Samurai Marathon 1855 (2019)

[Drunk Monk]

Samurai flicks means sword fights. It's been a while since I've watched a good chanbara and this was very satisfying. Directed by Bernard Rose, this is as authentic of a jidaigeki as they come - rich characters with solid motivations, complex intrigue, historical nods, gorgeous scenery, and best of all, some fine sword fights. Set when Perry arrived in Japan, the introduction of firearms gives a local lord nightmares, so he arranges a marathon to test all his samurai. But there's ninjas, rivalries, loyalties...all that samurai baggage. It's an engaging story. But then there's those sword fights... gritty, sanguineous, brutal. Some fine beheading, realistic blood splatter, and some excellent archery scenes. Good stuff. 

DOOM recommended. hoopla streamed.