Kenji MISUMI
Kiru
斬る
Nippon Retro ²
After an initiatory voyage, young Shingo Takakura possesses the skill to prevail against his enemies with just a sword pose. Alas, this very power leads to conflicts that take the lives of those nearest to him. Devastated, Shingo turns his back on the world. But his extraordinary ability obliges him to serve as a samurai in midst of the political turmoil of the late Edo period. Based on a novel by Renzaburo SHIBATA, KIRU tells the story of a hero who is ultimately compelled to fulfill his duty.
斬る
Japan 1962
71 minutes
Director
Kenji MISUMI
Script
Kaneto SHINDO based on a novel by Renzaburo SHIBATA
Cinematography
Shozo HONDA
Production
Daiei
World sales
KADOKAWA
Cast
Raizo ICHIKAWA, Shiho FUJIMURA, Mayumi NAGISA, Masayo BANRI, Junichiro NARITA
About Kenji MISUMI
Kenji MISUMI, born in 1921, joined the Nikkatsu studio after studying economics in Kyoto. He later moved to Daiei and made BUDDHA, the first Japanese 70mm film, there in 1961. He directed quite a few episodes of the well-known ZATOICHI series. His contributions to the LONE WOLF & CUB series are considered highlights of his filmmaking. He died in 1975.