Kumokiri Nizaemon: The Great Bandit
When Nizaemon Kumogiri, a major thief quits his job as a thief, he has two more big jobs planned in order to obtain a huge sum of money to enable his many subordinates scattered all over the country to live out the rest of their lives. First, he targets Matsuya, a medicine wholesaler in Nagoya and seduces the master of the shop by using his female subordinate, Nanakake. He then calls upon Sanji, a skilled locksmith to Nagoya, but the bandit Yagura no Fukuemon who is plotting to intercept the thief plots to extract Sanji for a large sum of money. Furthermore, Abe Shikibu, the chief of the firebrand bandit reformatory who is obsessed with Nizaemon's arrest, sends his men to Nagoya.
Insights
Plot Summary
In the Edo period of Japan, the legendary bandit Kumokiri Nizaemon is betrayed by his followers and hunted by the authorities. He must rely on his cunning and the help of a few loyal individuals to survive and uncover the conspiracy against him. The film follows his desperate attempts to clear his name and protect those he cares about from falling into the clutches of corruption.
Critical Reception
Kumokiri Nizaemon: The Great Bandit received a mixed to positive reception, with critics often highlighting its stylized action sequences and a strong performance from its lead actor. Some found the plot somewhat convoluted, but many appreciated its contribution to the samurai and period drama genre.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its engaging portrayal of a folk hero and its authentic period setting.
- Noted for its dynamic fight choreography and visual flair.
- Some viewers found the narrative pacing inconsistent.
Google audience: Audience reception is largely unavailable through aggregated Google reviews, but individual comments often point to appreciation for the film's historical drama elements and action.
Fun Fact
Kiyoshi Atsumi, famous for his role as Tora-san in the 'Otoko wa Tsurai yo' film series, plays the titular character Kumokiri Nizaemon, showcasing his versatility beyond his most iconic role.
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