The movie recommendation this week is "Sanjuro" (1962). The film was directed by Akira Kurosawa and features his muse, Toshiro Mifune, playing Sanjuro the Ronin. A group of nine idealistic young Samurai suspect corruption in the leadership of their clan and identify that as a threat to their community. They plan a revolt, but Sanjuro overhears and warns them their assumptions are wrong.

Sanjuro listens to their plans, gives them the right advice, insults them continually… which makes the general mood of this film lighter than Yojimbo. Sanjuro’s desire to change his way of living is continuously frustrated by necessity and others’ stupidity, which adds to the entertainment.

Although the film is nominally a sequel to the film Yojimbo, some consider Sanjuro a prequel as it seems to take place at an earlier period in Japanese history. The main character also appears less bitter and not as wise or dour.

Watch the trailer here: