Hiroshi Inagaki

 Hiroshi Inagaki









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5. Samurai Saga (1959)


The basic premise of Hiroshi Inagaki's 1959 film "Samurai Saga" is: What if a samurai had a big nose? This premise is not as simple as it sounds, as the film is merely adapting Edmond Rostand's iconic 1897 play "Cyrano de Bergerac." However, played out in an 18th century samurai story makes for some interesting changes and iterations. Regardless, Toshiro Mifune's involvement as the lead will certainly garnish some interest.




4. Muhomatsu, the Ricksaw Man (1958)


After Hiroshi Inagaki completed his "Samurai" trilogy, he reteamed with iconic Japanese actor Toshiro Mafune for 1958's "Muhomatsu, the Rickshaw Man." The film centers on a lowly rickshaw man who becomes a an important influence on the lives of a widowed mother and her young son after the death of the patriarch. Throughout the film, the titular rickshaw man named Matsugoro, continues to act selflessly in pursuit of benefiting this family in need. The drama of the film stems from Matsugoro's desire to be more than just a simpleton rickshaw carrier, especially given his many talents like fighting, racing, and drumming. However, his quest goes unfruitful, as he is only really able to steer his young surrogate in the right direction.





3. Samurai II: Duel at Ichijoji Temple (1955)


The second installment of Hiroshi Inagaki's "Samurai" trilogy, 1955's "Samurai II: Duel at Ichijoji Temple" continues the adventures of legendary Japanese figure Musashi Miyamoto's quest to become a respectable samurai warrior. While the first installment was wide and epic, the second installment is more restrained and domestic. This is because Mushasi's development requires building a foundation of restraint in his behavior, emboldening the notion that samurai's remove emotion and irrationality from their psyche. Tishiro Mafune continues to embody the Japanese icon and ideal, while taking the character from the first film into new and interesting places. 




2. Samurai III: Duel at Ganryu Island (1956)


The third and final installment of Hiroshi Inagaki's Musashi Miyamoto trilogy was 1956's "Samurai III: Duel at Ganryu Island." Bringing all the storylines from the previous films together for an epic finale, Inagaki composed a fitting end to an impressive trilogy. With themes that ruminate on honor, duty, and the warrior spirit, the film showcases characters that sacrifice everything to attain their aspirations. Ultimately, at what cost? The final battle between Musashi and his rival, Sasaki Kojiro, is the most epic moment from the entire trilogy, bringing all the anticipation and set-up to a satisfying and melancholic conclusion. "Samurai III" wraps up the trilogy with grace and beauty. 




1. Samurai I: Musashi Miyamoto (1954)


Hiroshi Inagaki's 1954 film "Samurai I: Musashi Miyamoto" is the first of a three film trilogy centering on the iconic 17th century samurai Musashi Miyamoto. Although Inagaki takes liberties with the true story of Musashi, the film brings to life the conditions that would make the famous samurai legendary. The film stars famed Japanese star and frequent Akira Kurosawa collaborator Toshiro Mafune in the titular role. Detailing the hardships and difficulties of  Musashi being wanted as a fugitive, the film acts a a prelude to the actual bestowment of his famous name. It was one of the few color films to be released in Japan at the time, along with being the very first film to use the Eastman Color process. Recognized internationally, the film is an incredible opener to an epic film trilogy. 

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