Yojimbo

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Yojimbo
A 1961 Japanese movie, ‘Yojimbo` is a perfect example of a classical martial arts movie filled with savagery and civilization, a loner seeking vengeance, chivalrous actions undertaken selflessly and a climatic face-off between the villain and hero. A critical analysis of the film leads to the conclusion that it was more star driven than plot driven.
This view is held since, the plot was developed around the martial talents of the main star or actor, in this case Toshirô Mifune known as "Sanjuro Kuwabatake" in ‘Yojimbo`. This is in light of the fact that each of the scenes acted by the character, are based on the fighting sequence that feature the main actor`s martial talents. From the first scene, the audience is introduced to the character`s fighting prowesses depicted by his chivalrous, lone and vengeful actions. Sanjuro the lone samurai stumbles upon a tavern, where he hears of the town`s crime structure, which does not encourage him to leave, as the tavern owner intended, but gives him a motive to stay. This presents the first gallant and brave act, as he takes upon himself the duty to fight for the town and the innocent.
His fighting prowess is then depicted in his first fighting scene, where he promises to kill Seibei`s gang outside Ushitora`s home. He kills several men within seconds and orders the cooper to make coffins. The manner, in which Sanjuro fluidly moved as he fought these men, depicted his ability as an actor to master martial arts, and effectively execute his tactics in a fight scene. Furthermore, these fights are due to the savageness, greed and vengefulness of the mob bosses Ushitora and Seibei. Hence, the drive beh...