theBlackman on 11/6/2008 at 20:05
Quote Posted by Subjective Effect
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OT - I had this flim on my radar for an age, but I heard bad things about it. I like the resurgence of this type of opulent Eastern period drama plus martial arts, but the one I'm really after I don't know the name of. I thought it was an early Ang Lee (I read he was re-releasing something but now I can find no reference to it). It's about a house in the desert where people go to hire assassins. One of the characters is losing his sight. Sigh. I guess I'll never know.
No harm no foul. However, given the higher level of intelect here, the assumption was that the "BUT" would be accepted as intended. IE. If you don't like Sub-titled flics, then wait for the version with english.
As for your search. It almost sounds like
"Hero". (
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0299977/)
Assassins after the emperor. One master assassin lives in a small town as a Caligraphy teacher. Is approached by another and a plan using 3 or 4 such is cooked up.
There is a duel in the desert and the ending is quite interesting.
The group of assassins are "rebels" who are against the formation of the Chin Empire.
SubJeff on 11/6/2008 at 20:58
Point taken. :thumb:
Nah, I've seen Hero. That and Crouching Tiger are all much later films. I saw this in 1998. It's much less flashy than the more recent affairs.
Another one I'm unable to find is a Japanese film about a samuri who exiles himself after forcing himself on a princess. It has really stunning scenery. Not majestic, just quaint dwellings, dappled glades. Probably the rose-tint talking but I remember it as one of the most beautiful films I've ever seen. It ends with the samuri returning to his old warlord, breaking into the princesses quarters at night to try it on again and her saying "what took you so long". Messed up, but looked great.
theBlackman on 11/6/2008 at 21:38
Try this: (
http://www.imdb.com/find?s=kw&q=Samurai)
You can use the Keywords in the left panel to isolate words that may narrow the search.
I assume the film was made earlier than 1998, as most of them were Japanese only, and made in the 50's and 60's, until distribution outside of the locallized theaters in Japanese communities in the UK and US started in the 60's.
My only option in that time was the Theaters in Japan, and then in San Francisco at the Kibuko at the Japanese center until the mid 70's.
Scots Taffer on 11/6/2008 at 23:34
Quote Posted by Stitch
ready for the title joke but holding out for a better riff from shug
you'll be waiting a while
suliman on 12/6/2008 at 00:00
If you're into samurai films, you've got to check out Yojimbo. Probably the coolest movie i've ever seen!:D
Neb on 12/6/2008 at 00:25
Quote Posted by theBlackman
IE. If you don't like Sub-titled flics, then wait for the version with english.
How common is that in the US? Do the video stores also put warning stickers on subtitled DVDs so that people don't get the wrong one?
theBlackman on 12/6/2008 at 00:38
Quote Posted by suliman
If you're into samurai films, you've got to check out Yojimbo. Probably the coolest movie i've ever seen!:D
All the Mifune/Kurosawa films are great.
Try also,
"Samurai Trilogy"- "Sanjuro" (same character as Yojimbo, in a different context), The Hidden fortress, Ran, Cushingura (the Mifune version) and many others.
Just a note re Yojimbo. In the final fight, the move that the "hero" makes to defeat the villian, was invented by Mifune. Without getting into Sword Schools and styles, the training of the villian was such that no countermove had been developed that would win the "Quick draw" contest (yeah just like the western gunfighters), and Mifune, who is a master swordsman, had to come up with a move that would win the fight.
Tocky on 12/6/2008 at 03:13
Just want to point out that from a utilitarian point of view some lush scenery and intricate facial expression is missed while reading.
I suppose cockeyed people have an advantage here.
theBlackman on 12/6/2008 at 06:59
Right you are Tocky. But I usually see the flick 3 or more times, so I can enjoy the great cinematography.
Mr.Duck on 12/6/2008 at 08:06
Ah, Akira Kurosawa's Ran...lovely, lovely. I do believe it was influenced by one of Shakespeare's works, aye?
Sure, the blood is laughably fake, but everything else makes me float in such a dreadful world of intrigue and betrayal. Great times.
