This three film “Limited Edition” set from Radiance Films is now available for purchase.
If the name Shinobi sounds familiar to readers, then you likely checked out my review of a Blu-ray set from last year featuring the legendary ninja character. It contained the Japanese films Band of Assassins (1962), Revenge (1963) and Resurrection (1963) – you can read a full review of it here. The trilogy of titles starred Raizô Ichikawa, and all were sizable hits in their homeland. However, the third effort ended on a note that didn’t exactly allow for more follow-ups.
It seems that someone at the production house found a clever workaround to the problem and delivered more features. Star Ichikawa was cast as a new ninja character, dealing with the same kind of action, drama and political intrigue featured in the previous chapters.
Now Radiance Films has released Shinobi Vol 2, a “Limited Edition” set containing the next three pictures in the series. Included in this package is Siege (1964), The Return of Mist Saizo (1964) and The Last Iga Spy (1965).
Like the previous release, this edition delivers a high- definition transfer of each film on two Blu-rays. Once again, the 2K transfer quality is excellent, certainly better than one would expect for 60-year-old plus movies from the other side of the world. The elaborate and detailed plotlines do take a bit of catching up for new viewers, but the various factions and stakes soon become clear. Like the previous movies, the protagonist is caught up in a battle that he can’t really win, with warlords, shogun and even members of his own group turning on each other and battling to survive during a tumultuous period in history.
Siege sets things up, introducing a new lead in ‘Mist’ Kirigakure Saizo (Raizô Ichikawa), an Iga ninja known for using the cover of mist and smoke during his assignments. The story is inspired by the actual Siege of Osaka in 1614, with the talented Saizo devoted to the Toyotomi, who are under attack from shogun military leader Ieyasu Tokugawa (Ganjirô Nakamura). Tokugawa’s army is incredibly powerful and it’s clearly only a matter of time before he will rule the entire country, but the protagonist is true to his people’s cause, saving a princess during the battle and fighting his way out of the brutal raid. He ultimately seeks revenge on Tokugawa, but finds it incredibly difficult, as those around him make deals and maneuver to save their own lives.
As in the previous chapters, star Ichikawa is a charismatic screen presence who can make an impression on viewers while saying very little. The weight of fighting a seemingly unwinnable war is certainly visible on his face. The photography is also impressive, with many dark environments. A chunk of the film involves the main character captured and imprisoned by a former ninja who has changed sides and joined the Tokugawa. These sequences, including Saizo’s escape, are exciting to watch. The film is also very impressively shot, with the well appearing deep and inescapable. When the two men from opposite sides do speak, the debate about ethics and loyalty is impressively delivered. This is an enjoyable effort that ends with small gains made by the lead character.
The follow-up picks up immediately from the end of Siege, to the point where one could see the two pictures being fused into one epic film. The Return of Mist Saizo begins with lead character ‘Mist’ Saizo (Raizô Ichikawa) hiding out on an island near the southern coast of Japan. By now, many individuals want him dead. Of course, he feels the same way about his enemies (who are now in complete control of Japan), and plots an assassination attempt on the first Tokugawa Shogun.
I think this might actually be my favorite title in the collection, as it does offer a few new and original elements. Once again, the battle scenes are elaborately choreographed and exciting to watch. It is visually interesting to see the story move to a more unique-looking island location, as Saizo works with the Sanada people to complete his mission. Water is featured in some of the action and the lead character also squares off against a pair of sisters whom he previously befriended after his arrival. The main story also plays out in an interesting manner, as the hero finally encounters a now sickly Ieyasu Tokugawa during the finale. While Saizo does accomplish a major goal, it’s presented as a bittersweet victory rather than a triumph.
With that story having reached its conclusion, The Last Iga Spy begins more than a decade later, with the main character from the previous two films perishing quickly during the Battle of Shimabara (a revolt against the shogunate rulers). Saizo’s son Kirigakure Saisuke (also played by Raizô Ichikawa) takes up the ninja mantle left behind by his father. He is hired by a warlord to help take down the government rulers, but they have their own ninjas that they set against Saisuke. This leads to plenty of ninja-vs-ninja battles. The protagonist also sets out to protect his sister Yuri (Kaoru Yachigusa) from harm, who turns out to be a princess that was raised as his sibling.
Once again, the central ninja finds himself in over-his-head. There is almost no one for the lead to count on or trust (besides Yuri). Still, he plods on, while those within the government do their own plotting to earn power and influence in the new world. Action-wise, there is an incredible rooftop battle in the rain late between Saisuke and the main ninja foe that is spectacular to behold. It’s gorgeously shot, with the two slashing, sliding and using other maneuvers to try and defeat one another.
The plot is exposition-heavy, but this is still a very entertaining entry that ends on a similar and appropriate note. The series of twists and confrontations leave Saisuke disillusioned, and the solitary figure trudges off into the wild knowing that his existence from this point forward will surely be a lonely one.
Considering these titles are chapters four through six in a film franchise, they are extremely well-made and sure to entertain any fan of ninjas or Japanese cinema.
The discs also include some great bonus material to help North American viewers understand them with a bit more clarity. There is an informative select scene commentary on Siege with film expert Tom Mas who gives historical background on the movie and the real story it was inspired by. Of course, you’ll also get an analysis of the use of shadow and info about star Ichikawa.
A Japanese period film historian also presents fascinating details about the three titles included in the set. Most notably, each of these three movies had a different director who came from a different generation of moviemakers. The speaker points out some of the unique elements in each individual feature. It seems that the first title was made by a very young filmmaker, the second by a noted middle-aged director, and the third by a seasoned senior. I’m not sure that their ages at the time of production make a big difference on the final products, but it is interesting to hear and all certainly have their specific stylistic flourishes. It’s an entertaining conversation that is informative.
Also on the first disc is a visual essay that is really a montage. It features the many facial expressions used in the titles by lead actor Raizô Ichikawa.
On disc two, ninja film scholar Mance Thompson gives a welcome talk about the history of ninja films, as well as the various references to historical events in this series. The speaker certainly knows a lot about the customs of the ninja and shares how influential these pictures were in making these types of films popular. He also notes that a scene depicting silk sashes being created to hold swords is remarkably accurate. While the films are taking some liberties, Thompson points out specific details in them that are surprisingly authentic. It’s an enlightening feature that flies by quickly.
Additionally, there is a visual essay on the lead character and tragic elements present in the final film. It is a tad dry, but does provide a clear thesis and plenty of background detail about the characters and what occurs over the course of the tale.
A trailer is also included, as well as six postcards featuring promotional images, a reversible sleeve with artwork based on original promotional materials, and a booklet with an essay on the series.
As mentioned, the titles in this set are quite strong and the collection will entertain all fans of this period in Japanese cinema. Three more Shinobi titles would follow in this franchise (two of which still starred Raizô Ichikawa), and most who pick up this collection will be excited to, with a little luck, see more titles in the coming years. The “Limited Edition” Shinobi Volume 2 Blu-ray set is well-worth picking up.