Prolific Japanese auteur Takeshi Miike has been responsible for some of the most challenging and uncompromising films of the past two decades, including One Missed Call (2003), the beautiful, unsettling Audition (1999) and 2001s vicious and controversial Ichi the Killer.  

Universally lauded by critics and audiences alike, 13 Assassins may well be his magnum opus.  A sprawling samurai epic set in the first half of the 19^th century, the film charts the end of the Shogunate period by telling the true story of a sadistic feudal overlord and the small band of samurai charged with the seemingly impossible task of waylaying and assassinating him. 

The vicious Lord Naritsugu, who takes advantage of his position as the former Shogun’s son and the current Shogun’s half-brother to rape and murder at will, terrorising the populace of his dominion safe in the knowledge that no one will ever dare oppose him, is one of the most fearsome creatures ever brought to the big screen - the fact he’s based on an actual historical personage makes his crimes all the more horrifying.  Miike’s stunning cinematography and some flawless performances add an additional layer of gravitas to the tale, and the final fight sequence in which the eponymous samurai do battle with Naritsugu’s hordes of bodyguards must be seen to be believed.  A masterwork from one of the shining lights of modern Japanese cinema, 13 Assassins is a peerless period piece that neatly balances horror and heroism into one visceral and endlessly compelling visual experience. 

Audio & Video

Two surround soundtracks are on offer, a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and a Dolby TrueHD 5.1, and both are rather superb, richly nuanced affairs.  The film’s many violent sequences are captured particularly potently, with every shriek, blade thrust and splatter of blood flawlessly delineated in all its grotesque glory.  The 2.35 widescreen transfer comes across as mildly grainy in places, but this augments the period feel rather than detracting from it; is it just me, or is it sometimes more satisfying to watch a film that actually looks like it was shot on film?  At any rate clarity is mostly excellent and there’s little ghosting or dropout to speak of. 

Extras

The principal extras are a 19-minute Interview with Takeshi Miike and no less than 25 Deleted Scenes.  Also on offer are a Photo Gallery, and 8 Wu Xing Collection Trailers.