dirtyharry167

The movie begins with a lone ronin wandering the countryside of japan, one day he wanders into a small town divided into two parts and being ruined by a gang war. during the film he is hired by both sides, here he joins both sides in order to get them both to kill each other ending the gang war in the village. Yojimbo was remade into a fistful of dollar one of the most iconic and well known westerns by classic spaghetti western director Sergio Leone. the movie Yojimbo is beautifully shot especially during the epic finale swordfight. this movie is an absolute all time classic, I highly recommend this movie to anyone, words cannot describe how much I loved this movie.

Django Unchained is the story of a slave (Jamie Foxx) rescued by a German bounty hunter called Dr. Schultz (played brilliantly by Cristoph Waltz) to help identify three money earning targets. Django becomes the bounty hunter's partner and fulfils his search for his long-lost wife. They find her working in the house at a plantation run by Calvin Candie (Leonardo DiCaprio) where Samuel Jackson hams it up as an old butler character. Chaos ensues – you would be disappointed if it didn't. It is almost as if by the end of the film Tarantino can't hold himself back any longer and shouts for bloody mayhem.

The tricky subject matter and the proliferation of the dreaded 'N' word go some way in explaining the controversy surrounding the film. However I would suggest that most of the controversy was probably drummed up by the studio to get bums on seats. Only the most backward of white Americans would see anything to complain about in this film. For me it seemed less violent than Kill Bill or Inglorious Basterds and the only thing that perhaps would unnerve a few racist rednecks was the fact that it was a black man killing white folk (and getting paid for it).

Django is a natural quick draw and sharp-shooter and uses his new-found skills to great effect during the story. As a Western this is part of the cannon and not to be questioned. Equally it is a given that Django can not only ride a horse but do so very well. What sets the film apart from most Westerns is the brilliant dialogue and the humour. Dr Schultz in particular gets some great lines and slowly reveals himself of somewhat of a humanist despite his killing ways. He is the light to Calvin Candie's dark racism and the final scenes between the two are some of the best Tarantino has filmed. There is a similar thread to the anti-Nazi history rewrite finale of Basterds, but in this case the outcome is loaded with more tension and heart.

Foxx's character very quickly becomes the strutting black hero that we would expect from Django if we reference back to the glut of similarly titled films in the 60's. In some ways his character is less three-dimensional than Dr Schultz and indeed Candie, and this is perhaps a drawback of Tarantino 'reloading' an old film concept in much the same way as he did with Basterds. I love Westerns and I love Tarantino and so for me it is a brilliant combination, but I would like him to try something wholly from his own imagination next time around.

3 additional factoids I gleaned after my second viewing - I was curious over the man at the bar just after we see the bloody mandingo fight and are introduced to Candie. The mysterious man has just seen his fighter bested and killed with a hammer, but still has the time for a a tequiela at the bar and a quick word with Django posing as a black slaver / mandingo expert. The man says he knows that Django is spelt with a 'D'. It is a bit of an incongruous comment and made me wonder 'who was that guy?' Well, that guy was a cameo by the original actor in the 1966 version of Django - so of course he would know how it was spelt. It was another nod to the previous 'Westerns' gone before by Tarantino; just not as subtle as the pulllling-the-man-and-horse-down scene or even subtler other references.

Secondly was the female tracker. We see her briefly in two scenes. One where she is holding a hatchet and her face is mostly covered by a bandana just before D'Artagnian is ripped apart by dogs, and one where she is looking at a 3D photo in the trackers lodge just before she is gunned down in revenge for D'Artagnian's death. 'Who's that girl?' I thought twice over. The subject of a deleted scene mayhaps? Well, as there were no deleted scenes on my Blu-ray I don't know, but I was watching the credits and saw the name Zoe Bell. Which rang a bell (scuse pun). IMDb to the rescue! She was Uma Thurman's stunt double in Kill Bill and she has worked on an amazing number of films (including Deathproof). Tarantino slipped her in as a favour it would seem and there is rumour that she failed the audition for Candie's sister, so he probably felt obliged to include her somewhere in the film.

Third. The blood on Candie's hand. I thought it was a brilliant piece of writing and helped emphasize the darkness of the character when he smears it over Broomhilda's face. I also liked the way the blood develops naturally, it is not overtly referenced by the camera and Candie continues his tirade without seeing to the cut. It turns out that this was real blood and a real cut and DiCaprio (true artiste that he is) carried on going even though he had genuinely accidentally cut himself. Bravo

"The Good, the Bad and the Ugly" is Sergio Leone's epic masterpiece. While it is part of his Spaghetti Western Trilogy( all three films have different characters and plots), the film stands on its own and really shows you how good a movie can really be. This movie has it all. It has action, drama and even some comic relief in it. It is a timeless classic that is unforgettable. When I first saw it, I was a little kid and couldn't truly appreciate it as I can now at age 22.

Blondie (The Man with No Name) isn't your typical good guy. He mainly does things that suits his own agenda. However, when compared to the murderous Angel Eyes and the greedy Tuco, Blondie is a saint. This tale involves bloodshed, shoot-outs, search for treasure, and double-crossing. And it all takes place while the Civil War is going on, which makes things a lot more "interesting" for the notorious three. The West has never been wilder or more unpredictable than it is now. With an incredible score, excellent acting, and superb story-telling, this is one memorable film that you will never forget.

As I said in the beginning, the first time I saw this was when I was a little kid. When I just recently purchased this new edition of the movie, it truly was like I was watching it for the first time. Coming from a guy who isn't a big fan of Westerns (I don't mind them, but I don't watch too many of them), I absolutely LOVED this film. In fact, I wanted to give it a standing ovation when it was all said and done due to how moved I was by it. This really is filmmaking at its finest. I wasn't terribly impressed with Leone's "Once Upon a Time in America," but he is absolutely flawless with this amazing and timeless Western

There are few films as well-named as Fukasaku Kinji's "Battles Without Honor and Humanity" ("Jingi naki tatakai.') With one shot, Fukasaku (director of "Battle Royale") undid and entire genre of film, one that would never be the same again. A lone Yakuza, wielding a Samurai sword stands against a crowd, a brave sneer on his face. He is instantly shot and killed, his katana useless against a gun.

Yakuza films in Japan were generally in a category known as Ninkyo Eiga, Chivalry Films. The Japanese mafia was shown as later-day Samurai heroes, defending and upholding traditional Japanese values of honor and loyalty above all else. This colorful imagery was supported by the Yakuza themselves, who loved seeing themselves portrayed in this heroic light.

Fukasaku, with deep anti-violence sentiments, directed "Battles Without Honor and Humanity" in an attempt to set the record straight, to re-write the post-War history of Japan and unveil the true nature of these violent thugs, more interested in money than honor. The story unfolds over several years, following the career of Hirono Shozo, a former soldier and brawler who's own sense of loyalty to his Yakuza boss proves his undoing. Hirono is used as a pawn by several rival bosses and would-be bosses, seeking control over the Black Markets that sprang up following WWII.

Hirano's narrative is only a framework for the deconstruction of a genre. Hard and true Yakuza genre tropes are constantly destroyed. Yakuza bosses break down and cry in front of their men, using money as a lure to get their way. Guns jam and run out of bullets, "brave" Yakuza hide under children attempting to escape the police...there is little sacred here.

The disjointed storyline might be a little disorientating to those who have never seen a Yakuza film before, but Fukasaku helps you out with a running total of who has died. (A device that would reappear in "Battle Royale." ) A general background of post-WWII Japan would be helpful, but isn't necessary.

"Battles Without Honor and Humanity" is a landmark Japanese film. Harsh, violent and sending a powerful message, it is an amazing piece of work.

Based on true events..In December 1937 the Japanese army defeated the Chinese and entered the city of Nanking. The horrific events that took place over a period of some weeks became known as the "Rape of Nanking". Directed by T.F Mou (Men behind the sun) this really is a high quality film. It has brilliant photography and an epic feel but it's not over long. It's very well directed and if you are familiar with the tragic events of the film you will notice how well researched and accurate it is. The film superbly mixes together real footage from the time and it gives you an almost documentary feel as you witness the terrible horrors of the massacre. Don't expect blazing gun battles and cheesy happy outcomes, this is a long way from a Hollywood blockbuster but it's far superior. "Black Sun" is quite often classed in the horror film genre and obviously this film won't be for everyone as it's very graphic and gory but I still strongly recommend this outstanding film

I watched this movie on Netflix last night and I got to say, what an amazing film. the story is set in traditional japan where the main character who is the official executioner for his government is betrayed this results in him fighting dozens of soldiers then having a dual with one the lords allowing him to roam the countryside of japan with his infant son. along the road he is hired to kill a group of bandits. he travels to the village which has been taken over by bandits who are going around killing and raping innocent civilians. here the main character is taken prisoner along with his son and he meets a prostitute who he saves from being killed by the bandits. I don't want to give the ending away but one thing to say this movie is epic.

Bruce Lee's second major martial arts picture after The Big Boss, Fist Of Fury confirms him as one of the defining kung fu stars - especially as he choreographed his own fight scenes. Here, he's Chen Zhen, who fights to avenge his master's death while defending the honour of the Chinese against a ruling Japanese government who will do anything to crush the Chinese people's morale. I have to agree this movie is very anti Japanese though then again this movie was made at least 30 years after the Japanese had committed appalling war crimes through out china during the second world war. the fight scenes are superb especially when Chen Zhen takes on the bushido school resulting in him showing his nunchuku skills. overall this movie is a classic possibly the best Bruce Lee film next to enter the dragon.

I first came across this film when it was listed as number 1 on the total film best Kung Fu movies list. I then decided to watch it on viooz. overall its a very good film, I can understand its reputation as one of the best of its genre. as I understand the movie was released in the late 70s 1978. for its time its flawless and ahead of its time. the movie tells a story of revenge. the main character who finds himself in a village taken over by government forces. as a result of this knowing himself and his friends will not be able to stay calm under occupation join rebels. however the government end up killing the rebels his friends and family resulting in him fleeing to shaolin temple in order to learn Kung Fu in which he plans to use against the government forces in revenge for the deaths of his friends and family. overall for a kung Fu movie this is a well deserved classic.

I just saw this movie yesterday on Netflix and what can I say this movie is spectacular the fight scenes are beyond fantastic and clearly have inspired generations of fist in the future for example lord of the rings, the last samurai, the kingdom of heaven even Narnia the directing is brilliant, directed by famous Japanese director Akira Kurosawa described by many as one of the greatest if not the greatest director of the 20th century, seriously forget Spielberg this guy is epic, he shoots his movies brilliantly. the script is flawless, the actors are well put together. the shooting location is well though and planned even executed. the characters are superb. overall a straight 10 out of 10.