Hideo Gosha's "Goyokin"

Hideo Gosha is a prolific Japanese director whose output includes some excellent films, many in the Samurai genre. "Goyokin" is a stellar example. It stars Tatsuya Nakadai who also featured in the superb "Harakiri", and this film explores similar themes: in particular, the depravity and hypocrisy rife within the Shogunate.


Nakadai plays Magobei, a noble Samurai driven into self-exile when he can no longer countenance the evil ways of his fellows, who fund their domain criminally and with no regard for the terrible human cost. Hating himself for his cowardice, he gets wind of an upcoming heist, and returns to tie up the loose ends he left three years ago.

The film looks fabulous - the cinematographer makes much of the barren, snow-swept coastline that plays a central role in the story; the rotten eaves of a deserted hut form an abstract silhouette against a dead, grey sky; all in all, a visual treat. There's also some enjoyable traditional Japanese music featured, not least a drumming ensemble that forms a dramatic backdrop to the film's final confrontation (there had to be one, right...?).

"Goyokin" is an action movie that is also a fine work of art, in the manner of a Sergio Leone Western. Tokyo Shock's R1 DVD is utterly recommendable.