Sanjuro is a Japanese period piece about a traveling ronin who decides to help a clan of samurai clowns investigate the corruption surrounding a local chamberlain. The ronin suggests that the chamberlain is not corrupt, but in fact his superintendent is, and the group decides that the chamberlain is the one whom needs to be saved.
This film’s strengths lie within the ronin character, played by Kurosawa stable Toshiro Mefune. Frequently this character is portrayed as disinterested, lazy, and callous–a stark contrast to principles of honor and discipline appropriate for samurai of the day. This archetype creates conflict with the other nine samurai characters who frequently distrust his wise decisions, often bickering amongst themselves that the ronin is a lush or a traitor, especially when he goes off to spy on the corrupt officials holding the chamberlain’s compound. Their squabbling and general ineptitude also bring a lot of levity and playfulness to an otherwise serious movie. Some scenes, especially those involving the chamberlain’s wife, a serene old sage, are just downright cute.
Sanjuro may not be as effective as Seven Samurai or even Yojimbo, but it’s still a quality piece of storytelling at its heart. It mixes swordplay, urgency, conflict, and levity in a ways that feel real in spite of its black and white presentation and lack of special effects. Kurosawa’s ability to direct is unparalleled in its fluidity and simplicity, and this film lends further credence to his genius.
ThomFiles 