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"Yojimbo" (1961) watch-along (Patreon)

Published:
2024-08-05 16:15:01
Imported:
2026-06
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Content

Hey everyone!

If you want a free link to watch this movie:

https://archive.org/details/Yojimbo_201703

***spoilers below

Look, I know very little about the Japanese History (which now I want to get more into so please leave links for podcasts, docs, shows down below) but what 👏🏽 a 👏🏽 film 👏🏽. There is PROB so much I missed but from a creative and technical standpoint I loved it. The score was awesome, such an original screenplay and I saw so many movies influenced by this film. I was hooked and in it from the titles. I loved the expressions of the actors and the commitment to the characters they played. I loved the sets, lighting, blocking (where he placed characters in the frame), camera movement (following characters as they moved), editing choices, and of course the awesome story. It was quirky, unique and witty. I loved the dark humour and I am still trying to figure out Sanjuro, a solo Samurai wandering alone. I still think my fave part is when he throws up the stick and lets it land to choose which way to go. I think there is a lot to think about with the themes in this, but would be deeper with a bit more knowledge of Japanese history.

I can't wait to get to know him a little more in "Sanjuro" (1962)

Let me know all your thoughts down below! I highly recommend watching this! I feel like I am a newb when it comes to Akira Kurosawa so I AM stoked for your insight! No spoilers for his other films though PLEASE!

xx

ames

ps. You will notice that I have hosted this on a 2nd YT channel I have created "Ames' Film Archive". I don't know if I will do any other videos on that channel or not. Like film reviews or try out other style videos. But for now I might try and host my watch a longs on there to protect my main channel from any copy right issues with the blurred boxes in the future?

Files

YOJIMBO (1961) watch a long

Comments

Henry Graham

Kurosawa is the king! Honestly, every time I watch one of his films I receive a masterclass in filmmaking technique. The composition and movement in every scene is so intuitive and always in the service of the characters and the story. If I had to pick one favourite, I think my go-to is High & Low (1963), which is the single greatest example of widescreen blocking and composition that I have ever seen, but you can't go far wrong with his work! I envy your journey of discovery.

Michael T

Very excited to watch this with you, Ames! Akira Kurosawa is, in my opinion, the greatest director who ever lived, ranking just above Hitchcock and Kubrick and John Ford. AK's whole oeuvre is amazing, but another fun one to watch, especially for newcomers, is The Hidden Fortress.

Shawn Goforth

Toshiro Mifune is the greatest of Japanese movie stars. I hope you get to experience more of his characters. My favorite film is Rashomon, but his performance in Seven Samurai is unforgettable. He collaborated with Kurosawa 16 times in his career, from the late 40s until 1965, when the two parted ways. He was also fortunate enough to work with Masaki Kobayashi and Kenji Mizoguchi, during a long career that continued into the mid 1990s.

RFK Fan

Kurosawa is the Japanese David Lean. Heavily influenced every major Hollywood director working today. A master storyteller and always knew where to place the camera. If Japanese history appeals to you? Try HULU's latest SHOGUN series which I thought was incredibly well done. And who doesn't love Anna Sawai!! ❤️

Bubba Fett

Funny you mentioned western, this has a couple adaptations, one very notably with Estwoods first film in the dollar trilogy, Fistful of dollars. There was some controversy with rights on that one but another lesser known remake was credited by Kurosawa in Last Man Standing with Bruce Willis taking place during prohibition. Making time for both at some point I think will help your appreciation of this one grow. I think of last man standing in particular as a hidden gem not many have seen.

JM63

The Internet Archive version is definitely watchable, but by far the best online version is on The Criterion Channel (criterionchannel.com, can watch free with 7-day trial). It's crystal clear and even better than the version on Amazon Prime. The grain in the wood is so defined that it feels like you're there. But regardless of which version you watch, this is a great and entertaining film. Can't wait!

Catchermag

I’m really glad that you enjoyed this. This movie takes place in the Edo period but towards the end, close to when the Shogunate was overthrown and the Emperor regained power. At that time the Shogun government was corrupt and the Samurai were pretty much muscle for hire. They played a role in the Boshin War that defeated the Shogunate and restored the Emperor and ended the Edo period. The ensuing Meiji era abolished the samurai class and led to a more modern, open Japanese society. That’s a pretty off the cuff and undetailed description and I’m probably wrong on some of it but it’s worth exploring. Thank you for indulging my petulant request that you watch Yojimbo before Sanjuro. Sanjuro is a lighter, tighter, and shorter film. I know you’ll enjoy it. The online friendly debate of which movie is better will never end, but that’s a good thing. Let’s keep talking and debating these old movies so they never are forgotten. For my part, I respect Yojimbo more, but have a better time watching Sanjuro. Both are masterclass films from a titan of cinema. Honestly I like the Seven Samurai even more lol so I hope you get to that eventually.

Catchermag

One more thing on the set. It is so well done I can almost smell the damp under the houses and my skin feels dry just watching the leaves blow around. It’s sooooo effective

AstralCars

For me, Ikiru is Kurosawa’s greatest film. I think most anyone who’s seen it will agree that it’s one of the most moving and genuinely life-changing movies ever made. I saw Ikiru at a revival theatre a few weeks ago and there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. The woman behind me was uncontrollably sobbing through the last hour. The final scene is one of the most moving shots in all of cinema. You genuinely re-evaluate your life after watching it. It’s a heavy watch but hoping you can check it out someday!

Toc

Wow! I've come back....to Kurosawa! What a way to start August! I don't know anything about Japanese history other than what I've seen in (mostly) Kurosawa movies, so don't feel bad! Kurosawa knows how to tell a story, I always know I'm in good hands! PS: Great counterpoint to Big Trouble In Little China!

JM63

We had the same reaction! Yes, the textures are amazing, for me particularly the wood (frames, boards, panels). I don't know anything about lenses, but the deep focus was so immersive. As far as influence on other films goes, did you notice all the bits that ended up in Star Wars? (SPOILERS) - the arm cut off at the elbow (electrifying first fight scene) - the horizontal wipe transitions - hiding in the floor and coming up through the floorboards - when Sanjuro gets the sword, it feels like he's regaining such a powerful weapon (like a lightsaber) - Bonus: the dog with the hand (Wild at Heart) My favorite part: the leaf training. Such a cool idea. Love Sanjuro. Tough guy with brains, and ultimately a heart. Mifune was one of a kind.

James Rogers

One thought that entered my mind on this re-watch. When Sanjuro says "Guys like that make me sick" I've always assumed he was talking about the cuckold. But since his next action is to reunite that man's family, it occurs to me he might be talking about the dirtbag that took the wife. At any rate, love this film. A great way to start the week.

Castanea

omg please react to more kirusowa