Review of Yojimbo (1961) by Yvan C — 09 Sep 2009

I feel really bad. Prior to this I had only seen two Kurosawa films, and I loved both of them. I don't know why it took me so long to get around to seeing more, but this one was worth it. I loved it so much.

I knew this inspired Fistful of Dollars, but I couldn't help but be amazed at how much of a western it already is. The way Mifune walks into town and lays waste to some punks. The strange sound of the score which sounded so much like Ennio Morricone.

Obviously Kurosawa is an artist, but I always like it when a director can be an artist while making bad ass movies. Leone is the same way. There isn't any deep message here. It is just fun, and it is elevated by the performances, the cinematography, and Kurosawa's brilliant direction.