‘Kubi’

[Ukigumo]

Despite the gruesome implication of the title and a high tally of decapitation, death and torture, this is actually a bit of a fun film! It starts rather seriously but then it does become rather good fun. Nobunaga is suitably odious, there are depictions of homosexual love and sex (if that sort of thing bothers you) and as I said, a lot of violence. But I really enjoyed this film although the ending was rather abrupt and weak (a problem with many Japanese films in my opinion).

Has anyone else seen it and have an opinion?

 

[thomas]

Definitely on my "to-watch" list!

 

[nice gaijin]

Oh interesting, first I've heard of it, but plenty of recognizable faces in this one.

Did Nobunaga lose his marbles like that? His depiction, from the trailer at least, seems to be pretty "mad king who needs to be taken out"

 

[Ukigumo]

Oh interesting, first I've heard of it, but plenty of recognizable faces in this one.

It does seem like there's 5-7 Japanese actors who crop up in films again and again! It might explain why I sometimes confuse the various samurai films watch!

Did Nobunaga lose his marbles like that? His depiction, from the trailer at least, seems to be pretty "mad king who needs to be taken out"

He's always portrayed as being of mercurial character, although I don't know on some historical basis. I'd like to know of there were any.

I'm reading a book about the fifth Shōgun , Tokugawa Tsunyoshi who was in charge when the Ako incident occurred ('47 Rōnin '). It gives a historical, evidence-based account of the incident that has completely turned over my understanding and opinion of the whole story, one that that comes from fictional kabuki plays and now Japanese films! I was quite shocked!

 

[thomas]

I'm reading a book about the fifth Shōgun, Tokugawa Tsunyoshi who was in charge when the Ako incident occurred ('47 Rōnin'). It gives a historical, evidence-based account of the incident that has completely turned over my understanding and opinion of the whole story, one that that comes from fictional kabuki plays and now Japanese films! I was quite shocked!

Much of Japanese history has been romanticised and shaped into mythical kabuki fairy tales. When one takes a closer look at "historical villains" like Akechi Mitsuhide , Taira no Kiyomori , or Kira Yoshinaka, it becomes clear that they have been demonised over time, often being portrayed as irrational, cruel and merciless. The three great unifiers of Japan are usually revered, but were equally, if not more, ruthless in achieving their goals through violence and bloodshed.

 

[Ukigumo]

I suppose that's the case everywhere; history is written by the victors.

The irony is that the 'true' story of the Ako incident would make a brilliant, sociopolitically nuanced film. Admittedly it wouldn't show the samurai class in a very good light, showing them for what they really were, but even so…