Review of Yojimbo (1961) by David L — 20 Mar 2010

Toshiro Mifune is iconic and wonderful as the chin scratching, strategizing, cynical samarai. He throws up a stick to decide which fork in the road to take and the ronin lands in a town where two clans are desperate to wipe out the other.

The interplay of schemes and counter schemes between the two clans with Sanjuro (Mifune) playing one side against the other is brilliantly done. I was constantly wondering what Sanjuro was up to, what his end game was and all these machinations kept me riveted.

The bamboo banging "samarai" soundtrack has a subtle comic element and I felt like I was watching a true pulp novel bounding off the page.

Sanjuro boards at the restaurant/ inn of an old, dispirited, but honorable man while he seems to look for work with each of the clans weighing their offers before he decides to whom he shall lend his sword. As the story progresses samarai and restaurateur develop a respect for one another and this bond is a haven to the madness that oozes from the rest of the town. Our favorite samaraii plays a dangerous game with the clans and makes bold moves. He seems almost untouchable with superior sword skills and intellect, but lands in dire straights. I'll let you see for yourself if he can save himself and do away with the diabolic clan that finally usurps control of the city.