Innovative Storytelling in Samurai Genre

Read Time:3 Minute, 55 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Samurai Wolf I & II
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Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama
Year Released: 1966/1967, 2024 Eureka Blu-ray
Runtime: 1h 15m/1h 12m
Director(s): Hideo Gosha
Writer(s): Hideo Gosha, Kei Tasaka/Hideo Gosha, Norifumi Suzuki, Kei Tasaka, Kiyoko Ôno
Cast: Yoshirō Aoki, Tatsuo Endō, Junko Miyazono, Junkichi Orimoto, Kyōichi Satō, Takashi Tabata/Isao Natsuyagi, Ichirō Nakatani, Yūko Kusunoki, Chiyo Aoi, Rumiko Fuji, Satoshi Amazu
Where To Watch: available January 22, 2024; pre-order here www.eurekavideo.co.uk

RAVING REVIEW: Eureka Entertainment will be gracing UK audiences with an absolute gem: Hideo Gosha's SAMURAI WOLF I & II, beautifully presented in a Blu-ray format. This double feature combines Western' grit with samurai films' stoicism, creating a unique viewing experience. SAMURAI WOLF introduces us to Ôkaminosuke, a character brought to life by Isao Natsuyagi. Gosha's directing skills are on full display here as he takes us through a gripping story set against the backdrop of a small village in turmoil.

The narrative of SAMURAI WOLF I strikes a delicate balance between straightforward storytelling and complex character development. Gosha's direction delves into themes beyond the core action, exploring loyalty shifts and moral intricacies. The simplicity of the plot is enriched by its characters, each layered with their ethical struggles. Gosha's craftsmanship is evident in his use of sound design and slow-motion sequences, which add a unique signature to the samurai narrative.

SAMURAI WOLF II ventures into a darker and more intricate storyline. The plot thickens as Ôkaminosuke becomes entangled in a web of deception and corruption involving a look-alike criminal and a twisted gold mine operation. This chapter deepens the character arcs, mainly through Natsuyagi's compelling portrayal of Ôkaminosuke. The film demands an attentive audience with its rich and complex historical and cultural nuances. Gosha tones down his experimental flair in this sequel and zeroes in on a more streamlined narrative.

The two films are a feast for the senses, boasting remarkable visual and auditory quality. SAMURAI WOLF I enthralls with a perfect mix of action and drama, while SAMURAI WOLF II delves deeper, offering an emotionally resonant and reflective narrative.

SAMURAI WOLF I & II transcend the typical boundaries of genre film, offering a journey through the multifaceted human condition, merging action, drama, and complex moral questions. Gosha's direction, a blend of innovation and classic storytelling, makes these films an engaging watch for both fans of samurai cinema and those new to the genre. Including these films in Eureka Entertainment's Blu-ray Masters of Cinema Series is a fitting tribute to their place in the annals of Japanese cinema.

It was recently announced that Eureka would now be doing Region A releases in the US, partnering with MVD Entertainment, so here’s to hoping that future releases get both regions as much as possible. For more information, check out www.eurekavideo.co.uk

SPECIAL FEATURES
Limited edition O-Card slipcase featuring new artwork by Tony Stella [2000 copies]
Presented in 1080p HD from restorations of the original film elements by Toei
Uncompressed original Japanese Mono audio
Optional English subtitles
Brand new audio commentary on Samurai Wolf II by Jasper Sharp
Brand new interview with film critic Tony Rayns
Audio commentary on Samurai Wolf by film historian and writer Chris Poggiali
Outlaw Director – Hideo Gosha featurette with Tomoe Gosha
Reversible sleeve featuring original poster artwork
A collector’s booklet featuring new writing on the film by Japanese cinema expert Tom Mes
*All extras subject to change*

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[photo courtesy of EUREKA VIDEO]

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