When discussing modern Japanese cinema the one name that instantly springs to mind is Takashi Miike. Whether it be his prolific output or how he effortlessly melds his own unique style no matter what genre he may be working in. There is no denying his impact on the last twenty of Japanese cinema and those outside of Japan have come to expect from Japanese cinema.
 
Takashi Miike’s 13 Assassins was adapted from a screenplay that was written by Kaneo Ikegami, who’s other notable screenplay’s include Like a Shooting Star and Shadow Hunters. Kaneo Ikegami’s original screenplay for 13 Assassins was originally filmed and released in 1963. Narrative wise there is very little differences between Takashi Miike’s version and the 1963 version of The Thirteen Assassins. The screenplay for 13 Assassins was adapted by Daisuke Tengan, a filmmaker in his own right, who is most known for also writing the screenplay for Takashi Miike’s Audition.
 
The narrative for 13 Assassins can be broken down into two distinctly different sections. The opening half of the film’s is about character development as who everyone is and what their motivations are defined in stone. While the second half of the film is all about wall to wall action set pieces and bloodletting. Another area in which this film has two diversely different tones is its pacing, which is deliberately slower in the opening half, then the much brisker second half that just steam rolls along taking no prisoners.

Never one to shy away from showing grotesque imagery that often borders on the perverse. Once again Takashi Miike does not disappoint in this area, with some of this film’s more disturbing moments being a family being used as target practice by Lord Naritsugu Matsudaira a ruthless heir to the throne. Another unforgettable moment also revolves around Lord Naritsugu Matsudaira, who this time around hack’s off a woman’s arms and legs, after he kills her husband.
 
When discussing this film and how everything just seamlessly falls into place, one must not overall the superb performances from the entire cast, who are excel in their respective roles. And without a doubt this film most memorable performance comes from Gorô Inagaki (The Hypnotist) in the role of Lord Naritsugu Matsudaira.

Whether you are fan of the film’s of Takashi Miike or just a fan of Samurai films, there is plenty to enjoy in 13 Assassins, a film that finds a satisfying mix between these two universes.