8.0

The Loyal 47 Ronin
(1941/1942)

In the annals of 20^th century Japanese cinema only one name comes close to rivalling that of Akira Kurosawa: Kenji Mizoguchi. 

As prolific as he was influential, Mizoguchi directed over 100 films in his lifetime and was amongst the first Japanese filmmakers to have their work viewed in the West.  He won numerous awards throughout his lifetime, including the International Ward and two Silver Lions at Venice, but the pinnacle of his creative output was undoubtedly his two-part, four hour masterpiece The Loyal 47 Ronin of the Genroku Era, known in the West by the slightly truncated title above or simply as The 47 Ronin. 

The story of the 47 ronin is an integral part of traditional Japanese lore.  In the feudal society of 1701 a dispute arose between Lord Asano and the elder Lord Kira.  Asano subsequently made an unsuccessful attempt on the life of his superior and was sentenced to death by hara-kiri.  This outcome relegated his bodyguards to the inferior status of ronin, or masterless samurai, and plunged both Asano’s house and his legacy into disrepair.  Under the instruction of the former samurai Oishi the swordsmen plotted their final act of revenge against Kira, knowing full well that they themselves would likewise be required to commit suicide as a direct repercussion of the bloodshed. 

Funded by the Japanese government as a propaganda piece and intended to galvanise the nation in the weeks preceding Japan’s involvement in World War II, The Loyal 47 Ronin is nonetheless a thoughtful, deeply measured and visually splendid dissertation on duty and loyalty.  Mizoguchi’s depiction of history’s most famous evocation of bushido, the samurai code of honour, is both cerebral and compelling, and the film moves determinedly at its own languid pace, introducing and dispatching characters, dealing with the day-to-day intricacies of its protagonists lives and bringing new information to light in a way that is graceful and unhurried. 

Part of Madman’s Director’s Suite, both parts of the film feature audio commentary by Adrian Martin, the Senior Research Fellow of Film and Television Studies at Monash University.  Though he jokes early on about needing to talk slowly to fill up the four hours Martin doesn’t run dry of insights, and clearly has both a great knowledge and substantial regard for the film.  Over the course of his commentary he covers every aspect of the production at some length including its scene constructions, acting, camerawork, political context, critical reception, music and mise en scene, and Martin’s observations and comprehensive deconstructions are invaluable to anyone with more than a passing interest in the work of this distinctive and uniquely talented filmmaker. 

The Loyal 47 Ronin won’t appeal to everyone.  It’s a stately composition, and makes extensive use of long, slow shots in its supremely detailed study of the characters and personalities involved in this intriguing period of Japanese history.  For those who can find the time to savour it however it’s a resplendent, technically accomplished and highly rewarding work, and undoubtedly stands as one of the classics of 20^th century Japanese cinema.