Review of 13 Assassins (2010) by The H — 21 Aug 2011

The best samurai movie of the modern film era. The buildup is mesmerizing as we get to know the band of assassins, the demented villain and the strategy it will take for 13 to defeat 200.

The simplicity of the plot is refreshing - Miike refuses to dilute it with love interests or backstories. We are left with samurais in an era where samurai are nearly obsolete, and how they question their purpose gives the film an emotional and philosophical depth.

It's all filmed epically and stoically, which is why there's an arthouse method to this madness. The final battle is a glorious 40-minute melee of gritty swordplay, refreshingly without the use of any CGI or wirefighting.

I usually find Miike movies to be much too bizarre - I'm looking at YOU, Gozu and Visitor Q - to enjoy, but this is a bona fide masterpiece and one of the best action movies to come out in years.