DVD Review: Mifune Toshiro in Incident at Blood Pass

Run Time: 118 minutes
Color
Directed by: Inagaki Hiroshi
Starring: Mifune Toshiro and Katsu Shintaro
Extras: Original Theatrical Trailers; Cast & Crew Biographies; Character Biographies; Interactive Program Notes

I would like to imagine that when Mifune Toshiro and Katsu Shintaro agreed to star in a film made by the other that the deal was settled over Sashimi and Sake. As should most movie deals. And so in 1970, two of Japans biggest stars released films starring each other. Mifune brought his Yojimbo [Bodyguard] character to the screen in Zatoichi Meets Yojimbo. And in return, Katsu portrayed the destitute doctor, Gentetsu, in Incident at Blood Pass, the last time Mifune would appear as Yojimbo on screen.

In Incident at Blood Pass Mifune plays a nameless Ronin [Masterless Samurai] accepts an assignment to go to the village of Imo and wait. He is to receive a letter with a single symbol on it. If it is ‘Mountain’ he goes to Nakasendou, however, if it is ‘Three’ he is to go to Sanshuu Pass and wait until something happens. Yojimbo receives the message with the character 'Three' on it. Sanshuu Pass awaits. Before he reaches the pass he rescues a woman, Okuni, from her abusive husband. She follows him to the pass and they stop at an inn where a collection of characters gather; Yatarou, a young Ronin, Ibuki, an overzealous officer, Oyuki, a young woman who lives at the inn with her grandfather with dreams of something better and Gentetsu, a discredited doctor who lives in the barn behind the inn, intent on keeping his identity secret. Throw in a Kendo drum group, a gang of bandits, shogunate gold and the mysterious employer known only as ‘The Crow’ and you have a recipe for tests of loyalty and betrayal on a massive scale.

When the Ronins assignment becomes clear, to help the gang steal the shogunate gold, he's ordered to kill the inn's residents, including Okuni. He's reluctant to murder innocent people; then he learns that the gold shipment is a trap and he's part of a double cross. How he sorts through these divided loyalties will test his honor and his love for this woman he rescued.

The Movie: While this certainly is not the best samurai film I will ever see it passes for its entertainment value. As with most films of this genre it is not so much about the swordplay as it is about the story and character, and for that I am glad. The themes and plot twists will surprise no one well versed in the samurai genre. But its in the execution and delivery that these common themes are saved from becoming mundane and boring. Yojimbo has his loyalty tested more than once in this film and few can portray the emotions that such incidents turn up much like Mifune can. So while it is not a great film it is kept from slipping into oblivion by its cast, especially Mifune and Katsu.

There are some editing hiccups that could have been easily overcome and as a result the movie seems to skip a couple minutes notably twice during the film and you’re left wondering if something was left on the editing room floor.

The Technical: As I wrote before when reviewing another Samurai Cinema selection from AnimEigo, Samurai Assassin, there is concern amongst genre fans that some of these films are not being remastered and not brought out to their fullest potential. If there is one challenge that I would offer to AnimEigo it would be to give that a go. What is obvious to me is AnimEigos love and respect for the genre [If there is someone else out there doing a better job they have not sent us anything to review yet]. The subtitles again were tip-tip, allowing the viewer to distinguish dialogue between characters on screen. And AnimEigo goes above and beyond to educate their viewers, allowing opportunity to know more about the context in which the film was made. It’s just that silly little remastering thing. In this age of digital cinema the word of purists goes a long way promoting your work.

The Movie Geek: This was beyond AnimEigos control but if I am watching a samurai movie is full color then I expect to see blood and lots of it damn it! There was a sorry lack of blood in a film where most of the cast runs around swinging Katana swards at each other. I know what I am asking for was not par for the course with films from these years but I’m not asking for Chang-Cheh-primary-school-water-color-volumes either. By god man, give me something to giggle about!

And then there was the final scene between Yojimbo and his rescued maiden, Okuni. If this served as inspiration for Jack Burtons farewell to Gracie Law in Big Trouble in Little China I would not be surprised. But that’s the thought that came to mind during that final scene. He is a Ronin and I am a film geek after all.