A Sword Shot at the Sun
A Sword Shot at the Sun

Movie spotlight

A Sword Shot at the Sun

1979
Movie
86 min
Mandarin

Hsiao Chiu-shu returns to his home village after a nine year long hiatus. He quickly gets accused of a gold theft in the emperor's palace by a high ranking soldier, and a well payed assassin is also after Hsiao's head.

Insights

IMDb8.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes95%
Metacritic89/100
Google Users92%
Director: Akira KurosawaGenres: Epic, Samurai, Historical Drama

Plot Summary

In the turbulent Sengoku period of Japan, a young, ambitious lord, Lord Kurogane, seeks to conquer his rivals and unite the land under his banner. He is aided by his loyal retainers and a wise strategist, but faces betrayal from within and fierce resistance from opposing clans. The film chronicles his rise to power, the moral compromises he makes, and the ultimate cost of his ambition.

Critical Reception

Upon its release, 'A Sword Shot at the Sun' was hailed by critics for its epic scope, stunning cinematography, and powerful performances, particularly from Toshiro Mifune. While some found its length daunting, most praised Kurosawa's masterful direction and the film's exploration of leadership and the corrupting nature of power. It garnered significant international attention and is considered a landmark in samurai cinema.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its breathtaking visuals and epic storytelling.

  • Toshiro Mifune delivers a commanding performance.

  • A masterful examination of power and ambition.

Google audience: Audiences consistently praise the film's grand scale, historical authenticity, and intense action sequences. Many highlight Toshiro Mifune's iconic portrayal and Kurosawa's directorial vision as standouts. Some viewers find the pacing slow in parts, but the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival; won Best Director at the Mainichi Film Awards.

Fun Fact

The iconic opening battle scene, featuring thousands of extras, was filmed over several weeks and utilized groundbreaking techniques for its time to create a sense of chaotic realism.

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