Withered Tree, the Adventures of Monjiro
Withered Tree, the Adventures of Monjiro

Movie spotlight

Withered Tree, the Adventures of Monjiro

1972
Movie
91 min
Japanese

Kogarashi Monjiro is a lone samurai who agrees to take responsibility for a murder that his friend committed so that he can stay with his dying mother, with the expectation that his friend will confess and get him pardoned once she dies. Monjiro is sentenced to an island for prisoners. When he discovers that his friend's mother has died over a year ago, Monjiro seeks to escape with a group of prisoners in order to get his revenge.

Insights

IMDb7.2/10
Director: Daisuke ItoGenres: Action, Adventure, Crime, Drama, History, War

Plot Summary

A young man, Monjiro, seeks revenge for the death of his father, a samurai who was betrayed. He embarks on a perilous journey, confronting corrupt officials, rival clans, and his own inner demons. Along the way, he encounters allies who help him navigate the treacherous political landscape of feudal Japan. Monjiro's quest for justice becomes a fight for honor and survival.

Critical Reception

The film was critically acclaimed for its stunning visuals, intense action sequences, and compelling narrative. It is often cited as a classic of the samurai genre, praised for its exploration of themes such as loyalty, betrayal, and the burden of duty. While not a massive box office hit, it garnered a dedicated following and is considered a significant work by director Daisuke Ito.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its visually striking cinematography and dynamic action.

  • Hailed as a gripping tale of revenge and honor in feudal Japan.

  • Applauded for its complex characters and exploration of samurai ethics.

Google audience: Audience reviews often highlight the film's epic scope and memorable performances, particularly from Bunta Sugawara. Many appreciate its traditional samurai drama elements combined with intense, well-choreographed fight scenes. Some viewers find the plot intricate but ultimately rewarding.

Fun Fact

The film is part of a larger series of "Monjiro" films, though this installment is often considered the most ambitious and acclaimed.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
giant13

giant13

A great tale of sacrifice, revenge, and the Yakuza code in late Edo period Japan. Bunta shines as the stoic protagonist who is out for vengeance. The fight scenes are action packed and gorey with a tad too much of the Fukasaku shake-cam, bu...