Tajomaru
Directed by: Hiroyuki NakanoStarring: Shun Oguri, Kyosuke Yabe, Hiroyuki Ikeuchi Synopsis: Set during Japan’s late Muromachi period, Tajomaru: Avenging Blade begins with the story of two brothers, Naomitsu and Nobutsuna Hatakeyama, born into a wealthy and powerful family and both destined for greatness. However, when the father of their lifelong friend and Naomitsu’s love interest Ako dies, a decree is made that has a profound effect on all their lives. The conditions of the decree force Nobutsuna to betray his brother by taking Ako as his own in order to inherit her late father’s wealth and position. However, driven by his love for Ako, Naomitsu gives up his life of privilege and instead flees with her into the remote forested mountain region where he believes they will be safe. During the journey, the lovers are ambushed and attacked by a bandit calling himself Tajomaru who intends to kidnap Ako. Fortunately, she escapes and runs away before Nobutsuna manages to kill the bandit, whose identity he assumes. Now calling himself Tajomaru, Nobutsuna sets out on a dangerous and adventurous quest in search of Ako. Meanwhile, back at the Hatakeyama home, an unlikely protagonist has decided the time is right to make a treacherous move that will place him within striking distance of the country’s most powerful positions of leadership… Review: Tajomaru is based on the same source material as Akira Kurosawa’s Roshomon, and contains a similar tale of overlapping perspectives, although told in a much different manner.For one thing, the audience is privy to a lot of the intrigue to which the two brothers are kept in the dark. We watch as a trusted friend sets up both brothers and dealing a deadly blow to their fates. This leads Naomitsu and Ako into the clutches of Tajomaru, an unassuming thief and warrior who has become something of a folk legend in the area. There is a great parallel here to The Princess Bride – think of the legend of the Dread Pirate Roberts! It is in the confrontation with Tajomaru that Naomitsu is completely undone. Ako, faced with the evidence that Naomitsu isn’t strong enough to protect her, turns on her lover, abandoning him to his fate. Pretty twisted stuff, and not how the traditional hero narrative is supposed to go! 
There is a definite sense of Shakespearean tragedy surrounding this film, with misunderstandings and undelivered messages leading to tragic results. Things the audience has long accepted as facts are challenged and contradicted at the most inopportune moments.The style of the Tajomaru is played as high melodrama, with characters delivering lines with their hearts wrenched in two and tears streaming down their cheeks. It can become a bit grating at times and you start wishing they’d just grin and bear it – where’s that Japanese stoicism we all know and love? 
Luckily Tajomaru also delivers plenty of action, especially when Naomistu assumes the role of the legendary bandit and teams up with some other outlaws. The swordplay is very good and diverse.Verdict: Ultimately your enjoyment of Tajomaru depends how you greeted previous, similar fare such as The Sword with No Name and even The Assassin’s Blade . Tajomaru falls more or less between both in terms of quality and entertainment. 6 out of 10 (MikeOutWest) New! CommentsHave your say about this! Leave me a comment in the box below. |
