Review of Yojimbo (1961) by Matthew J — 29 Mar 2010

Thank you TCM for this month's Kurosawa programming. I am finally becoming properly aquainted with this legend's work. The best part of watch Kurosawa films, for me, is recognizing the influences they had on more recent films (and, of course, the films themselves are just masterful).

"Yojimbo" tells the story of a lone warrior who comes to a village in turmoil. He sees an opportunity to make some money, but his morality eventually leads him to stop playing games and make right by the people of the village. Toshiro Mifune is great as the stranger. He's like a cat; he plays with his food until the food takes a swipe at him, then the claws come out. The whole cast is in top form. Highly recommended.