In Japanese with English and Chinese subtitles
Genre: Drama
Director: Yoji Yamada
Cast: Takuya Kimura, Takashi Sasano and Rei Dan
RunTime: 2 hrs 1 min
Released By: GVP
Rating: TBA
Official Website: http://www.ichibun.jp/

Opening Day: 12 April 2007

Synopsis :

Shinnojo Mimura is a low-ranked samurai of the Unasaka clan living frugally with his beloved wife Kayo. 'I want to resign my post, and teach children fencing,' he confides, but a dark end comes to his time of blissful peace on the day that, as a poison taster to the lord of the clan, he goes blind. The duty that only a few days before he complained was a bore is one he can no longer perform. It is only Kiyo's pleading that persuades the despairing Shinnojo not to kill himself, but she falls into the clutches of the clan's Chief Duty Officer, Toya Shimada, trying to get him to put in a good word for her beloved husband. Shinnojo, feeling that this action is a betrayal that severs the matrimonial ties, announces that he is divorcing Kayo, and vows revenge. His opponent Shimada, however, is one of the best swordsmen in the clan. Does Shinnojo have any chance of winning this reckless duel, and can the ties of affection binding him to his lost wife be restored?

Movie Review:


Like fine Japanese cuisine, Love and Honor has to be delicately consumed.

Do not watch this movie expecting fights and killings between samurai warriors. In fact, the final installment of director Yoji Yamada’s ‘Samurai trilogy’ (Twilight Samurai and The Hidden Blade) differs quite a bit in terms of the style.

Simplicity is key. Such is the life of Shinnojo (Takuya Kimura) whose job as a samurai was to taste food for the clan’s lord. There is nothing exciting about his future, merely staying frugal with his dedicated wife Kayo (Rei Dan) and humble servant Tokuhei. After tasting badly prepared shellfish, he not only lost his sight, pride as a samurai, and willingness to fight.

There may be nothing elaborate about the predictable storyline, but it is how the director cooks up a piece unlike previously overdone recipes of success. Watching the movie is like reading a poem, to be slowly appreciated. The film plays with metaphors and camera angles, and the patient audience must savour its dedication to merging art with entertainment.

Takura Kimura proves that he is not just only a pretty pop idol from SMAP, but one who can act as a blind man with controlled emotions. His wife Kayo emits vulnerability and strength at the same time, which can remind us of the lovable 80s television persona Oshin. The other supporting roles, that of the servant and inquisitive aunt who provides comic relief.

It can be easy for such a film to fall into melodramatic tragedy or fast sword-fighting saga, but the film maintained its integrity. A movie of sense, sensibility and samurais, Love and Honor may not appeal to a mainstream audience, but the rest will slowly relish its fine taste.

Movie Rating:



(A work of Art)

Review by Darren Sim