All right now. Ghost of Tsushima is next for us here at IndieGala. More specifically Ghost of Tsushima: Director’s Cut and we couldn’t be happier about that. Why? Because we’ve not touched on the iconic game so far on IndieGala’s blog. And because we’ll take any opportunity to write about samurai movies.
Because why not? We already did that for two very different video games in the past. For Nioh 2 we took a closer look at the supernatural in the samurai movies. You can check out that article here. And we also tackled some cool samurai movies for The Last Blade. One of the finest games out there. Oh, and yeah. You can check out that article here.
But we’re here about the Ghost Of Tsushima now, and before we dive into the list of movies it’s best to give a quick recap of the game itself.
What Is Ghost Of Tsushima All About?
Developed by Nixxes Software, Sucker Punch Productions, and published by PlayStation PC LLC, Ghost Of Tsushima Director’s Cut is an action-adventure game for the true fans only. In the late 13th century, the Mongol empire laid waste to entire nations along their campaign to conquer the East. Tsushima Island is all that stands between mainland Japan. And a massive Mongol invasion fleet led by the ruthless and cunning general, Khotun Khan.
As the island burns in the wake of the first wave of the Mongol assault, courageous samurai warrior Jin Sakai stands resolute. As one of the last surviving members of his clan, Jin is resolved to do whatever it takes. At any cost, to protect his people and reclaim his home. He must set aside the traditions that have shaped him as a warrior to forge a new path, the path of the Ghost, and wage an unconventional war for the freedom of Tsushima.
Ghost Of Tsushima Director’s Cut is available for purchase here at IndieGala. Oh and if you’re already a die-hard fan, then you’ll be happy to hear that a film adaptation by Chad Stahelski of John Wick fame; is currently in development. How cool is that?
But Which Movies Go Well With Ghost Of Tsushima?
Well, we figured we keep it simple here. No supernatural subplots and definitely going to specifics. The Mongol invasions of Japan are an extensive and vast period of history, so we figured we keep it simple. We thought we showcase some of the finest samurai movies (again) but this time, those that were released in the 21st century. No Akira Kurosawa movies here, that’s for sure.
So, which ones made the cut? Find out for yourself. Just keep scrolling.
Samurai Marathon
A 2019 gem of a movie. Co-written and directed by Bernard Ros, Samurai Marathon is a historical action-adventure film that is underrated as much as it is unknown. Well, in the West anyway. Starring Takeru Satoh, Nana Komatsu, and Mirai Moriyama, the movie is based on the 2014 novel The Marathon Samurai: Five Tales of Japan’s First Marathon by Akihiro Dobashi. The book itself is inspired by the origin story of the Ansei Toashi 30-km footrace held annually in Annaka City, but the movie is truly something else.
It’s a must-watch for every samurai fan out there, and yes. Deserves to be on this list.
Fun fact: James Hadfield of The Japan Times awarded the film three stars out of five.
Versus
Versus is from the year 2000, so technically it counts as a 21st-century movie. It’s also an underrated classic that stood the test of time for almost a quarter of a century. It’s got samurai, zombies, and a lot of action. In Versus, a nameless prisoner, a nameless female, and her Yakuza abductors fend off zombies in a forest that resurrects the dead. All the while the Yakuza’s mysterious leader attempts to open a supernatural gate hidden within the forest and seize its dark power. How cool is that? well, enough to put it on the list.
Fun fact: In the aftermath of a few of the zombie fights, several zombies’ butts are on fire. Director Ryûhei Kitamura did this on purpose because he just thought it was funny.
Hara-Kiri: Death of a Samurai
Hara-Kiri: Death of a Samurai is directed by the iconic, Takashi Miike but the movie is just as good as its director. The movie is a 3D remake of Masaki Kobayashi’s 1962 film Harakiri and it’s a tale of revenge, honor, and disgrace. It’s centered on a poverty-stricken samurai who discovers the fate of his ronin son-in-law, thus setting in motion a tense showdown of vengeance against the house of a feudal lord.
This is a well-crafted and finely honed remake of a Kurosawa movie and it deserves your attention.
Fun fact: This is the first 3D title ever to be shown in official selection at the Cannes Film Festival.
The Hidden Blade
Set in 1860s Japan, The Hidden Blade is about several samurai during a time of change in the ruling and class structures of Japan. Yes, in Hidden Blade, A 19th Century samurai, is held in low esteem due to an action by his late father. He must resolve his history with a maid and with his close friend.
The movie is filmed in a deceptively old-fashioned and leisurely style to make pointed observations of Japanese society, but it’s also so good. For instance, even the production design is much more elaborate in showing us traditional architecture than most such Japanese films. It’s a must-watch.
Fun fact: This movie is the second installment of director Yôji Yamada’s Samurai trilogy. ‘The Twilight Samurai’ is the first, ‘Love and Honor’ being the third.
Love And Honor
Set in Japan of the Edo period, Love And Honor is the final film in Yoji Yamada’s acclaimed Samurai Trilogy. Following Twilight Samurai (2002) and The Hidden Blade (2004) that is.
However, the movie gives us a closer look at the relationship between a young blind samurai (Kimura) and his loyal, dutiful wife. She will make a sacrifice in order to defend her husband’s honor, and it’s precisely that love that is the core of the movie. Frankly, it has other attributes as well. It has a wonderful story, it has a very thrilling conclusion, and a touching love story, albeit an odd one! Love and Honor is an enjoyable, intricately made, and well-acted movie.
Fun fact: This particular movie is unique in the genre for its focus on the wife’s perspective. Her story revolves around protecting her husband’s honor following his accident.
And What’s Your Take On Ghost Of Tsushima?
Are you a fan? Let us know in the comment section. We’d love to know.
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