Yojimbo (1961)
Dir: Akira Kurosawa
Cast: Toshiro Mifune, Tatsuya Nakadai, Yoko Tsukasa, Isuzu Yamada
Summary
A Ronin arrives in a small town caught in the grip of warring crime lords. Despite warnings to move on, he uses the fact that both sides desire his swordsmanship to his advantage, believing the town would be better off without either faction.
Synopsis
After overhearing an elderly farming couple lament that their son has joined a local gang, a Ronin arrives in a town torn apart by a violent turf war. At a local izakaya (pub/bar), the Ronin meets the owner, who advises him to move on and explains that the town is divided between two rival gang leaders—Ushitora and Seibei.
Choosing to stay, the Ronin believes the town would be better off if both gangs were eliminated. He initially allies with Seibei for a generous fee and encourages a confrontation with Ushitora. However, upon learning that Seibei plans to have him killed to avoid paying, the Ronin resigns—publicly, and in front of Ushitora—leaving the gangs to fight it out. A potential clash is averted by the sudden arrival of a government inspector.
After the inspector is called away due to the murder of an official in a nearby village, the Ronin discovers that Ushitora orchestrated the killing to clear the way for his plans. The Ronin captures the assassins and sells them to Seibei, but deceives Ushitora by claiming that Seibei’s men caught them—earning a reward from both sides.
In retaliation, Ushitora kidnaps Seibei’s son and offers him in exchange for the prisoners. At the exchange, Ushitora’s brother, Unosuke, double-crosses Seibei by shooting the assassins with a pistol. However, Seibei has anticipated the betrayal and kidnaps Ushitora’s mistress, forcing a second exchange the following morning.
The Ronin later learns that the woman is the wife of a local farmer who lost her over a gambling debt. He tells Ushitora that Seibei plans to take her back. While Ushitora gathers his men in preparation, the Ronin kills his guards, frees the woman, and reunites her with her family—urging them to flee the town. Unfortunately, Unosuke grows suspicious and sees through the Ronin’s double-cross. The Ronin is captured and brutally beaten.
With the help of the izakaya owner, the Ronin manages to escape. In his absence, Ushitora destroys Seibei and assumes control. While recovering in a graveyard, the Ronin learns that Ushitora has captured the izakaya owner. Determined to finish what he started, the Ronin returns to the town and slaughters Ushitora and all his men—even overcoming Unosuke’s pistol in a final showdown.
With his work complete, the Ronin quietly leaves town.
Review
While I knew this film had inspired a spaghetti western, I was still surprised by just how strong the western influence felt. The Ronin and the warring gangs are far more interchangeable with characters from the Old West than those in Seven Samurai, another Kurosawa classic remade as a western.
Toshiro Mifune delivers a fantastic performance. His subtle facial expressions lend great depth to both the dramatic and comic moments. Although I’ve heard this film described as a comedy, I think that sells it short. It’s more of a satire—it doesn’t take itself too seriously, but it’s also not lightweight. The humor offers relief in what is otherwise a dark and cynical story—though not quite as bleak as Seven Samurai.
Visually, the film is striking. There’s a graphic, almost stylized quality to the cinematography, especially in the long shots and the way the camera often frames scenes at right angles. I was less convinced by the score, which felt too overtly Western and melodramatic; I would have preferred something more understated.
Overall, this has been the best film I’ve watched so far in connection with this course.
