Hold Down A
patreon
Sanjuro (1960) watch along
🕑 Added 2025-01-07 16:00:10 +0000 UTCI’m so sorry for the technical issues on this one, guys! My poor Criterion Collection Blu-ray has some flaws, unfortunately. 😅 I ended up screen recording from the free version on Internet Archive, but honestly, I don’t recommend watching it there—the quality isn’t great.
I tried not to let the tech issues get to me (c’est la vie!), but I feel like this wasn’t my best reaction. Maybe I’m being a little too hard on myself, though. I need to watch Sanjuro again to give it my full, undivided attention.
That said, Akira Kurosawa, as always, delivers! He’s a master of his craft and one of the most distinctive directors in cinema history. It’s almost impossible to pick a favourite shot because everything is so rich with meaning. The use of the camellias in this film, for example, is stunning—both visually and symbolically. They’re not just beautiful, they carry so much weight in the story, tying into themes of honour, deception, and transformation.
Despite the challenges, I hope you enjoy this reaction! Let me know your favourite moments or interpretations in the comments below.
xx
a
Comments
Teemu Laitinen
Sanjuro was a great sequel to Yojimbo. Mifune is just an icon of the silver screen. He has just such great screen presence. I would highly recommend watching Tatsuya Nakadai (who played Hanbei Muroto in this film) starrer Harakiri (1962). A fantastic film about the samurai code and morality.
Michael T
No need to apologize, Ames, for this reaction. It was excellent! Of course you're right that repeated viewings of every Kurosawa film can be highly rewarding. You'll definitely notice more and learn more each time. And about Toshiro Mifune, be careful, he's like an addictive drug -- it's easy to get hooked, and then you'll have to see EVERYTHING he was in.
