Samurai Reincarnation

We wrap up my ink-slinging samurais this week with a quick ode to Sonny Chiba from Kinji Fukasaku's Makai Tensho (1981).  Based on the novel Futaro Yamada, Makai Tensho retells a fantastical version of the story of Shiro Amakusa, wherein the Christian leader renounces God after the massacre following the Shimabara Rebellion and brings back to life a number famous swordsmen to exact his revenge. Romantic folk hero Jubei Yagyu enters the fray to defeat the resurrected samurai and stop the powerful wizard Amakusa.  Considering, how most samurai movies of the 60's and 70's are grounded in an all too gritty, blood-spraying reality, this one's a bit of a shock.  Fukasaku, however, is able to deliver a colorful and atmospheric fantasy tale with some great visuals aided by an iconic performance by Chiba as Jubei.

Blood Spray upon the Snow

The second Japanese print inspired piece comes from a promotional photo of 70's Japanese action staple Meiko Kaji as the vengeful Lady Snowblood (1973).  From a manga series created by Kazuo Koike (who also created Lone Wolf and Cub), Lady Snowblood is the tale of Yuki, a tortured soul born in a woman's prison, who seeks revenge on the underworld figures who raped her mother, and killed her mother's husband and son. Definitely one of the highlights of blood-soaked Japanese cinema of the 70's and an exciting tale of revenge.