Samurai Reincarnation

I recently viewed a subtitled version of Makai Tensho: Samurai Reincarnation from my video store. I had previously viewed the dubbed version a few times throughout the years and found the movie to be strangely appealing but also confusing and the dubbed dialog rather silly. Characters would suddenly disappear or appear without any explanation and the plot seemed somewhat incoherent. The subtitled version appears to have more footage, which helps explain the story much more clearly and the movie appears much more sophisticated. In the subtitled version, the subtlety of the acting is quite good. For example, the acting of Kenji Sawada as the Christian Shiro appeared almost ridiculous and over the top in the dubbed version, but hearing it in Japanese with subtitles, it had much more subtlety and created a much more complex character. There are many good and familiar actors (to those familiar with this genre)who give good performances from Sonny Chiba as Jubei Yagyu to Tomisaburo Wakayama as the elder Yagyu, who is famed for his character in the Lone Wolf and Cub series. Don't judge this movie, until you have the opportunity to view the subtitled version!

I thought at first this was filmed for the asian TV market because of the obvious set design and film quality at the beginning(reminiscent of Dark Shadows). However, the film slowly builds in pace and scope until it's climax: a duel in an inferno, the burning remains of the mansion of the shogun. It is easily up to the par of the low budget asian action movies of the period. The mythology of the film is quite interesting, both in the time period it is placed and the characters that are included. The samurai that Toshiro Mifune brought to western audiences, Musashi Miyamoto, plays a key part. The only significant flaw to this film is the previously mentioned dub. Not only are the voices not timed properly but almost all the voice actors are VERY poorly chosen and seemingly refuse to emote with their characters. There are some moments with dramatic overacting but anyone seeking information on a film titled Samurai Reincarnation shouldn't be seeking subtlety. Also of note, many of the key players of this film including Sonny Chiba and the Director himself were involved in the film The Legend of the Eight Samurai, a film much like this one with similar qualities and flaws(including the dub).

I would like to preface my review by saying that I am reviewing the Canadian (subtitled) version of Makai Tensho, NOT the sacreligious, crap-dubbed, bargain basement version, recently released. The subtitled version is probably out-of-print by now, but if you can find it, it has Sonny Chiba as Jubei on the cover (the new dubbed version has Sonny incorrectly portrayed as Iba from Shogun's Shadow on the front).....Now for the review....We have many of the heavy hitters from the famed Japan Action Club in this movie: Sonny Chiba, reprising his role as Yagyu Jubei from "The Yagyu Conspiracy", Ken Ogata (Shogun's Shadow) as Musashi, Henry Sanada, Tomisaburo Wakayama (Lone Wolf and Cub) as Yagyu Tajima, and many other noted actors. Incredible fight scenes (the flaming castle at the end---damn!), mystical script (Christians vs. the Shogunate), moody soundtrack, and an "interesting" scene with Sanada...they all make for a truly classic chambara epic. Whenever Sonny grabs that cool hat, eyepatch and a sword, you know it's quality. GET THE SUBTITLED VERSION!!! Watch it the way it was meant to be watched (or go to Japan, get an original tape and make a fansub!) ----Master Yagyu

Samurai Reincarnation is my favorite film. Every aspect of this movie caters directly to my taste. And although my taste is often for the bizarre, this movie is almost always held together by great acting. The story, if you can get passed the totally strange (yet contextually wonderful) opening, is completely engrossing to anyone interested in Japanese myths, history, culture, or just really great ghost stories. Aesthetically, Samurai Reincarnation is masterly crafted. From a battlefield filled with mountains of corpses to the elaborate interior of the shogun's palace, each setting perfectly sets the stage for the story to unfold. The costumes are all beautifully designed as well. Of course, the sword fights! With characters such as the sword fighting legend Miyamoto Musashi and Jubei Yagyu, it would only be appropriate to include sword fights of the highest caliber. And that's exactly what you'll find! Everything in the movie comes together as the complete package for me, and even though it might not end up being your favorite movie, give this one a chance if anything I wrote about above interests you; it won't disappoint!

Oh, GREAT MUSIC TOO!

While Makai Tensho cannot be mistaken for masterpiece film-making, it is definitely a fun-ride for those in love with Samurai movies. The cast is filled with a veritable who's-who of Japanese cinema, including such luminaries as Ken Ogata, Soony Chiba, Tetsuro Tamba. It is also very gratifying to see the venerable Tomisaburo Wakayama (star of the 70's epic Lone Wolf and Cub series), still slicing and dicing with the best of them.

The film has some incredible action set pieces, including a stunning showdown in a burning castle. Some of the effects and costumes are a little over-the-top, but the actors seem to be having so much fun, and the direction is so fast paced, that you just can't help but be swept up into the pulp fantasy. Makai Tensho is a gem in modern samurai films.