Samurai I: Musashi Miyamoto Film Still

Samurai I: Musashi Miyamoto

Hiroshi Inagaki

Japan

1954

93 minutes

Color

1.33:1

Japanese

14

Synopsis

Hiroshi Inagaki’s acclaimed Samurai Trilogy is based on the novel that has been called Japan’s Gone with the Wind. This sweeping saga of the legendary seventeenth-century samurai Musashi Miyamoto (powerfully portrayed by Toshiro Mifune) plays out against the turmoil of a devastating civil war. The Trilogy follows Musashi’s odyssey from unruly youth to enlightened warrior. In the first part, Musashi Miyamoto, the hero’s dreams of military glory end in betrayal, defeat, and a fugitive lifestyle. But he is saved by a woman who loves him and a cunning priest who guides him to the samurai path. This installment won the 1955 Academy Award for Best Foreign Film.

Cast

Takezo/MusashiToshiro Mifune
MatahachiRentaro Mikuni
TakuanKuroemon Onoe
OtsuKaoru Yachigusa
AkemiMariko Okada
OkoMitsuko Mito
OsugiEiko Miyoshi
Seijuro YoshiokaAkihiko Hirata

Credits

DirectorHiroshi Inagaki
ProducerKazuo Takimura
ScreenplayTokuhei Wakao and Hiroshi Inagaki
CinematographyJun Yasumoto
SoundChoshichiro Mikami
MusicIkuma Dan

Disc Features

  • Original theatrical trailer

From the Current

Samurai I

by Bruce Eder Jul 21, 1998

Hiroshi Inagaki’s Samurai Trilogy, of which this release is the first part, was adapted from Eiji Yoshikawa’s epic novel Musashi Miyamoto, which has been called Japan’s Gone with the Wind. The comparison is valid, for the tale of the medieval samurai . . .

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Available Editions

Samurai I: Musashi Miyamoto Criterion DVD Add to Cart

DVD

1 Disc

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$23.96

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The Samurai Trilogy Criterion DVD Add to Cart

DVD Box Set

3 Discs

SRP: $69.95

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$55.96