After his father's ship, the Kannonmaru sinks, Jiromaru decides not to take over his father's occupation and goes to Kyoto to become a samurai. However Jiromaru quickly realizes that being a samurai is not everything he had hoped it would be. He then hears rumor of the Kannonmaru appearing at various locations and tries to find out about this mysterious ship.
A wandering gambler Chutaro (Nakamura Kinnosuke)travels throughout the country in search of his mother who abandoned him when he was 5 years old. This is an unusual and sentimental story directed by noted film-maker Kato Tai. Along with a number of other classics (most notably SWORD OF FURY, THE CRUEL STORY, and FLAMES OF BLOOD) from this director, this is a well-made movie with some interesting twists and turns. There's not too much action, but a clever and moving story of the harsh life led by the wandering gamblers of the Tokugawa period. This is a fine example of a higly regarded director's best work.
Starring: NAKAMURAI Kinnosuke, MATSUKATA Hiroki Directed by KATO Tai
THE CRESCENT SCARRED SAMURAI THE IDLE VASSAL TRIBUTE
(Hatamoto Taikutsu Otoko)
One of the most popular Japanese film stars was Ichikawa Utaemon, who began his most famous role in 1930 in the first of 30 films in the "BORED SAMURAI" (Hatamoto Taikutsu Otoko) series. Playing Saotome Mondonosuke in these 30 films he established himself as the image of Hatamoto Taikutsu Otoko, and finally made the last one in 1963's Nazo no Ryujin Misaki, thus ending the longest running film series in cinema history. This film "THE IDLE VASSAL TRIBUTE" was the 300th film in his long and illustrious career, and it brought out an all-star cast as well. Such major stars as: Okawa Hashizo, Nakamurai Kinnosuke, and Azuma Chiyonosuke were among the players in this exciting tale of old Japan. Master swordsman and loyal 'Hatamoto' (direct vassal to the Shogun), Saotome Mondonosuke, is sent to invest-igate an intrigue centering on the Date Clan. This is a must see for all samurai fans.
ISSHIN TASUKE WORLD IN DANGER (Isshin Tasuke Tenka no Ichi Daiji)
This is the second film in the Issin Tasuke series starring Nakamurai Kinnosuke. The first film was "Edo no Meibutsu Otoko Isshin Tasuke", and it became a huge hit. Kinnosuke was immediately asked to do a sequel, however, he was quite reluctant to agree. He was the type to take every role very seriously, so he was very cautious. He did, in fact, learn how to handle the fishmonger's knife, although it took a while, as they wasted 16 sea breams before he got it right. There are 5 films in the series, which proved that Kinnosuke who had grown up in the Kabuki world before moving on to the 'handsome swordsman type' in films could also be cast as 'a cheeful handsome guy who could also do comedy'.
Starring: NAKAMURA Kinnosuke, TSUKIGATA Ryunosuke Directed by SAWASHIMA Tadashi
THE CRESCENT SCARRED SAMURAI THE MYSTERIOUS CAPE (Hatamoto Taikutsu Otoko Nazo no Ryujin Misaki)
Ryujin Misaki (Cape Dragon), located at the edge of the Genkai Sea, is known as an isolation ward for leprosy patients. When Saotome Mondonosuke, a master swordsman and 'Hatamoto' (direct retainer of the Shogun), hears news of a doctor gone missing, he begins to suspect that things are not what they seem at Ryujin Misaki. Intent on discovering the truth, Saotome launches a private investigation. Known as "The Bored Hatamoto", Saotome Mondonosuke was the subject of over 20 motion pictures. This popular series has since continued to television where the role was taken over by Ichikawa Utaemon's son, Kitaoji Kinya. The 'Crescent-scar' on Saotome's forehead is a license to kill, and rid Japan of corruption and evil. This superb film is the last in the series, as Saotome must find out the secret of Cape Dragon. As always, Saotome craves action to fight the boredom he feels when not pitting his sword skill against those who would corrupt Japan.
Kunisada Chuji is a common folk hero who looks out for poor people in the country who are at the mercy of corrupt officials. Intent on fulfilling a dying wish from one of his henchmen, Asataro, to find a decent home for his young nephew, Chuji descends from his hide-out in the mountain, and heads to the city in spite of numerous dangers that await him there. Often referred to as 'The Gambling Samurai' or the 'Robin Hood' of Japan, his story has been told many times.
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