The Sword of Doom
Director: Kihachi Okamoto
Actors: Tatsuya Nakadai, Michiyo Aratama, Yûzô Kayama
PlotIn feudal Japan, a ruthless and skilled swordsman named Ryunosuke Tsukue exhibits a cold-blooded demeanor, causing fear among his peers and enemies. He leads a solitary life, disconnected from any moral compass, which is highlighted during a kendo match where he defeats and kills his opponent using devious tactics. This event sets off a chain reaction of animosity and guilt, pulling Ryunosuke into a vortex of internal and external conflict. As he relentlessly pursues his own path, guided purely by his instinct and his sword, Ryunosuke crosses paths with several characters who challenge his sense of purpose and morality, including a rival swordsman who embodies the ideals of honor and righteousness.
Amidst the chaotic landscape of political turmoil and unending violence, Ryunosuke’s existence becomes increasingly unstable. His interactions with others become fraught with tension as he faces the consequences of his merciless actions. Haunted by visions and plagued by his conscience, he spirals deeper into madness. The narrative builds on the themes of vengeance, redemption, and the thin line between sanity and insanity. Tension escalates as various confrontations loom, setting the stage for an inevitable clash that forces Ryunosuke to confront the very essence of his being.
Writers: Shinobu Hashimoto, Kaizan Nakazato
Release Date: 01 Jul 1966
Runtime: 120 min
Rating: Not Rated
Country: Japan
Language: Japanese
Home Video Reviews
The Sword of Doom offers a dark, gritty samurai narrative with strong audio and video upgrades on Blu-ray; highly recommended for genre enthusiasts.
Read our review of The Sword of Doom Blu-ray 大菩薩峠 Dai-bosatsu t�ge to find out more