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Much like the first installment, the new release from Sucker Punch Productions, Ghost of Yōtei, pays tribute to celebrated Japan's directors via special presentation modes. While the initial game had only a monochrome nod to the classic samurai films of the legendary director, the sequel features a collaboration with Samurai Champloo director the acclaimed artist for a presentation mode that introduces lo-fi beats. Additionally, it offers a Takashi Miike Mode that increases gore and dirt in fights and places the view right in the thick of things.

Miike has built a wide-ranging collection of films, featuring works encompassing bloody yakuza epics, kids’ movies, and comic book movies. But if you’re looking for a entry point, fans enjoying the sword combat of Ghost of Yōtei should see the director's the action film, a superb warrior movie.

A Classic Remake with Powerful Thrills

Debuted in 2010, 13 Assassins is a remake of the original movie of similar name from director Eiichi Kudo. It follows a band of assassins who, vastly outnumbered, venture to take down the sadistic the evil ruler (acted by the performer) prior to him becoming part of the Shogunate Council. Different nobles fear that Naritsugu rising to power would trigger a nation divided due to his a trail of aristocratic deaths behind him, yet his familial ties to the ruler have kept him safe from justice.

Because of Naritsugu’s actions and a blood-filled final act, the film is not a movie for sensitive viewers. It begins with a character resisting Naritsugu’s ascent by committing seppuku, the traditional act by slicing through one’s abdomen. His cruel behavior are not merely hinted at by the cast, viewers see them. He fires arrows at innocent people, and attacks a lady prior to killing her spouse.

These warriors are justified, to say the least.

The warrior Shimada Shinzaemon (played by Koji Yakusho) takes on the mission of eliminating Naritsugu. The majority of the opening acts of this story is dedicated to establishing Naritsugu’s threat while the assassin recruits allies. The group then travel to a village where they can ambush Naritsugu (fending off enemies on the route). Once the group arrives, the director ramps up the action.

The Grand Conclusion with Well-Choreographed Battles

The ending reveals why this movie has become such a beloved samurai film. Shinzaemon and his allies are not passive for Naritsugu to come to their weapons. Outnumbered 13 to 200, and need to employ every trick to take down the enemy army. In particular, turning the whole village of the place against him. (But not its citizens, who thankfully flee and stay out of the carnage.) The town itself is used as a tool; the group construct countless traps and obstacles that might envy Kevin McAllister jealous, using all means to gain an upper hand in the conflict ahead.

That battle is glorious — and clear to watch. There is no the jerky camera of modern action movies muddying up the action, or simple sequences requiring a million cuts. Instead, panoramic angles and masterful direction leave no room for visual confusion, turning an naturally gripping long fight all the better. The combat is always clear, despite many opponents assault (and fall to) a lone swordsman in a field of katanas, to illustrate.

The Reasons 13 Assassins Stays Impactful

Watching again 13 Assassins, it's clear why Sucker Punch associates enhanced violence with Takashi; the characters just get caked in the elements. Not a single person emerges unharmed, and those left standing by the conclusion are coated with the dirt and blood. Additionally, it seems very grounded, with minimal CGI applied solely to explosions throughout the village. The practicality of the outfits, sets, and battles lend the movie an almost classic vibe; it’s 15 years old currently, but appears as if it might have come out just now.

If the game users need a break from experiencing sword fights and only desire to view some warrior battles, they should watch 13 Assassins. The director's samurai flick complements excellently with the experience, and is essential viewing for all enthusiasts of the genre.