The Fall of Ako Castle

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Review added by
Jitendar Canth

a.k.a. Swords of Vengeance
Certificate: 15
Running Time: 159 mins
Retail Price: £22.99
Release Date: 2023
Content Type: Movie

Synopsis:
Kinji Fukasaku (Battle Royale) brings together an ensemble cast, including two icons of Japanese cinema — Toshiro Mifune (Seven Samurai) and Sonny Chiba (The Street Fighter) — for this samurai epic, a retelling of the classic story of the 47 ronin.

When an injustice costs his master his life and estate, loyal retainer Ōishi (Kinnosuke Yorozuya, Bushido) vows revenge. Because the target of his vengeance is protected by the ruling shogunate, any retaliation would be seen as an act of treason. Ōishi assembles the remaining ranks of the now-masterless samurai and the 47 of them pledge a blood oath to avenge their slain lord. Tensions rise among the ranks of the ronin eager to launch the mission, as Ōishi bides his time awaiting the right time to strike. Enemy spies and assassins track Ōishi, who has seemingly fallen into vice: Has he lost his sense of honour, or is it just a part of his plan?

The Fall of Ako Castle offers a moving tale of loyalty, betrayal, and sacrifice where classical history explodes into brutal samurai carnage. The Masters of Cinema Series is proud to present Fukasaku’s retelling of one of Japan’s most resonant events.

Special Features:
Limited Edition O-Card slipcase featuring new artwork by Chris Malbon [2000 copies]
New feature-length audio commentary by critic Tom Mes
Tony Rayns on The Fall of Ako Castle – new interview with Asian film expert Tony Rayns
King of my Castle – new video essay by author and critic Jasper Sharp
Reversible sleeve
A collector’s booklet featuring a new essay on the film by Jonathan Clements and a filmography of works by Kinji Fukasaku