I read the original version of the entire book of Miyamoto Musashi when I was young, and I was deeply inspired. I also read the Book of Five Rings written by Musashi. I watched the movie a long time ago somewhere. Now, this is the first time I purchased the film on DVD, starring Toshiro Mifune, my favorite Japanese actor. The DVD package contained 3 discs depicting some significant parts of the story; yet, the movie failed to encompass all the details of the story, as it is often the case when a movie is based on a book. The presentation on DVD was good, but the video quality was not so great. That's probably because this is an old movie. The DVD package I bought was supposedly "Brand New." I am quite satisfied with this purchase. I am aware that there are other versions of this movie on DVD, particularly the 5-disc versions starring different actors. Those are considerably more expensive than the 3-disc version I purchased. I am so glad I did not spend a fortune for the ridiculously expensive ones. Simply stated, this is a great story of a self-disciplined, legendary samurai's life during the age of feudalism in Japan. The main character is engagingly inspiring. I wholeheartedly recommend this masterpiece to all characters of good faith in life.Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
This epic is one that rivals "The Lord of the Rings" or "Gone With the Wind". Based on Yoshikawa's "Musashi" (an excellent read, by the way) the series follows the life and training of one of the most renowned and revered swordsmen of Japan. Unknown in the US, mostly, Musashi Myamoto is considered the Japanese equivalent of Davy Crockett, Daniel Boone, Jim Bridger, Paul Bunyan or Pecos Bill. Part legend, part myth, mainly real and very human, Musashi's actual writings, especially "The Book of Five Rings", are often considered mandatory reading for potential executives or managers in Japan. His status is permanent, he will never be just another samurai. He is considered the pinnacle of a lost tradition. Toshiro's Mifune's portrayal of the man has long been considered one of the finest in his career. Maybe that will explain why this DVD series is so costly, everyone in Japan either has a copy or wants one. You cannot go wrong. If all else fails, get your hands on one or all of these 3 DVD's through Netflix or some other rental source and spend a weekend watching them. If you enjoy Japanese samurai films, I can assure you, you will not be disappointed.Read full review
I enjoyed this series of three movies so much that I bought the 950 page hardcover book that collected the serialized newspaper stories which the trilogy of movies were based on. I have studied swordsmanship since I was in high school about a century ago, and bushido has had a major influence on my own path through life. If you have a similar disposition, I would definitely recommend this series to you, and you may like the book too, its mass alone is great exercise to hold it up against the pull of gravity! The price I paid was very affordable and the shipping was free. It arrived quickly too, I awaited it in anticipation.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I first saw this trilogy at a film festival in Santa Fe around 1977 or 1978. One movie each night for three straight nights. I was captivated and no guy ever looked so good in a skirt-like thing as Toshiro Mifune did in them. When I realized I could own them I bought them on VHS years ago and now I've upgraded to DVD. My son, now 20, and I watch them together every so often. Visually the movie can be stunning, though it is too dark (literally) in some places to easily watch in my living room during the day. I guess at least one of them won an academy award for Best Foreign Film around 1955. I agree. This trilogy tells the story of the greatest Samurai of all time. Watching all three is a big investment in time but i highly recommend them.
This is a great box set. Criterion DVD's are always the types of DVD any collector would love to add to any collection. If you are a fan of sweeping epics or the Samurai genre. You'll love this three movie set. The films look magnificent and the subtitles are well done. Theacting is phenomenel and as is the photography. No real extras...which is a bummer. HOwever the movies are 50 years old so extras for films of thei age are hard to come by.
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