13 Assassins

Versatile and prolific Japanese director Takashi Miike delivers his best work to date with this smashing Samurai film. Set during a peaceful time in feudal Japan where the Samurai have almost nothing to fight for, except for guarding the royals or retiring. When the Shogun's younger brother crosses the line of abusing his power for killing and torturing innocent people, a high ranking shogun official hires a retired Samurai to assassinate him. Thus a team of 13 is gathered to ambush the evil lord and kill him in a bloody fight. Miike pays tribute to great filmmakers of the genre that's also one of the best by making the film his own. The great cast is lead by Kôji Yakusho who gives another powerful performance. The film might be too violent for some but accurate given the story and director's reputation. YRCinema's coverage of the AFI Fest.