THE FALL OF AKO CASTLE
(Japan 1978)
Original Title: Ako Jo Danzetsu 赤穂城断絶 (aka) Swords Of Vengeance
Directed by Kinji Fukasaku Produced by Toei Film Company Starring: Sonny Chiba, Toshiro Mifune, Yorozuya Kinnosuke, Tsunehiko Watase, Shinsuke Mikimoto, Mariko Okada, Tetsuro Tamba, Yoshi Kato Reviewing: Eureka Video UK Blu-ray Release Genres: Historical / Samurai / Drama
Rating - 4.7 / 5
Eureka Video Blu-ray Synopsis: Kinji Fukasaku (Battle Royale) brings together an ensemble cast, including two icons of Japanese cinema — Toshiro Mifune (Seven Samurai) and Sonny Chiba (The Street Fighter) — for this samurai epic, a retelling of the classic story of the 47 ronin. When an injustice costs his master his life and estate, loyal retainer Ōishi (Kinnosuke Yorozuya, Bushido) vows revenge. Because the target of his vengeance is protected by the ruling shogunate, any retaliation would be seen as an act of treason. Ōishi assembles the remaining ranks of the now-masterless samurai and the 47 of them pledge a blood oath to avenge their slain lord. Tensions rise among the ranks of the ronin eager to launch the mission, as Ōishi bides his time awaiting the right time to strike. Enemy spies and assassins track Ōishi, who has seemingly fallen into vice: Has he lost his sense of honour, or is it just a part of his plan? The Fall of Ako Castle offers a moving tale of loyalty, betrayal, and sacrifice where classical history explodes into brutal samurai carnage. The Masters of Cinema Series is proud to present Fukasaku’s retelling of one of Japan’s most resonant events. (159 Mins)
Views: Based on true historical events set between 1701 – 1702, and one of Japan's most famous stories, The Fall Of Ako Castle is a stunning retelling of the famed 47 Ronin, probably better known in the west as Swords Of Vengeance! After Lord Tsunayoshi strips 48 samurai of their assets, a young swordsman called Asano gets angered by the court official Kira's insults and attempts to kill him during a visit to his home. But he is quickly stopped after only managing to inflict minor wounds on Kira. For his actions, Asano is sentenced to seppuku while his land and property are claimed by the shogunate who goes on to abolish the Asano name. Upset by the outcome and unfair decisions made by the very lord they work for, Asano's 47 fellow samurai brothers vow to take vengeance for him. But instead of rushing out after Kira, they patiently wait a long year to make their move – giving them enough time to execute the right plan and lead Kira into a false sense of security. Eventually, the Ako samurai descend on the inn where the now-retired court official is living, resulting in a brutal and bloody battle that sees Kira sliced down and those who help him, quickly disposed of. Although seen as heroes by many after taking revenge, the 47 ronin are all sentenced to seppuku like their brother – only this time, with the Shogunate choosing to abolish the name of Kira instead in honour of the warriors!
It's no secret that the tale of the 47 Ronin, or Chushingura, has been adapted for television and cinema many times over the years, with the first being made in the second decade of the early 1900s. But perhaps it would be the 1941 epic two-part feature from director Kenji Mizoguchi called, Genroku Chushingura or The 47 Ronin, that comes to peoples minds first, or maybe it would be Hiroshi Inagaki's 1962 adaptation that actually went onto gain more attention in the west. Of course, more would soon follow including The Fall Of Ako Castle and a couple of Hollywood adaptations such as the hugely underrated Keanu Reeves fantasy adaptation, 47 Ronin (directed by Carl Rinsch), and The Last Knights with Morgan Freeman and Clive Own, which was loosely based on the story and helmed by artistic director Kazuaki Kiriya – the same man behind the ultra stylish Casshern and Goemon Japanese action films. Interestingly, both Western re-tellings failed to light up the box-office proving that audiences are much happier to see an authentic Japanese production of such a legendary tale – no matter how many times it will be retold...
The Fall Of Ako Castle is directed by the late and legendary Kinji Fukasaku, one of Japan's biggest and best directors who was known for his wide range of genre pieces from gritty Yakuza thrillers such as the Battles Without Honour & Humanity series to stylish samurai dramas including Shogun's Samurai, Legend Of The Eight Samurai, and Samurai Reincarnation, even dipping into the sci-fi action genre with films such as Message From Space and Virus. Of course, for those uninitiated into the world of Japanese cinema, Fukasaku would be most recognised for bringing the hugely successful and brutal Battle Royale to the world – his final full feature before passing during the production of its sequel at the age of 72. Winning the Japanese Academy Award for Director of the Year 3 times in his life, as well as receiving the Purple Medal of Honour from the Japanese government for his work, Kinji Fukasaku directed over 60 films throughout his 4 decades in the business, going on to inspire many who came after him including his own son, Kenta Fukasaku, who has went onto become a successful director in his own right.
In The Fall Of Ako Castle, Kinji delivers a stunning slice of samurai cinema crammed with powerful performances from everyone involved, blindingly fast swordplay and violent clashes, and gorgeous cinematography delivered by Yoshio Miyajima – the same eye behind classics such as Harakiri, The Human Condition Trilogy, and Kwaidan – who would go on to bag an Academy Award nomination for his efforts. Just prior to this, Kinji had also directed the amazing and aforementioned Shogun's Samurai, the first of three traditional features that would see the great Sonny Chiba play the infamous Jubei, continuing the chanbara theme with Samurai Reincarnation, Legend Of The Eight Samurai, and Sure Death 4, although none would quite offer the same dramatic impact as The Fall Of Ako Castle, respectfully. A legend in his own right, Shinichi 'Sonny' Chiba needs no introduction. As a kid, I had loved watching him in many of the aforementioned samurai titles as well as films such as The Street Fighter Trilogy, Roaring Fire, Sister Street Fighter, Bullet Train, G.I. Samurai, and many more, continuing to do so as I obtain more and more of the late stars' lengthy filmography. Along with the great Chiba, Fukasaku delivers a stunning cast of competent performers including the prolific Yorozuya Kinnosuke as leading man Oishi. Starting off as a kabuki performer, Yorozuya went onto become one of the big screens most loved actors starring in more than 140 films through to the mid-90s including the brilliant Portrait Of Hell and aforementioned Shogun's Samurai, as well as the brilliant 1980s television show Shogun alongside the wonderful Toshiro Mifune and Richard Chamberlain. Along the way, Yorozuya would win a number of awards including a Lifetime Achievement Award for his efforts in the industry. Fukasaku film regulars Nobuo Kaneko and Hiroki Matsukata also star, along with Ken Nishida and Japanese pop-idol Teruhiko Saigo who cameos as Asano. While there's a cast of hundreds, it's worth noting the guest appearance by the amazing Toshiro Mifune – although fans need not get too excited. Appearing briefly as the neighbour of Kira in the final attack scene, the legendary actor had appeared in many other adaptations of the story throughout his career as more prominent characters – but it was great to see him on-screen nonetheless.
Backed by a dramatic and memorable score by Kinji Fukasaku regular, composer Toshiaki Tsushima, and penned by Koji Takada – the man behind a number of Sonny Chiba titles – there's a lot to love in The Fall Of Ako Castle to keep viewers gripped without noticing its lengthy 159 minute running time pass. And although the outlining premise of the story may seem quite simple, the emotional drama involved with many of the characters, including the simple townsfolk, such as divorce, abandoning the town, and dissolution, helps makes the story so much more than just another samurai revenge mission that really makes you sit up and take notice. With films like The Fall Of Ako Castle, I've always felt that there was something incredibly special about this period of Japanese cinema, along with many before it and some after, and while we still get many great movies today from the land of the rising sun, it's only fair to say that they just don't make them like this any more!
Overall: Stunningly shot, wonderfully acted, and beautifully directed, The Fall Of Ako Castle is a solid retelling of a legendary tale that is now one of my favourite Fukasaku films!
Eureka Video Blu-ray Extras: New HD Restoration, Audio Commentary with Tom Mes, Interview with Tony Rayns on The Fall Of Ako Castle, King Of My Castle Video Essay by Jasper Sharp
Get your copy HERE
Watch my unboxing video for this Eureka Video release HERE
