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13 Assassins
十三人の刺客
2010 141 min Japan, United Kingdom R 18+
★7.9
Adventure, Drama, Action
Director: Takashi Miike
🎭 Based on
«13 Assassins»
Trailers
Description
A bravado period action film set at the end of Japan's feudal era in which a group of unemployed samurai are enlisted to bring down a sadistic lord and prevent him from ascending to the throne and plunging the country into a war-torn future.
Budget:
$6M
US Gross:
$802,778
Worldwide:
$17.56M
Starring
Kôji Yakusho
Actor
Takayuki Yamada
Actor
Yûsuke Iseya
Actor
Awards
Asian Film Academy 2011
— Best Production Design
Asian Film Academy 2011
— Best Actor
Asian Film Academy 2011
— Best Costume Design
Asian Film Academy 2011
— Best Film Editing
Asian Film Academy 2011
— Best Director
Venice Film Festival 2010
— Golden Lion
Key opinion
Takashi Miike's 13 Assassins is widely regarded as a visceral, masterfully staged samurai epic that balances slow-burn political buildup with a monumental, highly energetic final battle. While some critics argue the plot is predictable or derivative of Kurosawa, most praise the film for its technical craft, authentic period atmosphere, and compelling performances.
| Direction | The climactic 45-minute battle sequence is a triumph of visceral, practical action filmmaking. | |
| Acting | Kôji Yakusho provides a strong, anchoring performance that effectively conveys the gravity of the samurai code. | |
| Production | The film utilizes authentic production design and restrained cinematography to successfully immerse the viewer in 19th-century Japan. | |
| Pacing | The pacing divides viewers; some appreciate the methodical, slow-burn buildup of the first half, while others find it tedious or sluggish. | |
| Screenplay | Opinions on the screenplay are divided: supporters laud its classic, honorable structure, whereas detractors label the plot and character motivations as predictable or lacking existential depth. |