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Released by: Animeigo
Released on: February 14, 2012.
Director: Hideyuki Hirayama
Cast: Etsushi Toyokawa, Murakami Jun
Year: 2010
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The Movie:
Hideyuki Hirayama's 2010 film stars Etsushi Toyokawa as a samurai named Sanzaemon Kanemi who, soon after we meet him, gets himself in a whole head of trouble by killing his employer's favorite concubine. Surprisingly, rather than have Kanemi put to death, his boss (Murakami Jun) instead has him put under house arrest for a year and then forces him to work as his own personal bodyguard. This is a strange set up, and it turns out be one that very quickly has Kanemi rethink his position in life, how he got there, and what he must do to set it right.
At just under two hours in length Sword Of Desperation is a bit slow at times but stick with it, as it builds to a powerful conclusion that is completely worth waiting for. Of course, as we head in towards the seemingly inevitable finale we're treated to a few interesting plot twists and turns and some fine characterization that make Kanemi someone with enough of a back story to carry the film - but this isn't all handed out to us on one big platter but rather spread out throughout the film. This is effective in keeping him reasonably mysterious and therefore interesting and it doesn't hurt that he's played incredibly well by leading man Etsushi Toyokawa. Stern faced and as cold as his blade, Toyokawa does a great job here - we believe him as the tough, smart and honor bound samurai he's supposed to be, which makes his inner conflict all the more realistic.
Based on the novel by Fujisawa Shuhei, (the author of the better known The Twilight Samurai and The Hidden Blade - both quite well adapted for the silver screen in the last few years), Sword Of Desperation is quite upfront and honest in its depiction of one man's struggle with the Bushido Code which he is sworn to uphold and to which he is bound. We know how it's all going to come crashing in around him and so it's not much of a surprise when it does, but the film brings things together with such violent impact and suspense that, predictable or not, it's quite a site to see. On top of that, it's a great looking picture that makes good use of its sets and which features some fairly lush backgrounds and impressive costume design. Showing a great eye for period detail, Hirayama's film takes an otherwise fairly serene feudal era village and ultimately transforms it into a conflicted and unsettled locale - again, all of which backs up the big finish that the film has to deliver.
Sword Of Desperation's blood soaked finale is surprisingly violent, delivering some impressive arterial spray and a good bit of sword swinging carnage. The calm before the storm may be deceptively quiet but rest assured, the film ultimately reveals those important character motives in grand fashion and with a fairly righteous anger.
Video/Audio/Extras:
Sword Of Desperation looks good in this 1.85.1 anamorphic widescreen transfer. There are no compression issues to note, detail is good for a standard definition presentation and the print used for the transfer was obviously in immaculate shape as there's no print damage at all. Some softness creeps in here and there but you get the impression that this is how the movie was meant to look.
Audio chores are handled by a Japanese language Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound mix with optional subtitles provided in English only (in your choice of white or yellow). There isn't quite as much activity in the mix as there could have been but the final showdown makes good use of the rear channels and offers some nice directional effects. The score is also well placed throughout the mix here. There are no problems with the levels, dialogue is clear and there is no hiss or distortion to complain about.
Extras are slim, limited to the film's original Japanese trailer (which it all the way to the end for a strange promo where advance ticket buyers are given a free ear wax remover!), some liner notes on the production, a still gallery, menus and chapter stops.
The Final Word:
Sword Of Desperation takes a little while to get going but once it hits its stride, it turns out to be a pretty gripping mix of adventure and drama with some solid plot twists that works its way to an excellent finale. Animeigo's DVD is light on extras but offers up the film in very nice shape and comes recommended for fans of samurai films.
