Fresh
The story sometimes slips into soapy territory, but when you think the schmaltz is going to ruin it, Yamada gives it just enough of a twist to make you realize this is not your regular romantic film.
Marta Barber, Miami Herald
Overview
Seibei Iguchi leads a difficult life as a low ranking samurai at the turn of the nineteenth century. A widower with a meager income, Seibei struggles to take care of his two daughters and senile mother. New prospects seem to open up when the beautiful Tomoe, a childhood friend, comes back into he and his daughters' life, but as the Japanese feudal system unravels, Seibei is still bound by the code of honor of the samurai and by his own sense of social precedence. How can he find a way to do what is best for those he loves?
Director and cast
- Yoji Yamada Director
- Hiroyuki Sanada as Seibei Iguchi
- Rie Miyazawa as Tomoe Iinuma
- Nenji Kobayashi as Choubei Kusaka
- Mitsuru Fukikoshi as Michinojo Iinuma
- Kanako Fukaura as Yae Iinuma
- Hiroshi Kanbe as Naota
- Miki Ito as Kayano Iguchi
- Ito Senba as Ito Iguchi
- Reiko Kusamura as Iguchi's Mother
- Setsuko Tanaka Cast
Critics on Rotten Tomatoes
Top critics, in their words
99%
Tomatometer
Fresh
Beautifully captures the end of an age.
Roger Moore, Orlando Sentinel
Fresh
A small, respectful corrective.
Erik Lundegaard, Seattle Times
Fresh
An affecting look at the vulnerable side of a warrior
Scott Von Doviak, Fort Worth Star-Telegram/DFW.com
Fresh
As Iguchi, Mr. Sanada epitomizes the kind of man who can still dream and be true to himself amid the daily grind and turmoil. That's a welcome role model in any age.
Charles Ealy, Dallas Morning News
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