurai, loyal to the former Shogun, who embodies honor and duty. He is driven by a profound sense of justice and the desire to protect those oppressed by Naritsugu's vicious rule. His leadership in assembling a skilled team of assassins illustrates his commitment to rectifying the wrongs inflicted by the sadistic lord.
Lord Matsudaira Naritsugu
Lord Naritsugu is a sadistic and ruthless character whose penchant for violence knows no bounds. He revels in the suffering of others and aims to consolidate power, displaying a complete disregard for human life. His arrogance and brutality portray him as the ultimate antagonist, compelling the samurai to rise against his tyranny.
Sir Doi Toshitsura
Sir Doi Toshitsura serves as the Shogun's Justice, deeply concerned about the potential rise of Naritsugu's power. His decision to orchestrate the assassination reflects his desperation to protect the realm from impending doom. Doi represents the moral dilemma of navigating the harsh realities of a corrupt regime, where justice must be sought through unconventional means.
Shinroukuro
Shinroukuro is portrayed as a young and brave samurai, closely related to Shinzaemon. His character emphasizes the themes of loyalty and courage, fighting alongside experienced warriors against overwhelming odds. Shinroukuro's journey from a fearful youth to a committed fighter symbolizes the passing of values and responsibilities to the next generation.
Time period
1840s
The 1840s in Japan witnessed the END of the Tokugawa shogunate, a feudal regime characterized by rigid social structures and military rule. This period is significant due to the rise of dissatisfaction and the eventual push towards modernization, which would lead to the Meiji Restoration. The increasing corruption and cruelty exemplified by figures like Lord Matsudaira Naritsugu indicate the necessity for social change and rebellion.
Location
Japan, Akashi
The movie takes place in 1840s Japan, a period marked by the declining power of the Tokugawa shogunate. Akashi is a prominent city known for its political significance during this era. The backdrop includes mountainous terrains that serve as a tactical route for the protagonists, adding an element of natural beauty amidst the intense conflict.
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Rebellion
The film explores the theme of rebellion against tyrannical power, as a group of samurai band together to confront Lord Naritsugu, whose sadistic behavior epitomizes authoritarian cruelty. The characters' willingness to risk their lives for justice highlights the struggle against oppression. The ultimate confrontation serves as a catalyst for change, reflecting the broader historical context of Japan's transition away from feudalism.
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Justice
Justice is a central theme, with the samurai seeking to address the injustices inflicted by Naritsugu. Their mission represents a moral obligation to protect the innocent, symbolized through the brutal aftermath of Naritsugu's actions against the Mimiya family. The film underscores the harsh realities of seeking justice in a world governed by power dynamics and violence.
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