Sword of Desperation
Directed by
Hideyuki Hirayama
In order to save his fief, expert swordman KANEMI Sanzaemon publicly assassinates his lord's favorite concubine. Instead of being beheaded, he is sentenced to solitary confinement for one year, then ordered to serve as the lord's bodyguard. This tale of honor, intrigue and deception inevitably ends in bloodshed and betrayal. Based on the novel by Shohei FUJISAWA, author of the Oscar-nominated 'The Twilight Samurai'.
- "If you're a bushido junkie, there's probably no better film for you than Sword of Desperation."
- "[O]ne of the best modern jidaigeki we have seen the last decade."
- "[T]his samurai drama is still a welcome addition to the genre. "
- "This film is sheer excellence from top to bottom."
- "What makes Sword of Desperation special in this reviewer's eyes is its magnificent conclusion."
- "You won't be disappointed. Recommended."
Awards & Recognition
Winner
Best Actor
Kinema Junpo Awards
Best Actor
Kinema Junpo Awards
Nominated
Golden Hugo
Chicago Int'l. Film Festival
Golden Hugo
Chicago Int'l. Film Festival
Nominated
Six Categories
Awards of the Japanese Academy
Six Categories
Awards of the Japanese Academy