The Twilight Samurai

Name: The Twilight Samurai
Genre: Drama, Romance
Released: April 23, 2004
Duration: 129 min
Rating: 82

2004

METASCORE

Universal acclaim based on 25 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Universal acclaim based on 29 Ratings

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8.4

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8.4	User Score Universal acclaim based on 29 Ratings

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Movie Details & Credits

Release Date: April 23, 2004

Summary: A family drama set in the late nineteenth century Japan, as the feudal Shogun period was giving way to the Meiji Restoration. [Empire Pictures]

Director: Yôji Yamada

Genre(s): Drama, Romance

Runtime: 129 min

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Critic Reviews

100

Roger Ebert

Seibei's story is told by director Yoji Yamada in muted tones and colors, beautifully re-creating a feudal village that still retains its architecture, its customs, its ancient values, even as the economy is making its way of life obsolete. Read full review

Owen Gleiberman

It's wonderful to see a Japanese movie in which a samurai, for all his somber discipline and skill, is also a touching and complicated ordinary man. Read full review

Joe Morgenstern

Deeply affecting.

A.O. Scott

Mr. Yamada is confident that by taking his time and relishing the leathery arrogance that is the perquisite of a director in his 70's, his audience will follow his whims. Read full review

V.A. Musetto

The stylish flick harkens back to the work of old masters like Akira Kurosawa and Yasujiro Ozu. Read full review

Marta Barber

Not for those with limited attention spans, though there's never a dull moment. Read full review

Ronnie Scheib

Gentle, muted film of limited aesthetic ambition. Read full review

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User Reviews

shugyosha

Jun 30, 2011

What does it say when reviewers claim that this movie was "a bit slow"? That some of us are addicted to fast-paced, mindless violence. Which is now Hollywood's forte. Anyone who didn't like this was obviously expecting flying ninjas and katana-toting heroines played by Chinese actresses.What does it say when reviewers claim that this movie was "a bit slow"? That some of us are addicted to fast-paced, mindless violence. Which is now Hollywood's forte. Anyone who didn't like this was obviously expecting flying ninjas and katana-toting heroines played by Chinese actresses.
"The Twilight Samurai" is a work of art in the Kurosawa mold, has nothing in common with "Last Samurai" and is superior. Beautiful, emotional, powerful at times.....phenomenal. Can't wait to watch "Hidden Blade" and "Love and Honor".… Expand

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

EricS.

Dec 10, 2005

A little slow at some points but still both fascinating in its portrait of daily life in the samurai era and moving as well. A great film.

0 of 0 users found this helpful

Xan_Ryil

Dec 15, 2015

Life could be simple yet bring us happiness. Colours are not the best to keep you going as day go by. The Twilight Samurai, takes us into mid 19th century's Japan and makes us fall in live with the civilization. Like the era it represents, the direction is very clean yet effective. AlthoughLife could be simple yet bring us happiness. Colours are not the best to keep you going as day go by. The Twilight Samurai, takes us into mid 19th century's Japan and makes us fall in live with the civilization. Like the era it represents, the direction is very clean yet effective. Although movie is shot in 2002 but it actually takes us to centuries ago into the era Yoji Yamada is telling story of. Power of a creator. Everything is in aspect and very real. From emotions to the sword fight, there is nothing fantasized or emotionalized.
A perfect movie for a Sunday afternoon.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

JLuis_001

Nov 20, 2017

Yes, it does play into melodramatic elements that may obfuscate those who expect something different but the idea is to appreciate other elements of a samurai warrior, not what always involves that's blood and honor.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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