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 AZUMI
(Asia Vision
Films) 2003. Action/Samurai nuttiness. 128 minutes. Not rated.
Violence, blood. It’s the 19th century in
Japan
and the country is being shredded by violent rival warlords who kill for
power and for fun. Foreseeing a terrible future for his country, a master
Samurai takes ten orphans under his wing and teaches them for a decade to
be merciless and unstoppable assassins. After passing the worst final exam
ever, the young Samurai, including the lone female, Azumi (Aya Ueto), head
out to kill in the name of their beloved country. Out in the battlefield,
the Samurai are more than shocked with the hardship of their mission, both
physically and mentally, and each must decide which path to travel.
Picturesquely shot and
dancing with aesthetic
violence, Azumi is stunning to
the eye while emotionally gripping the heart. The viewer can’t help but
like the fledging Samurai and connect with each one’s direction.
Directed by Ryuhei Kitamura (who is set to direct Clive Barker’s Midnight Meat Train), the action is exhausting, locations and sets
beautiful, and the cinematography is jaw dropping. A part of the climatic
battle scene is dizzyingly shot and underscores the emotions of its
combatants. Blood hounds will dig the spraying blood carnage and one
amusing amputation. There is some of the flying around nonsense seen in
most modern day Samurai/Ninja movies, but it is easily overlooked. The
soundtrack also leaves something to be desired. Japanese and English audio
is available, as well as subtitles. A second DVD includes a host of
extras; three Azumi
documentaries, cast and crew profiles, and a hidden music video. The 128
minute runtime went by in the blink of an eye. Oh, how dare I nearly
forget? Yes, Aya Ueto is a babe and I look forward to watching Azumi 2! – Denis Sheehan
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