Director: Kazuya Nomura,
Starring: Kazuya Nakai, Robert McCollum, Souichiro Hoshi, Johnny Yong Bosch, Tomokazu Seki, Troy Baker, Toru Ohkawa, Liam O’Brien
Running Time: 95 minutes
Certificate: 15
Jumping into a film based on an anime without having followed the series is a daunting task on the best of days. Luckily, SENGOKU BASARA: SAMURAI KINGS: THE LAST PARTY gives a quick, if convoluted, catch-up session. This catch-up may actually go some way to overcomplicating the story itself, which sees different clans of samurai battling for control. The film itself is really just an excuse to plunge familiar characters into an all-out battle. Those with knowledge of the emotional connections between characters will no doubt have a much more engaging time, whereas the constant fight sequences mean it’s just an adrenaline shot for the rest of us.
Based on a series of video games of the same name, the franchise has mixed real life characters and events, and given it a more fantastical and modern edge. The use of historical facts along with anime fiction means this movie can function as a gateway into history for a younger or less interested audience, even though the majority of viewers will probably ignore that fact. Although based on a pre-existing series, it would be nice to see a historically accurate and very serious anime detailing Japans epic past. Instead, the armour and character designs are completely jazzed up, and don’t always seem practical. The fighting soon makes way for more mystical goings on, that don’t harm the film, but just add unnecessary layers.
The film moves too quickly to get to know these characters in full, which won’t be a problem for fans of the games or series. However, when it does allow for some characterisation, it proves itself to be very effective. One supporting character is haunted by his own treachery, given him a lot of the best dialogue and sympathetic moments. It proves that the film could have had more of a heart, were it not so focused on its fists.
But like I said, lovers of aesthetics over content will not be disappointed. The animation during fight sequences is beautifully constructed with fast paced visuals and dynamic camera shots joining forces for truly memorable action set-pieces. The costume design may be impractical, but it makes for easy following during epic battle sequences as the main characters stick out in the crowd. The soundtrack, in terms of both music and sound effects, are also spot-on and create the bombastic blood pumping exhilaration that’s required. Such effort almost seems wasted though, as there is also an unfortunate amount of misplaced humour and even a final dance sequence that have to be endured.
SENGOKU BASARA: SAMURAI KINGS: THE LAST PARTY is released on DVD and Blu-ray on 4th November via Manga Entertainment.
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