Review of Samurai I: Musashi Miyamoto (1954) by Louis L — 31 Mar 2016

This classic has lasted the test of time. But like sushi, it's not for everyone. Samurai 1 is the first installment of a three part epic about Musashi Miyamoto, the legendary swordsman of feudal Japan.

Modern audiences used to high flying kicks and action packed pyrotechnics will be disappointed. Samurai is a finely crafted film adaptation of the lengthy book. What the movie does well is capture the spirit of 17th century Japan and transports the audience to a different world and time.

There is not much action. The interaction between the swordsman and the monk Takuan is the main focus of Samurai 1. Musashi is physically strong and a fearsome warrior. The monk makes him into a human being and a samurai.