Samurai Vendetta (1959) Hakuôki | Region-Free (Blu-Ray) | Directed by Kazuo Mori

Presented in 1080p with English subtitles

Title: Samurai Vendetta (1959)

Alternate Title: Hakuôki

Genre: Drama, Action

Plot Synopsis:
Set during the era of corrupt officials and treacherous clans, the film follows Tange Tenzen and Nakayama Yasubei, two honorable samurai who become entangled in a complex web of betrayal and revenge. Their friendship is tested as they find themselves on opposing sides of a vendetta, further complicated by a love triangle. The narrative explores themes of loyalty, honor, and the tragic consequences of vengeance.

Cast and Crew:

• Director: Kazuo Mori
• Writers:
  • Kôsuke Gomi (story)
  • Daisuke Itô (screenplay)
• Cast:
  • Raizô Ichikawa as Tange Tenzen
  • Shintarô Katsu as Nakayama Yasubei
  • Chitose Maki as Chiharu
  • Tokiko Mita as Maki
  • Yoshiko Fujishiro as Otoyo

IMDb Link:
Samurai Vendetta (1959)

Reviews from Letterboxd:

1. joe shuai – ★★★☆☆
   “I really liked it. It was very slow at times and very stage-bound but at the same time it was a very atmospheric slow and shooting in sound stages was used to good advantage in terms of control over the visuals. Starts and ends with good sword fights.”
2. Rich – ★★★★☆
   “The movie is so tied into the popular legend of the 47 Ronin, those who aren’t familiar with the tale might want to check out the on-disc liner notes before watching Vendetta, lest they find the flick impenetrable.”
3. chrismcmorran – ★★★★☆
   “The two heroes of Samurai Vendetta (Hakuôki) are the aforementioned Yasubei and Tange Tenzen, a fictional character. The film begins with a real event (a duel against several opponents) from Yasubei’s life, in which he first comes to the notice of the fictional Tenzen.”

Meta Description:
Samurai Vendetta (1959), also known as Hakuôki, is a Japanese drama directed by Kazuo Mori. The film stars Raizô Ichikawa and Shintarô Katsu as two honorable samurai whose friendship is tested amidst a backdrop of betrayal, love, and revenge. Set during a tumultuous era, the narrative delves into the complexities of loyalty and the tragic consequences of vengeance.