Samurai II: Duel at Ichijoji Temple
続宮本武蔵 一乗寺の決闘
Japan • 1955
Director
#15Criterion Collection →Synopsis
Toshiro Mifune furiously embodies swordsman Musashi Miyamoto as he comes into his own in the action-packed middle section of the Samurai Trilogy. DUEL AT ICHIJOJI TEMPLE furthers Miyamoto along his path to spiritual enlightenment, as well as further from the arms of the two women who love him: loyal Otsu (Kaoru Yachigusa) and conniving yet tragic Akemi (Mariko Okada). The film also brings him face to face with hordes of rivals intent on cutting him down, especially his legendary rival Kojiro (Koji Tsuruta). The titular climax is one of Japanese cinema’s most rousingly choreographed conflicts, intensified by Jun Yasumoto’s color cinematography and Ikuma Dan’s triumphant score.
Synopsis
Toshiro Mifune furiously embodies swordsman Musashi Miyamoto as he comes into his own in the action-packed middle section of the Samurai Trilogy. DUEL AT ICHIJOJI TEMPLE furthers Miyamoto along his path to spiritual enlightenment, as well as further from the arms of the two women who love him: loyal Otsu (Kaoru Yachigusa) and conniving yet tragic Akemi (Mariko Okada). The film also brings him face to face with hordes of rivals intent on cutting him down, especially his legendary rival Kojiro (Koji Tsuruta). The titular climax is one of Japanese cinema’s most rousingly choreographed conflicts, intensified by Jun Yasumoto’s color cinematography and Ikuma Dan’s triumphant score.
Part of Box Set
Credits
Crew
DirectorHiroshi Inagaki
WriterTokuhei Wakao, Hiroshi Inagaki
ComposerIkuma Dan
EditorHideshi Ohi
ProducerKazuo Takimura
Cast
Toshirō Mifuneas Musashi Miyamoto a.k.a. Takezo
Koji Tsurutaas Kojiro Sasaki
Kaoru Yachigusaas Otsu
Mariko Okadaas Akemi
Michiyo Kogureas Lady Yoshino