Boasting some of the most impressive swordplay in the history of samurai epics, The Sword of Doom (1965) is a visceral black-and-white masterpiece of violent style and powerful substance. Illustrating the timeless adage that "an evil soul wields an evil sword," this highly stylized classic opens in 1860 (during the twilight of Shogunate rule) and is driven by the fierce and fearsome performance of Tatsuya Nakadai (best known for his lead role in Akira Kurosawa's Ran) as Ryunosuke, a sociopathic samurai whose soul--and sword--are vicious instruments of destruction. Having mastered a highly unconventional style of fencing, Ryunosuke engages in an exhibition match at a school run by master swordsman Shimada (Toshiro Mifune, in a small but pivotal role), where he kills his opponent (after promising not to). Flagrantly violating all codes of honor, Ryunosuke eventually finds himself challenged from all sides--even his own henchmen rally against him--and director Kihachi Okomoto stages confrontations that are as beautiful as they are graphically violent. As Ryunosuke descends into pure, bloodthirsty insanity, The Sword of Doom closes with a freeze-frame that's unforgettably powerful. Criterion's DVD release boasts a pristine, newly restored high-definition digital transfer, and a booklet essay by critic Geoffrey O'Brien. Highly recommended. (J. Shannon)[Blu-ray Review—Jan. 27, 2015—Criterion, 121 min., in Japanese w/English subtitles, not rated, $39.95—Making its debut on Blu-ray, 1966's The Sword of Doom is presented with a nice transfer and an uncompressed monaural soundtrack on the Blu-ray release. Extras include audio commentary by film historian Stephen Prince, an essay by critic Geoffrey O'Brien, and a trailer. Bottom line: a Japanese samurai classic makes a welcome debut on Blu-ray.]
The Sword of Doom
Criterion, 121 min., in Japanese w/English subtitles, DVD: $29.95 Volume 20, Issue 3
The Sword of Doom
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