Movie spotlight
Tange Sazen
One of Japan's favorite sword stars, Fujita Makoto, returns as the legendary Tange Sazen, the one-eyed, one-armed samurai who is a champion for the common people. Unflappable, except with the ladies, he fights evil in Shogun Yoshimune's Edo. The kokezaru no tsubo (earless monkey jar) has gone missing with a secret hidden inside that could change the course of history. All of Edo's top swordsmen, including Yagyu Genzaburo and Ooka Echizen are involved as villains pursue their evil quest! Superb swordplay highlights this exciting all-star extravaganza!
Insights
Plot Summary
In feudal Japan, the legendary swordsman Tange Sazen, a one-eyed, one-armed warrior, is drawn into a conflict involving a stolen priceless treasure and a young lord. Despite his physical limitations, Sazen's unparalleled skill with the sword makes him a formidable force against numerous adversaries. He must navigate treacherous alliances and betrayals to protect the innocent and uphold his honor.
Critical Reception
Tange Sazen (1990) was generally well-received by critics for its action sequences, strong performances, and faithful adaptation of a classic samurai tale. While not a massive box office hit, it is considered a solid entry in the samurai genre, praised for its traditional storytelling and visual style.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its impressive sword fighting choreography.
Tatsuya Nakadai's portrayal of the titular character was widely commended.
Appreciated for its adherence to classic samurai film tropes.
Google audience: Information not available.
Fun Fact
The character of Tange Sazen has been adapted numerous times in Japanese cinema and television since his first appearance in 1914.
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