When the Last Sword is Drawn

The Samurai film is to Japanese moviegoers what the Western is to American audiences, with the genre continually being retooled for contemporary audiences, as evidenced by this 2003 period epic directed by the skilled Yojiro Takita (whose well-crafted films are vivid and dynamic, while also remaining dignified). When the Last Sword is Drawn follows Kanichiro Yoshimura (Kiichi Nakai), a dedicated Samurai intent on making enough money to comfortably support his family, although his somewhat mercenary outlook doesn't endear him to his fellow warriors (who appear to take the samurai's code of ethics more seriously). But Kanichiro's incomparable skills eventually earn him widespread respect, bringing him to the attention of the notorious Shinsengumi, guardians of the Imperial capital. Nakai delivers an exceptional performance as an ostensible moneygrubber who profoundly affects the people he encounters; none more so than those who initially believe him to be dishonorable. Opulently produced, with impressively staged action scenes, this straightforward tale of laboriously acquired honor is reminiscent of the genre's classic films. Recommended. (E. Hulse)