Directed by
Takashi Miike
Made by
Magnet Releasing
As Manji ran from the repercussions of his past actions, he was relentlessly pursued by the heavy burden of guilt, haunted by the specters of those he’d lost. His choice to protect his sister, Machi, who had succumbed to madness, turned out to be a grave error. She fell prey to a ruthless gang of ronin who sought a bounty on his life. In a reluctant act of submission to their demands, tragedy struck when they brutally murdered Machi, igniting a fierce desire for vengeance within him. Manji unleashed a wave of deadly revenge upon his enemies, yet at a devastating price—his own life. Just as he took his final breath, the enigmatic Yaobikuni appeared, granting him “sacred bloodworms” that resurrected him as an eternal immortal.
Fast forward fifty-two years, and Manji re-emerges into the world, his eyes once again observing the chaos around him. Enter Rin Asano](/actor/hana-sugisaki), a spirited young girl whose burning desire to avenge her father, Kurose, murdered by Kagehisa Anotsu and his band, the Ittō-ryū, propels her toward Manji. The gruesome sight of Sabato Kuroi, whose horrific display includes Rin’s mother’s severed head on his shoulder, drives Manji to action. Accepting Rin’s heartfelt plea for assistance, they become engaged in a deadly struggle, which soon catches the ire of Kagehisa, who sends Taito Magatsu to eliminate them. Despite Magatsu’s defeat at their hands, news of Manji’s immortality sends shockwaves through the ranks of the Ittō-ryū.
Manji’s journey crosses paths with Eiku Shizuma, but he finds himself overpowered and injured. Together with Rin, Manji heads to Fukagawa, where they encounter Makie Otono-Tachibana, a devoted disciple of Kagehisa. Amidst their fierce combat, Manji notices the flickering doubt within Makie, who grapples with the moral implications of her loyalty. Rin’s impassioned cry for vengeance against those who wronged her parents strikes a chord, prompting Makie’s eventual departure from the Ittō-ryū.
Meanwhile, as dark intentions unfold within the ranks of the Ittō-ryū, Manji and Rin confront the mysterious Mugai-ryū. Kagehisa’s ambition to secure a dojo master leads him to the revered Mt. Takeo, yet treachery awaits as he is ambushed by Habaki. In a pivotal moment, Rin defies Shira’s vicious attack on a defenseless prostitute, compelling Manji to act, resulting in Shira’s escape but not before revealing the complexity of his own past.
With deeper understanding of Kagehisa’s motivations rooted in a historical rivalry between their grandfathers, Rin resolves to pursue her vendetta on her own, leaving Manji to navigate a treacherous world in search of her safety.
The tension escalates as Kagehisa arrives at Mt. Takao, only to be ensnared by Habaki’s betrayal. In a bid to save her ally, Makie sacrifices her life, heroically shielding Kagehisa from a hail of gunfire from samurai. Consumed by fury, Manji presses forward against waves of enemies, fixated solely on avenging Rin.
Betrayal rears its head again as Shira kidnaps Rin, driving Manji to embark on a harrowing chase. Their confrontation culminates in a brutal hand-to-hand combat where cunning and agility become Manji’s tools against his adversary. Ultimately, Shira meets his fate over the edge of a cliff, yet Manji’s focus shifts swiftly back to Kagehisa, who has begun exacting his own revenge against Habaki.
As the battlefield quiets, Rin comes face-to-face with Kagehisa once more. Despite her weakened state, she hesitates at the brink of delivering the final blow, weighted by the consequences of letting him live. His ominous warning of revenge from his descendants looms over her decision. Ultimately, Rin confronts the reality of her tumultuous journey with Kagehisa, making the painful choice to end his life.
Though scarred and weary from battle, Manji stands resilient, his connection to Rin stretched but not broken as they navigate the aftermath of their harrowing ordeal together.
Manji's Guilt and Regret
Manji is haunted by the memories of those he has lost, bearing the heavy burden of guilt from his past actions. His desire to protect his sister Machi ultimately leads to devastating consequences that change his life forever.
Machi's Tragic Fate
In his effort to safeguard Machi from the dangers surrounding them, Manji's protection fails. A ruthless gang of ronin captures her and, in a brutal act, murder her, igniting a fierce desire for vengeance within Manji.
The Gift of Immortality
As Manji draws his last breath in the throes of vengeance, the enigmatic figure Yaobikuni appears before him. She grants him 'sacred bloodworms,' resurrecting him as an eternal immortal, forever tied to his haunting past.
Manji's Reemergence
Fifty-two years after his resurrection, Manji emerges into a chaotic world, still wrestling with the ghosts of his past. He observes the turmoil around him, marking his return to a society fraught with violence and revenge.
Rin Asano's Quest for Revenge
Rin Asano, a spirited young girl, embarks on a quest to avenge her father Kurose, who was murdered by Kagehisa Anotsu and his band. Driven by her passionate desire for justice, she seeks out the immortal Manji for assistance.
A Gruesome Encounter
The horrifying sight of Rin's mother’s severed head carried by Sabato Kuroi pushes Manji into action. He accepts Rin's heartfelt plea for help, embroiling them both in a deadly struggle against the forces that predominate their lives.
Taito Magatsu's Assault
As their violent confrontation escalates, Kagehisa sends Taito Magatsu to eliminate Manji and Rin. Despite Magatsu's fierce efforts, he is ultimately defeated, a move that sends shockwaves throughout the ranks of the Ittō-ryū.
Confrontation with Makie
Manji and Rin travel to Fukagawa, where they encounter Makie Otono-Tachibana, a devoted disciple of Kagehisa. During their fierce combat, Rin's passionate plea for vengeance begins to sway Makie's loyalty, leading her to question her path.
Revelations of Betrayal
Amid rising tensions, Kagehisa attempts to secure a dojo master at Mt. Takeo, but is ambushed by Habaki. The unfolding treachery reveals deep ambitions and complex relationships that dictate the course of violence in their world.
Makie's Sacrifice
Caught in a dire moment, Makie sacrifices herself to protect Kagehisa from gunfire. Her noble act underscores the complexities of loyalty and the high cost of vengeance within the fierce conflict they all face.
Rin's Decisive Moment
Rin confronts Kagehisa after the tide of battle quiets. Hesitant and burdened by her tumultuous journey, she grapples with delivering the final blow, especially as his ominous warning of revenge from his descendants looms over her.
Confrontation with Shira
Shira kidnaps Rin, forcing Manji on a harrowing chase. Their subsequent confrontation culminates in a brutal combat where Manji must outsmart and overpower Shira to rescue Rin, showcasing the depths of his resolve.
Final Confrontation
After confronting Shira, Manji shifts his focus back to Kagehisa, who is enacting his own revenge against Habaki. The repeated betrayals echo through the ranks, setting the stage for final confrontations.
Rin's Resolution
Rin makes the heartbreaking decision to end Kagehisa's life, acknowledging the weight of her choice and its consequences. This moment marks a significant culmination in her quest for vengeance, shaping her character's journey.
Aftermath of Battle
Although scarred and weary from the conflict, Manji and Rin's bond, forged through shared pain, remains intact. They prepare to navigate the uncertain future together, reflecting on the path that brought them to this point.
Manji (Takuya Kimura)
Manji is a deeply troubled anti-hero burdened by guilt from his past actions. Uniquely gifted with immortality, his journey is one filled with vengeance and self-discovery as he seeks redemption for his failures. His fierce loyalty and protective nature drive him to assist Rin, yet his violent past continuously weighs heavily on him.
Rin Asano (Hana Sugisaki)
Rin is a determined young woman fueled by a burning desire for revenge against those who murdered her father. Her character evolves throughout the story as she grapples with the harsh realities of vengeance and its consequences. Her resilient spirit and emotional depth make her a key catalyst in Manji's journey.
Kagehisa Anotsu (Sôta Fukushi)
Kagehisa is the formidable leader of the Ittō-ryū, whose ambition and ruthlessness drive the conflict in the film. His character is portrayed with complex motives rooted in familial rivalry, making him both a formidable foe and a tragic figure. His actions are pivotal in shaping the narrative dynamics and interpersonal struggles faced by the other characters.
Machi (Hana Sugisaki)
Machi, Manji's sister, is a tragic figure whose madness stems from the anguish of loss. Her fate serves as a catalyst for Manji’s unyielding pursuit of vengeance and highlights the emotional stakes surrounding his character. Despite her brief appearance, her impact resonates throughout the narrative.
Makie Otono-Tachibana (Erika Toda)
Makie is a devoted disciple caught in the moral conflicts of loyalty and personal convictions. Her internal struggle reflects the themes of the film as she navigates the complexities of her relationships with members of the Ittō-ryū and her eventual choice to protect Kagehisa. Her journey adds depth to the exploration of loyalty and sacrifice.
Time period
17th century
The film is set during the tumultuous 17th century in Japan, a period marked by the rise of powerful clans and samurai. This era is characterized by conflict, betrayal, and the quest for vengeance, reflecting the societal struggles and personal vendettas that drive the characters' motivations in the movie.
Location
Fukagawa, Mt. Takao
Fukagawa is a bustling district known for its rich cultural heritage and vibrancy. It serves as a significant backdrop for the encounters between Manji and his adversaries. Mt. Takao, revered in Japanese culture, is known for its scenic beauty and historical significance, providing a dramatic setting for pivotal confrontations in the film.
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Revenge
Revenge is a central theme in 'Blade of the Immortal,' exploring the psychological toll it takes on individuals. Manji's quest for vengeance against those who wronged him intertwines with Rin's desire to avenge her father, highlighting how such desires can consume one's life and morality. The film examines the fine line between justice and vengeance, showcasing the devastating consequences of bloodshed.
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Loss
The theme of loss resonates deeply throughout the film, driving characters to their breaking points. Manji grapples with the guilt of losing his sister to madness and later witnessing the death of allies. Rin's journey is similarly marked by the anguish of losing her parents, shaping her motivations and relationships as she seeks closure and a sense of purpose in her life.
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Morality
Morality plays a pivotal role in the film, especially depicted through characters like Makie, who struggles with her allegiance to the Ittō-ryū. The narrative challenges the characters' beliefs on right and wrong, as they navigate a world filled with treachery and violence. These moral dilemmas force the characters to confront the consequences of their choices, ultimately shaping their destinies.
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