OK, I'm here because the algorithm knows I'm interested in the 2024 Shogun series. Now that it's finished, I've come down on Ishido Kazunari as my second favorite character in the series. To find that there is a film whose story is told from Ishida Mitsunari's point of view and Tokugawa is the main antagonist is fascinating. I'll be in the lookout for it.
Woah. Interesting. I'd be curious to know what specifically spoke to you about his characterization in Shogun. Esp. considering his narrative role as "the bad guy", & his portrayal as a bit of an arrogant, power-hungry, incompetent loser. I'm sure there was more going on w/ his character beyond the broad strokes serving the main narrative, so I'm genuinely interested in your takeaway & what it is you saw. Cheers.
@@ubahfly5409 Complex characters are interesting characters. Toronaga, for example, is interesting because his manipulative nature rather than his appearance of nobility. His superior intelligence doesn't make him a "better" character, just more sympathetic. Yabushige, in contrast, is a totally unsympathetic character, but his degenerative development arc makes him really interesting. He is also the one character who doesn't have a "hidden" heart in the whole series. He might be, in a perverse way, the most "honest" character. Shakespeare would have love him. Ishido is painted as a "bureaucrat", and one from peasant origins. This means that prior to the story, he had to not only overcome the disdain of those in higher social classes, but impose himself over them. And that type of social mobility within a strict hierarchy is fascinating. Everyone loves a guy with a chip on his shoulder. The only "noble" character in this series is Mariko, but the greatness in her character (something she shares with Ochiba no Kata, another great character) is her ability to position herself in such a way that she could determine her own fate in a dynamic where really only one person could. Sorry for the long rant. Blame the 20 minutes of free time during my morning commute.
@@ubahfly5409 Please remember that "good character" doesn't mean "good hearted person", but rather, a well written role with a good development arc that audiences can identify with.
@@Azabaxe80 Toronaga and Mariko are fictional characters from the mind of an orientalist British writer. real Japanese history, written by Japanese chroniclers and primary treatises are far more interesting. because truth is stranger than fiction. have a wonderful day~
There is this show Three Kingdoms that aired in 2010, I loved it as it told the story very well. I wish I could find a show like this but for the Sengoku Jidai, it would be an epic buy for me.
You need suggestions, I’m your man! Watch Red cliff, preferably the extended version, The Admiral roaring current, or The great Battle, Heaven and Earth, 7 Samurai, 13 assassins, the Mulan movie (not made by Disney), and Ran! There’s a couple more I’m forgetting but list is big enough
@@TheHorica666 loved the kings war, but man that ending did not fit. Won’t spoil anything, but the way they portrayed the character, even if historically accurate, did not fit well with the story.
Japan conquest game be like: 1 st prize: Ruling the country Consolation prize: Dying tragicallly but having kabuki, noh, novels and films lament your fate.
@@saidtoshimaru1832 I mean in terms of achievements he is still overshadowed by other fellow Seven Spears like Kiyomasa Kato and Yoshiakira Kato, but there's no one more underachieving among the seven other than Katsumoto Katagiri
I've seen it twice, once streamed online for free, and I've also purchased the Blu Ray Deluxe version for like $100. I enjoy it for what it is, and would hope to see more similar films like this being made. It's for sure not made for a casual audience, but more for us enthusiasts, and portrays most of the important events that leads to the battle. It's one of the best, (and few) modern samurai films available, so highly recommend watching this for anyone who hasn't. It can be streamed for free.
Having just finished the Shogun 2024 show, I've found your channel loaded with tons of interesting related content. Thank you! Liked, subscribed, commenting for the algorithm
I actually liked how they portrayed the details of the campaign such as field rations (the belt you boil in water and miso), spear formations were they struck downward, and the practice were peasants sneak into the battlefield to kill straggling soldiers and take their equipments (which explains why the samurai kill these people on the spot)
Nice review! It's not often that we get a big budget modern samurai film so I look forward to watching it. It's a shame it isn't historically accurate, but I guess that was traded for entertainment. Also I really admired your battle of Sekigahara video. You did an excellent job building it up, and I especially liked how intense you made it. Well done!
So glad Ōtani is getting some screen time and apparently true to history. A Warhammer character? How about King Baldwin IV? In, 2005, "Kingdom of Heaven," turned from warrior king into peace broker.
Personally, I'm kind of sick of loyalty, justice, love, and friendship. However, that doesn't stop Mitsunari from being a fascinating character. This is why my first choice for Mitsunari's companion was Konishi Yukinaga. From what I heard, the drama that got Sekigahara politics correct is the highly popular Taiga, Ougon no Hibi, and the only drama in which Konishi Yukinaga played a significant role (although the image of Yukinaga in that drama was a bit misleading). Historically speaking, I believe the main reason why the conflict happened was neither because Mitsunari was a moe good guy with an uptight personality nor because he was the person he was portrayed by the Tokugawa. More like because he had a vision of how the nation should be run. He and Konishi Yukinaga were mercantilists, which made their view to be quite a threat to the majority of the ruling class at that time. These two guys didn't carry the vision of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, but Oda Nobunaga. My impression is that Mitsunari wanted a meritocratic Toyotomi government run by capable administrators instead of relatives because he was neither a Toyotomi relative nor a high-born samurai (the same was true for Konishi). This was not necessarily against Hideyoshi's will as Hideyoshi didn't really trust his relatives in the later years, but it's not surprising that this led to many Toyotomi relatives such as Kato - Fukushima turning against him. Still, this was an attractive alternative for those who felt the Tokugawa government was boring for being too conservative. So, minus for not having Yukinaga (who appeared in the 80 mini-series version). Hatsume was also a normal spy in the old version, which was more realistic. And I agree the pacing of this film is pretty bad.
I watched the film right after seeing this review and I really loved the whole Battle of Sekigahara sequence. Sure, it probably isn't too accurate and has it's ridiculous moments, but I think they went above and beyond most movie battle sequences in several ways. They actually depicted uneven and varied terrain that most actual battlefields would've had. Instead of showing the two armies just meeting and clashing on a conveniently flat open plain, there was fighting around hills, forest, tall grass, mud, roads/paths, as well as the occasional flat plain - and it really gave the battle a sense of scale, that battle lines were shifting and that troops were maneuvering, struggling for advantageous positions. They even made an effort to show battlefield looters, the armies' camps, fortifications, and treatment of the wounded. It's hard to find other battle sequences that pay so much attention to those details. Also, I loved the moments of sheer confusion and frustration from the commanders having difficulty in communicating orders or getting their allies to do what they wanted. "Where are the Shimazu?!" "Why isn't Lord Kobayakawa attacking?!" It helped make the battle feel all the more real, considering how difficult it was to effectively communicate across the battlefield, as well as the tenuous loyalties of some of the clans. Really good stuff, even if it definitely felt overly biased in favor of Ishida and against Tokugawa. At the end of the day it's adapting a historical fiction novel so I didn't mind that too much.
As a fan of Western army, Mitsunati personally, I can say, that film is great. Great thing for those, who prefers unusual plots over historical route of events
I saw this film broadcast over two nights in Japan a day or two before my second time at Sekigahara. I enjoyed the film for the secondary characters in the western army whom I basically knew by name only. It gave a jumping off point for researching the real people and learning their histories and actual involvement in the battle. Like all movies based on actual historical events the word based must be interpreted rather loosely. So one might say it was a prep course for this series.
AOI Tokugawa Sandai has a more historically accurate portrayal of both the Sekigahara and 1614-1615 Osaka Campaigns than the 2017 film. It also humanizes Ishida Mitsunari's portrayal aswell which is ofcourse a goodthing. Otani's friendship with Ishida is more fleshed out in AOI aswell. Please do a review on it. Thanks.
it is my favorite series concerning japanese history...of course, sometimes things are a little over dramatified but I think it especially succeeds in explaining why the Bakufu became what it was. also, it introduced me to many new names I have never heard before, like Katagiri Katsumoto, who somewhat became one of my favorite samurai after all!
If you familiar with TV Drama Series, "SANADAMARU"(2016 ), it's more detailed pictures about Ishida Mitsunari and why he so Important in Tokugawa family.
I have just finished watching Shogun 2024 show. Japan’s Sengoku era is very interesting. In Japan, There are many games about the era. Especially “Ambition of Nobunaga” is so popular.
Having “O Fortuna” as the theme for the trailer of Sekigahara captures the epic big time struggle for domination between Tokugawa Ieyasu, a samurai who had been present since the lifetime of Oda Nobunaga and he had been making moves for conquest ever since Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s illness and death, and Ishida Mitsunari, a loyalist who serves the Toyotomi faithfully and wishes to maintain Toyotomi dominance over Japan. Only one can rule Japan , only one
Sekigahara seems like the historically IRL version of Shogun with more background and the culminating battle that Shogun does not show. Both have the scheming and political maneuvering.
I noticed alot of Japanese history movies like Sengoku Jidai. They focus more on the political side than the battle scenes. Meanwhile in Chinese war historical movies like Three Kingdom, they add alot of action scenes.
A good review and I agree with your takes. I would also like to put out that IMO one of the better takes on Sekigahara and the lead up to it was depicted in NHK's 2000 Taiga Aoi Tokugawa Sandai. I felt that was an excellent series with a taunt, muscular narration of the events and reasons for the battle. Highly recommeded.
"Good guy not fun" is what I think about "this" Mitsunari @.@ I mean, when everything is perfect, there is nothing to expect. Also, because the film is based on fiction I haven't read, I had a lot of questions. Did Nene wanted Mitsunari to win, or she wanted major casualty from both "regents" to strengthen Hideyori power? Why only the Eastern Army used rifle? Samurai held Sun Tzu Art of War to be the ultimate guide to conduct war, "this" Misunari's refusal of an night ambush is understandable, but even the old fox Ieyasu couldn't come up with a plan/ tactic - made the last quarter missed something. Sound and effect is good though.
i have always felt that if ninja were so good, one of the larger lords would have offered them, wealth, samurai status etc in return for training his troops.
Been watching your channel for a while now, but came across this vid! Thanks for the rec! Super curious to hear your thoughts on two more samurai films, both dealing with Nobunaga: Legend and Butterfly (2023 I think) and Kubi (TBD)! Just watched Legend and Butterfly on Amazon Prime, and I thought it was a super interesting take on the period, choosing to focus on Nobunaga's romance leading up to the Honno ji incident. Kubi is still doing festival runs (I haven't watched it yet), but if you did a review for it before general release, I think it'd be really cool!
Would you consider reviewing "Aoi Tokugawa Sandai/ Tokugawa Three Generations"? I just finished watching the entire series which consisted of 49 episodes and I thoroughly loved it. If thats too much of a workload, you can just watch the first episode which solely focuses on the Battle of Sekigahara.
Was hoping you'd review this one as I personally loved the film. A little long and definitely confusing if you have anything less than a moderate understanding of the people and history but overall I agree with you it's a great film.
This movie would already be worth it for that very hot Sakon alone, but it's pretty good overall, too :D Minus the whole ninja romance thing. Mitsunari had a wife and 6 kids, but they aren't even mentioned. Yeah, this Mitsunari is a bit too much of a perfect tragic hero. Sanada Maru was better at showing his faults and why he didn't get along with most other daimyo while still portraying him sympathetically. Of course, there was a lot more screentime for that in a taiga.
Mitsunari's young daughter was shown at one point serving tea to Lady Nene and Kobayakawa Hideaki. Lady Nene explicitly stated that while she wanted Mitsunari to lose she wanted to preserve his bloodline by taking in his children.
Not much info on Taiga dramas. If I'm not wrong, I did watch a long series with one of the minor players (?) forget his name but it chronicals the setting and the war all the way to the Osaka castle mayhem.
Have to disagree on Dune. I thought it did what an adaptation is supposed to well. It carried suitable themes actually found in the work and developed them well. I thought Oskar Isaac was a very good Duke Leto. The reason for the Emperor's fear of Atreides was well-described. As were the machinations of the Houses and the Bene Gesserit. And the reality of life on Arrakis was well-drawn. For a supposedly unfilmable work, it was quite effective.
Having cannons at seikigahara sounds very plausible to me. The tokugawas had plenty of money and trade with the Portuguese by this point. They wouldve brought cannons first chance they got, and the Europeans wouldve been hard pressed to turn down pure silver.
NICE! Didn't know about this film but your candid review was well done and the Tokegawa scenes intrigue me and I would like to see that actor portray him. Well done. Lastly, I liked what you said about the DUNE film and although Frank Herbert fans are the sweetest, nicest fans I've ever encountered I knew that director was going to be a bad idea. Sometimes I REALLY wish Hollywood would leave my favorite books alone. Cheers.
Koji Yakusho is the guy who portrayed Tokugawa Ieyasu and he’s one of Japan’s best actors. As far as notable movies of his are concerned, he’s in 13 Assassins where he portrays the leader of the titular assassins and he’s also featured in Memoirs of a Geisha alongside Zhang Ziyi, Gong Li, Michelle Yeoh and Ken Watanabe, another well known Japanese actor
I love the fact it doesn't feel like a samurai film at all. It's not tense and slow paced, it's erratic and has quick cuts of dialogue that overlap each other, the acting is exaggerated and there's always some kind of movement in the scenes. It feels more like a dramatized mockumentary than a jidaigeki film, which was probably their intention.😂
If you like Sekigahara, the Sengoku Jidai, and history so much, you should watch the Japanese drama series "Aoi Tokugawa Sandai" with eng subtitles of course. You are sure to like it.
I wonder why Mitsunari sympathized so much in pop culture and Ieyasu antagonized. The guy did so many questionable things like targeting families and resulting death of Gracia Hosokawa. Is it Toyotomi loyalism? Who knows what was his plan and Toyotomi really deserve that much loyalty? Is it usurpation of Tokugawa? Hideyoshi himself is a usurper in first place? Is it because of Meiji restoration? Same scenario could have played for Toyotomi too and Minamotos are original userpers, their glorification is weird thing too. Is it Sanadas stand? Maybe. Still I'm curious about that.
Death of Gracia is by her choice alone. What Mitsunari did just to confine them so their family feel un easy fighting him. (If you view that as evil he can go more far by masscaring everyone else)
@@febriandi_lushan "her choice alone"? That's a different point of view. Dead hostage is not useful you know and cause exact opposite effect like how Hosokawas response.
Probably Mitsunari's sense of loyalty is what makes him catch on to audiences. He was willing to sink with the Toyotomi's even though many daimyo really didn't want them in charge anymore (after blowing their money and troops on Korea). It's easy to portray Mitsunari as a good guy loyal to a bad cause- while it's just as easy to portray Tokugawa as a bad guy with noble intentions (restoring order).
This is a heck of a battle to portray and twice as hard to watch in a foreign language, due to all the back-stabbing and side-switching. Sekigahara was like Bosworth, it turned on timely defections, which is hard to portray and keep track of when EVERY Daimyo has their own Mon and color. And Yeah the "leper Daimyo" was carried into battle, though I've heard it was more of a Palanquin than a cart (shades of the run up to the 3rd Crusade).
I saw it at the theatre in Nihombashi, even though my Japanese wasn't up to standards. I enjoyed Arimura Kasumi's screentime, except for those ninja scenes and the while she was enslaved during the time of the battle. I'd like to rewatch it with subtitles, but haven't found such.
Have you seen 13 assassins 2010 movie and Hara Kiri Death Of A Samurai 2011 and Dora Heita 2000 movies all three have Koji Yakusho in it . That was very great review of the movie.
Koji Yakusho was in another Sengoku Jidai movie called “The Kiyosu Conference” in which he portrayed Shibata Katsuie. The movie is more or less a comedy regarding the quest to determine who’ll be the new lord of the Oda Clan. Imagine having a debate to determine the new lord of the house while playing a game of race to the flag just to enjoy while at the same time, trying to establish who rules the whole clan
If you want another movie about Sekigahara, there where a BBC made movie, around 1 hour long, called the shogun. I would love to hear your opinion on that. It was in the Warriors series, I think.
Ooooooo, haven’t seen the vid yet, super excited, but what got me into the battle of Sekigahara was heaven and earth! Dope as movie on VHS lol. Yea it’s very old, been trying to find some way to watch it again but don’t think there is a way. Would love for you to review that movie! P.S. on a side note, my number one bucket list for things to do before I pass is to walk the grounds of Sekigahara. It’s one of the most fascinating battles in history as everything goes wrong. From weather, to troops being delayed, to the son of Ishida deciding whether to join his father, or join Tokugawa out of loyalty. It’s a wild battle where it hinges on one neutral army that couldn’t decide. (Edit) damn, just saw your review on Heaven and earth, and from what you explained, it’s on the level of patriot… that really sucks. When it comes to historical movies, I’m pretty absolutist on being historically accurate. The only movie I gave leeway is Red Cliff (Chi Bi.) And only because it’s based off the legends book, not actual history. Like you give an example of kingdom of heaven, I fully disagree with you. That movie is so off based and making the perfect hero, it really sucks. Nothing redeemable about that movie except for Saladin actor. That’s it, not even the battle scenes are good. Also, haven’t been a subscriber for that long, maybe 6 months. So didn’t know you already did a review, got a back catalogue to watch!
@@BountyFlamor Muskets yes, cannon almost never, and not very advanced when they did. Remember, muskets were further advanced when the West came to Japan AND were a lot easier to handle and move, so that's what got copied. Really decent Cannon was still 20_ years off in Europe (about halfway into the 30 years war).
Ishida Mitsunari was an administrator...and appearantly a grass that complained about his compatriot fighters in the korean campaign. I did love the depiction of Shima Sakon....
Anybody have any idea how to watch this film in the UK? I've looked everywhere for it online and it's not available on prime or Netflix! The only option is to get the blu ray at £30 😕
Oh I've been trying to finish this movie, the version I saw on.... The internet, didn't sub the words that were displayed on screen to introduce certain characters so I didn't understand jack, plus the pacing felt weird, I'll watch the video now to see if I should try again!
Have you seen the Battle of Sekigahara as portrayed in Aoi Tokugawa Sandai? IMO that has been the best live-action portrayal of the battle, and does a fair job of showing Mitsunari and Ieyasu's positive and negative aspects.
I haven’t watched this one yet, though I recall watching last year some sort of movie (documentary?) about Sekigahara. I’ll locate this and give it a viewing.
I think you are right about the unnecessary involvement of the ninja part in this very good movie. Yet, saying this I am still glad that Hatsume was part of this flick, she is incredibly cute and a feast for the eyes.
I enjoy your reviews you're very fair n objective. Still waiting for your game be it app or board game. Recently started Ronin on mobile thought it would be realistic but they always add demons n evil...(game is great) but want a game about rising through the ranks to become Daimyo or staying a ronin.
I am watching an old series as it is translated and it is following the same book but with a more historical background. It starts with the death and the recall from Korea. I have enjoyed what I have watched so far.
Thank you for this great review. I recommend "Baragaki: Unbroken Samurai",the movie about shinsen gumi, based on a novel by Shiba Ryotaro, the same writer. And, main role actor is Okada junichi ,again. It's set in the end of Edo period, though.
Yep, Okada Junichi’s in Baragaki as Hijikata Toshizo and speaking of Shinsengumi movies, Toshiro Mifune was in a movie called “Shinsengumi” where he portrayed Kondo Isami
Could you do a video on who you think, either by your own standards or the standards of the Sengoku Jidai, was the most evil man? (I'm hoping it's not Oda Nobunaga because honestly he's just awesome)
No canons??? Those canons were the beginning of this bizarre friendship between the English and the Japanese, two beautiful nations on island chains either side of the complete disaster area which is Eurasia, holding civilisation together between us. William Adams is spinning in his grave at the suggestion his ship's canons weren't present at this key battle!
There's a reason for the "Ninja this and ninja that" dialogue. The ninjas in the movie are desperately trying to get themselves employed. They oversell themselves as having superior abilities than other ninjas. Their peasants after all. Think of a job interview, most people will oversell themselves on how talented they are and some will even say that other people are nothing compared to them for the job. Unlike Samurai, peasants will constantly want to seem reputable and useful for someone.
The problem is that Ninja's were actually not peasants, that idea has been disproven. As "Shinobi" units were integral parts to medieval Japanese armies. They were often samurai or foot soldiers who operated in the fields of scouting and espionage. Informants were obviously real too but that does not mean they would fall entirely under the modern term "Ninja".
I loved this movie when I first saw it 2 years ago. However I remember there being a time jump thst confused me where we went from kid to adult Mitsunari in the space of one cut or something Edit: No it was Hideyoshi aging 10 years in 1 cut
You know it's a samurai movie when people spend half the time sitting and glaring at each other menacingly.
with random outbursts while in a seated position
A shamefur dispray.
@@MarvinT0606😂 Samurai were sensitive souls. Accidentally fart in one's direction, and your whole blood line has to commit seppuku.
@@Ash_Hudson Shamefurr dispray!
OK, I'm here because the algorithm knows I'm interested in the 2024 Shogun series. Now that it's finished, I've come down on Ishido Kazunari as my second favorite character in the series. To find that there is a film whose story is told from Ishida Mitsunari's point of view and Tokugawa is the main antagonist is fascinating. I'll be in the lookout for it.
Woah. Interesting. I'd be curious to know what specifically spoke to you about his characterization in Shogun. Esp. considering his narrative role as "the bad guy", & his portrayal as a bit of an arrogant, power-hungry, incompetent loser. I'm sure there was more going on w/ his character beyond the broad strokes serving the main narrative, so I'm genuinely interested in your takeaway & what it is you saw. Cheers.
@@ubahfly5409 Complex characters are interesting characters. Toronaga, for example, is interesting because his manipulative nature rather than his appearance of nobility. His superior intelligence doesn't make him a "better" character, just more sympathetic. Yabushige, in contrast, is a totally unsympathetic character, but his degenerative development arc makes him really interesting. He is also the one character who doesn't have a "hidden" heart in the whole series. He might be, in a perverse way, the most "honest" character. Shakespeare would have love him.
Ishido is painted as a "bureaucrat", and one from peasant origins. This means that prior to the story, he had to not only overcome the disdain of those in higher social classes, but impose himself over them. And that type of social mobility within a strict hierarchy is fascinating. Everyone loves a guy with a chip on his shoulder.
The only "noble" character in this series is Mariko, but the greatness in her character (something she shares with Ochiba no Kata, another great character) is her ability to position herself in such a way that she could determine her own fate in a dynamic where really only one person could.
Sorry for the long rant. Blame the 20 minutes of free time during my morning commute.
@@Azabaxe80 OK cool wow very interesting. Thanks !
@@ubahfly5409 Please remember that "good character" doesn't mean "good hearted person", but rather, a well written role with a good development arc that audiences can identify with.
@@Azabaxe80 Toronaga and Mariko are fictional characters from the mind of an orientalist British writer.
real Japanese history, written by Japanese chroniclers and primary treatises are far more interesting. because truth is stranger than fiction. have a wonderful day~
There is this show Three Kingdoms that aired in 2010, I loved it as it told the story very well. I wish I could find a show like this but for the Sengoku Jidai, it would be an epic buy for me.
search for Taiga Dramas
Very cool show! Loved that Cao Cao!
You need suggestions, I’m your man! Watch Red cliff, preferably the extended version, The Admiral roaring current, or The great Battle, Heaven and Earth, 7 Samurai, 13 assassins, the Mulan movie (not made by Disney), and Ran! There’s a couple more I’m forgetting but list is big enough
@@TheHorica666 loved the kings war, but man that ending did not fit. Won’t spoil anything, but the way they portrayed the character, even if historically accurate, did not fit well with the story.
That 2010 show is one of the greatest shows ever! I love watching it and I do so on a daily basis, glad to know there are others who acknowledge it 😄
Japan conquest game be like:
1 st prize: Ruling the country
Consolation prize: Dying tragicallly but having kabuki, noh, novels and films lament your fate.
The depiction of the seven spears (specially Fukushima Masanori as a halfwit) was quite off the mark.
@@saidtoshimaru1832 Masanori acts like a Yakuza thug, similar to his Samurai Warriors counterpart
@@saidtoshimaru1832 I mean in terms of achievements he is still overshadowed by other fellow Seven Spears like Kiyomasa Kato and Yoshiakira Kato, but there's no one more underachieving among the seven other than Katsumoto Katagiri
I've seen it twice, once streamed online for free, and I've also purchased the Blu Ray Deluxe version for like $100. I enjoy it for what it is, and would hope to see more similar films like this being made. It's for sure not made for a casual audience, but more for us enthusiasts, and portrays most of the important events that leads to the battle. It's one of the best, (and few) modern samurai films available, so highly recommend watching this for anyone who hasn't. It can be streamed for free.
Where?
@@therealfriday13th dramacool
@@LIIIIIFE Yup! Easily a must watch
Having just finished the Shogun 2024 show, I've found your channel loaded with tons of interesting related content.
Thank you!
Liked, subscribed, commenting for the algorithm
I actually liked how they portrayed the details of the campaign such as field rations (the belt you boil in water and miso), spear formations were they struck downward, and the practice were peasants sneak into the battlefield to kill straggling soldiers and take their equipments (which explains why the samurai kill these people on the spot)
A true shame the 80s Sekigahara miniseries starring Toshiro Mifune hasn't been subbed yet. I'd love to see you review that!
I would love that!
is it the one he plays shima sakon?
@@pakong82 Yes.
Mifune was amazing, watching him in Seven Samurai as a kid brings memories
@@khal7702 Indeed he was... and then I watched the rest of his filmography.
Nice review! It's not often that we get a big budget modern samurai film so I look forward to watching it. It's a shame it isn't historically accurate, but I guess that was traded for entertainment.
Also I really admired your battle of Sekigahara video. You did an excellent job building it up, and I especially liked how intense you made it. Well done!
Thanks man that really means a lot!!! I definitely recommend the film!!
I am not Japanese but this movie was made for people like me. I love the intrigue and drama in the political turmoil of Japans shogun history.
Tokugawa: raises and army against mistunari.
Ōtani Yoshitsugu: "THATS GOING IN THE BOOK!"
So glad Ōtani is getting some screen time and apparently true to history. A Warhammer character? How about King Baldwin IV? In, 2005, "Kingdom of Heaven," turned from warrior king into peace broker.
Personally, I'm kind of sick of loyalty, justice, love, and friendship. However, that doesn't stop Mitsunari from being a fascinating character. This is why my first choice for Mitsunari's companion was Konishi Yukinaga. From what I heard, the drama that got Sekigahara politics correct is the highly popular Taiga, Ougon no Hibi, and the only drama in which Konishi Yukinaga played a significant role (although the image of Yukinaga in that drama was a bit misleading).
Historically speaking, I believe the main reason why the conflict happened was neither because Mitsunari was a moe good guy with an uptight personality nor because he was the person he was portrayed by the Tokugawa. More like because he had a vision of how the nation should be run. He and Konishi Yukinaga were mercantilists, which made their view to be quite a threat to the majority of the ruling class at that time. These two guys didn't carry the vision of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, but Oda Nobunaga. My impression is that Mitsunari wanted a meritocratic Toyotomi government run by capable administrators instead of relatives because he was neither a Toyotomi relative nor a high-born samurai (the same was true for Konishi). This was not necessarily against Hideyoshi's will as Hideyoshi didn't really trust his relatives in the later years, but it's not surprising that this led to many Toyotomi relatives such as Kato - Fukushima turning against him. Still, this was an attractive alternative for those who felt the Tokugawa government was boring for being too conservative.
So, minus for not having Yukinaga (who appeared in the 80 mini-series version).
Hatsume was also a normal spy in the old version, which was more realistic.
And I agree the pacing of this film is pretty bad.
Mitunari was playing a treacherous game , treason, by using his closeness to Toyotomi to bring in Western influence /Chritianity into Japan .
I watched the film right after seeing this review and I really loved the whole Battle of Sekigahara sequence. Sure, it probably isn't too accurate and has it's ridiculous moments, but I think they went above and beyond most movie battle sequences in several ways. They actually depicted uneven and varied terrain that most actual battlefields would've had. Instead of showing the two armies just meeting and clashing on a conveniently flat open plain, there was fighting around hills, forest, tall grass, mud, roads/paths, as well as the occasional flat plain - and it really gave the battle a sense of scale, that battle lines were shifting and that troops were maneuvering, struggling for advantageous positions. They even made an effort to show battlefield looters, the armies' camps, fortifications, and treatment of the wounded. It's hard to find other battle sequences that pay so much attention to those details.
Also, I loved the moments of sheer confusion and frustration from the commanders having difficulty in communicating orders or getting their allies to do what they wanted. "Where are the Shimazu?!" "Why isn't Lord Kobayakawa attacking?!" It helped make the battle feel all the more real, considering how difficult it was to effectively communicate across the battlefield, as well as the tenuous loyalties of some of the clans. Really good stuff, even if it definitely felt overly biased in favor of Ishida and against Tokugawa. At the end of the day it's adapting a historical fiction novel so I didn't mind that too much.
As a fan of Western army, Mitsunati personally, I can say, that film is great. Great thing for those, who prefers unusual plots over historical route of events
I saw this film broadcast over two nights in Japan a day or two before my second time at Sekigahara. I enjoyed the film for the secondary characters in the western army whom I basically knew by name only. It gave a jumping off point for researching the real people and learning their histories and actual involvement in the battle. Like all movies based on actual historical events the word based must be interpreted rather loosely. So one might say it was a prep course for this series.
AOI Tokugawa Sandai has a more historically accurate portrayal of both the Sekigahara and 1614-1615 Osaka Campaigns than the 2017 film. It also humanizes Ishida Mitsunari's portrayal aswell which is ofcourse a goodthing. Otani's friendship with Ishida is more fleshed out in AOI aswell. Please do a review on it. Thanks.
It's on the list
I don’t care if a portrayal is more “humanizing” I care if it’s more accurate.
it is my favorite series concerning japanese history...of course, sometimes things are a little over dramatified but I think it especially succeeds in explaining why the Bakufu became what it was.
also, it introduced me to many new names I have never heard before, like Katagiri Katsumoto, who somewhat became one of my favorite samurai after all!
I agree with you
If you familiar with TV Drama Series, "SANADAMARU"(2016 ), it's more detailed pictures about Ishida Mitsunari and why he so Important in Tokugawa family.
I have just finished watching Shogun 2024 show.
Japan’s Sengoku era is very interesting.
In Japan, There are many games about the era.
Especially “Ambition of Nobunaga” is so popular.
its called "nobunaga's ambition" in english and its a fun game. i prefer shogun 2 total war tho
Having “O Fortuna” as the theme for the trailer of Sekigahara captures the epic big time struggle for domination between Tokugawa Ieyasu, a samurai who had been present since the lifetime of Oda Nobunaga and he had been making moves for conquest ever since Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s illness and death, and Ishida Mitsunari, a loyalist who serves the Toyotomi faithfully and wishes to maintain Toyotomi dominance over Japan.
Only one can rule Japan , only one
The most powerful scene here is the betrayal of Kobayakawa Hideaki
Thanks for this review. I'm gonna check it out when I get in a reading mood.
Sekigahara seems like the historically IRL version of Shogun with more background and the culminating battle that Shogun does not show. Both have the scheming and political maneuvering.
I noticed alot of Japanese history movies like Sengoku Jidai. They focus more on the political side than the battle scenes. Meanwhile in Chinese war historical movies like Three Kingdom, they add alot of action scenes.
派手な演出は金掛かるんだ。
I was really impressed by quote and behave of mitsunari.
A good review and I agree with your takes. I would also like to put out that IMO one of the better takes on Sekigahara and the lead up to it was depicted in NHK's 2000 Taiga Aoi Tokugawa Sandai. I felt that was an excellent series with a taunt, muscular narration of the events and reasons for the battle. Highly recommeded.
"Good guy not fun" is what I think about "this" Mitsunari @.@ I mean, when everything is perfect, there is nothing to expect. Also, because the film is based on fiction I haven't read, I had a lot of questions. Did Nene wanted Mitsunari to win, or she wanted major casualty from both "regents" to strengthen Hideyori power? Why only the Eastern Army used rifle? Samurai held Sun Tzu Art of War to be the ultimate guide to conduct war, "this" Misunari's refusal of an night ambush is understandable, but even the old fox Ieyasu couldn't come up with a plan/ tactic - made the last quarter missed something. Sound and effect is good though.
i have always felt that if ninja were so good, one of the larger lords would have offered them, wealth, samurai status etc in return for training his troops.
Been watching your channel for a while now, but came across this vid! Thanks for the rec!
Super curious to hear your thoughts on two more samurai films, both dealing with Nobunaga: Legend and Butterfly (2023 I think) and Kubi (TBD)!
Just watched Legend and Butterfly on Amazon Prime, and I thought it was a super interesting take on the period, choosing to focus on Nobunaga's romance leading up to the Honno ji incident.
Kubi is still doing festival runs (I haven't watched it yet), but if you did a review for it before general release, I think it'd be really cool!
Would you consider reviewing "Aoi Tokugawa Sandai/ Tokugawa Three Generations"? I just finished watching the entire series which consisted of 49 episodes and I thoroughly loved it. If thats too much of a workload, you can just watch the first episode which solely focuses on the Battle of Sekigahara.
I have no idea how I ended up in here, but I love the channel, and I'll go get Sekigahara, stat.
Peace.
Was hoping you'd review this one as I personally loved the film. A little long and definitely confusing if you have anything less than a moderate understanding of the people and history but overall I agree with you it's a great film.
This was a really good video thank you for sharing it with us 👊🏻
12:21 reminds me of the line “ Drive me closer I want to hit them with my sword”
Could you make als for legemd and the butterfly, kubi, noryang deadly sea and hansan rising dragon
Having no clue about anything about this period going into the movie, I kept thinking there is a Tokugawa period in Japan right
This movie would already be worth it for that very hot Sakon alone, but it's pretty good overall, too :D Minus the whole ninja romance thing. Mitsunari had a wife and 6 kids, but they aren't even mentioned.
Yeah, this Mitsunari is a bit too much of a perfect tragic hero. Sanada Maru was better at showing his faults and why he didn't get along with most other daimyo while still portraying him sympathetically. Of course, there was a lot more screentime for that in a taiga.
Mitsunari's young daughter was shown at one point serving tea to Lady Nene and Kobayakawa Hideaki. Lady Nene explicitly stated that while she wanted Mitsunari to lose she wanted to preserve his bloodline by taking in his children.
Mitunari was doing treason by conspiring with the Westerners in Japan -Portuguese and Christians. Just like Nobunaga.
Not much info on Taiga dramas. If I'm not wrong, I did watch a long series with one of the minor players (?) forget his name but it chronicals the setting and the war all the way to the Osaka castle mayhem.
Have to disagree on Dune. I thought it did what an adaptation is supposed to well. It carried suitable themes actually found in the work and developed them well. I thought Oskar Isaac was a very good Duke Leto. The reason for the Emperor's fear of Atreides was well-described. As were the machinations of the Houses and the Bene Gesserit. And the reality of life on Arrakis was well-drawn. For a supposedly unfilmable work, it was quite effective.
I bet if I had read the book I would have loved it.
Dune was an awesome movie.
12:26 "THAT ONE'S GOIN' IN THE BOOK, LADDIE!" ~ Thorgrim Grudgebearer, 2022, probably
Nice review, thanks! I will try to find and watch, and of course, have a look at your other material.
Where can I stream this film? I can’t seem to find it online anywhere.
Having cannons at seikigahara sounds very plausible to me. The tokugawas had plenty of money and trade with the Portuguese by this point. They wouldve brought cannons first chance they got, and the Europeans wouldve been hard pressed to turn down pure silver.
NICE! Didn't know about this film but your candid review was well done and the Tokegawa scenes intrigue me and I would like to see that actor portray him. Well done. Lastly, I liked what you said about the DUNE film and although Frank Herbert fans are the sweetest, nicest fans I've ever encountered I knew that director was going to be a bad idea. Sometimes I REALLY wish Hollywood would leave my favorite books alone. Cheers.
Koji Yakusho is the guy who portrayed Tokugawa Ieyasu and he’s one of Japan’s best actors. As far as notable movies of his are concerned, he’s in 13 Assassins where he portrays the leader of the titular assassins and he’s also featured in Memoirs of a Geisha alongside Zhang Ziyi, Gong Li, Michelle Yeoh and Ken Watanabe, another well known Japanese actor
I love the fact it doesn't feel like a samurai film at all. It's not tense and slow paced, it's erratic and has quick cuts of dialogue that overlap each other, the acting is exaggerated and there's always some kind of movement in the scenes. It feels more like a dramatized mockumentary than a jidaigeki film, which was probably their intention.😂
If you like Sekigahara, the Sengoku Jidai, and history so much, you should watch the Japanese drama series "Aoi Tokugawa Sandai" with eng subtitles of course. You are sure to like it.
So should I watch this after watching Shogun?
shogun is garbage
@@saemonno-suke9959 "Look how cool I am guys. My views are different compared to the majority"
@@saemonno-suke9959 for you because you have a bad taste.
I wonder why Mitsunari sympathized so much in pop culture and Ieyasu antagonized. The guy did so many questionable things like targeting families and resulting death of Gracia Hosokawa. Is it Toyotomi loyalism? Who knows what was his plan and Toyotomi really deserve that much loyalty? Is it usurpation of Tokugawa? Hideyoshi himself is a usurper in first place? Is it because of Meiji restoration? Same scenario could have played for Toyotomi too and Minamotos are original userpers, their glorification is weird thing too. Is it Sanadas stand? Maybe. Still I'm curious about that.
Death of Gracia is by her choice alone. What Mitsunari did just to confine them so their family feel un easy fighting him. (If you view that as evil he can go more far by masscaring everyone else)
@@febriandi_lushan "her choice alone"? That's a different point of view. Dead hostage is not useful you know and cause exact opposite effect like how Hosokawas response.
Probably Mitsunari's sense of loyalty is what makes him catch on to audiences. He was willing to sink with the Toyotomi's even though many daimyo really didn't want them in charge anymore (after blowing their money and troops on Korea). It's easy to portray Mitsunari as a good guy loyal to a bad cause- while it's just as easy to portray Tokugawa as a bad guy with noble intentions (restoring order).
This is a heck of a battle to portray and twice as hard to watch in a foreign language, due to all the back-stabbing and side-switching. Sekigahara was like Bosworth, it turned on timely defections, which is hard to portray and keep track of when EVERY Daimyo has their own Mon and color.
And Yeah the "leper Daimyo" was carried into battle, though I've heard it was more of a Palanquin than a cart (shades of the run up to the 3rd Crusade).
I saw it at the theatre in Nihombashi, even though my Japanese wasn't up to standards. I enjoyed Arimura Kasumi's screentime, except for those ninja scenes and the while she was enslaved during the time of the battle.
I'd like to rewatch it with subtitles, but haven't found such.
Have you seen 13 assassins 2010 movie and Hara Kiri Death Of A Samurai 2011 and Dora Heita 2000 movies all three have Koji Yakusho in it . That was very great review of the movie.
I have seen all of those. I'm not a big fan of Takashi Miike. I much prefer the Original Harakiri from 1962
Koji Yakusho was in another Sengoku Jidai movie called “The Kiyosu Conference” in which he portrayed Shibata Katsuie. The movie is more or less a comedy regarding the quest to determine who’ll be the new lord of the Oda Clan. Imagine having a debate to determine the new lord of the house while playing a game of race to the flag just to enjoy while at the same time, trying to establish who rules the whole clan
If you want another movie about Sekigahara, there where a BBC made movie, around 1 hour long, called the shogun. I would love to hear your opinion on that. It was in the Warriors series, I think.
I have seen it! I really enjoy it despite some of its issues!
Ooooooo, haven’t seen the vid yet, super excited, but what got me into the battle of Sekigahara was heaven and earth! Dope as movie on VHS lol. Yea it’s very old, been trying to find some way to watch it again but don’t think there is a way. Would love for you to review that movie!
P.S. on a side note, my number one bucket list for things to do before I pass is to walk the grounds of Sekigahara. It’s one of the most fascinating battles in history as everything goes wrong. From weather, to troops being delayed, to the son of Ishida deciding whether to join his father, or join Tokugawa out of loyalty. It’s a wild battle where it hinges on one neutral army that couldn’t decide.
(Edit) damn, just saw your review on Heaven and earth, and from what you explained, it’s on the level of patriot… that really sucks. When it comes to historical movies, I’m pretty absolutist on being historically accurate. The only movie I gave leeway is Red Cliff (Chi Bi.) And only because it’s based off the legends book, not actual history. Like you give an example of kingdom of heaven, I fully disagree with you. That movie is so off based and making the perfect hero, it really sucks. Nothing redeemable about that movie except for Saladin actor. That’s it, not even the battle scenes are good. Also, haven’t been a subscriber for that long, maybe 6 months. So didn’t know you already did a review, got a back catalogue to watch!
for me it was first Kessen, was amazing for it's time n the got into Shogun total war
Shogunate, what is next for your main series, now that the Sengoku Jidai is nearly finished?
Edo period!!
Where can we find the 2017 movie of Sekigahara?
Still would appreciate a video about the use of artillery in this era.
A very interesting subject!
@@TheShogunate It is my impression the Japanese used cannons not as often.
@@BountyFlamor Muskets yes, cannon almost never, and not very advanced when they did. Remember, muskets were further advanced when the West came to Japan AND were a lot easier to handle and move, so that's what got copied. Really decent Cannon was still 20_ years off in Europe (about halfway into the 30 years war).
@@drewdederer8965 You're talking about pitched battles? True. But cannons were essential in European siege warfare.
I just watched this movie.
The scene of Kobayakawa Hideaki's "betrayal" is the absolute highlight of the film.
That warhammer reference was spot on!
Ishida Mitsunari was an administrator...and appearantly a grass that complained about his compatriot fighters in the korean campaign. I did love the depiction of Shima Sakon....
Where can i watch this movie its almost impossible to find
Anybody have any idea how to watch this film in the UK? I've looked everywhere for it online and it's not available on prime or Netflix! The only option is to get the blu ray at £30 😕
Should I watch this after Shogun series?
Yes
I recommend to watch Aoi Tokugawa Sandai's depiction of the battle of Sekigahara too.
Oh I've been trying to finish this movie, the version I saw on.... The internet, didn't sub the words that were displayed on screen to introduce certain characters so I didn't understand jack, plus the pacing felt weird, I'll watch the video now to see if I should try again!
Have you seen the Battle of Sekigahara as portrayed in Aoi Tokugawa Sandai? IMO that has been the best live-action portrayal of the battle, and does a fair job of showing Mitsunari and Ieyasu's positive and negative aspects.
Noway is that way of the samurai in your intro
I haven’t watched this one yet, though I recall watching last year some sort of movie (documentary?) about Sekigahara. I’ll locate this and give it a viewing.
I acutally justed watched this the other day it was ok but I noticed a few key events were missing or changed.
As someone who enjoys Japanese history and have seen other films like 13th assasins and The Last Samurai how does this film compare?
I think you are right about the unnecessary involvement of the ninja part in this very good movie. Yet, saying this I am still glad that Hatsume was part of this flick, she is incredibly cute and a feast for the eyes.
I'm unable to find this film to watch. any suggestions?
There is an English translation of that novel?
How did you watch this? I can't find this or most movies in this playlist anywhere.
I've seen a taiga drama based on sekigahara, and it almost mirrors this movie besides the whole Ninja thing, btw how do I watch this movie?
Isn't Koji who played Ieyasu in many other films?
I enjoy your reviews you're very fair n objective. Still waiting for your game be it app or board game. Recently started Ronin on mobile thought it would be realistic but they always add demons n evil...(game is great) but want a game about rising through the ranks to become Daimyo or staying a ronin.
Yeah the game unfortunately won't be happening anymore. We ran into some snags
@The Shogunate too bad, one day someone will make Shogun n Nobunaga's Ambition combined. Anyway thanks for effort!
I am watching an old series as it is translated and it is following the same book but with a more historical background. It starts with the death and the recall from Korea. I have enjoyed what I have watched so far.
where can i watch the old series with eng sub?
Having 400 samurai /yakuza films..I found it most entertaining
Take a look at the Twilight Samurai ir 13 Assassins, these movies makes my top five Samurai movies list.
The TV series of Miyamoto Musashi had a young Musashi with his childhood buddy going off to fight in this battle.
Thank you for this great review.
I recommend "Baragaki: Unbroken Samurai",the movie about shinsen gumi, based on a novel by Shiba Ryotaro, the same writer. And, main role actor is Okada junichi ,again. It's set in the end of Edo period, though.
Yep, Okada Junichi’s in Baragaki as Hijikata Toshizo and speaking of Shinsengumi movies, Toshiro Mifune was in a movie called “Shinsengumi” where he portrayed Kondo Isami
Personally I prefer the version of Sekigahara from AOI Tokugawa Sandai just cuz it's easier to follow and feels a bit better paced
Could you do a video on who you think, either by your own standards or the standards of the Sengoku Jidai, was the most evil man? (I'm hoping it's not Oda Nobunaga because honestly he's just awesome)
No canons???
Those canons were the beginning of this bizarre friendship between the English and the Japanese, two beautiful nations on island chains either side of the complete disaster area which is Eurasia, holding civilisation together between us. William Adams is spinning in his grave at the suggestion his ship's canons weren't present at this key battle!
You mean, Cannons right?
Does anyone know where I can watch this in the US?
Where can I watch the Full movie?
I think I'm starting to like Mitsunari more and more despite being Tokugawa loyalist
Where do you watch it?
off topic - a new Sengoku Dynasty game has just been announced, release should be 2022
Review the Nemuri Kyoshiro movies
Where did you watch this?
Where can I watch this?
It’s an amazing film infact many western daimyos thought mitsunari was dragging everyone into a wasteful war
Floating Castle was amazing!
Maintenant une autoroute traverse les champs de bataille, c’est sur le chemin entre kyoto et Nagoya
There's a reason for the "Ninja this and ninja that" dialogue. The ninjas in the movie are desperately trying to get themselves employed. They oversell themselves as having superior abilities than other ninjas. Their peasants after all. Think of a job interview, most people will oversell themselves on how talented they are and some will even say that other people are nothing compared to them for the job. Unlike Samurai, peasants will constantly want to seem reputable and useful for someone.
The problem is that Ninja's were actually not peasants, that idea has been disproven. As "Shinobi" units were integral parts to medieval Japanese armies. They were often samurai or foot soldiers who operated in the fields of scouting and espionage. Informants were obviously real too but that does not mean they would fall entirely under the modern term "Ninja".
Can I get anyone's opinion on whether this is "realistic" or not?
この映画はかなり嘘が散りばめられています！！
正史ではないということをで承知の上でファンタジー映画としてはとても楽しめる映画です！！
Interesting Review
It's also impressive to watch Japanese made movie on this critical event..while watching a more globally acclaimed 'shogun' show...
I loved this movie when I first saw it 2 years ago. However I remember there being a time jump thst confused me where we went from kid to adult Mitsunari in the space of one cut or something
Edit: No it was Hideyoshi aging 10 years in 1 cut
I know exactly what you mean haha