Baragaki: Unbroken Samurai

Name: Baragaki: Unbroken Samurai
Director: Masato Harada
Genre: History, Drama, Action
Released: 2021-01-01
Duration: 148 min
Rating: 6.7
Cast: Junichi Okada, Ko Shibasaki, Ryohei Suzuki, Ryosuke Yamada, Ukon Onoe

2021Dir. Masato Harada2h 28m

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About This Movie

Baragaki: Unbroken Samurai is a gritty portrayal of Toshizo Hijikata's life, steeped in the tumult of the Meiji Restoration. Harada’s direction brings a raw energy that feels authentic, with a focus on the character's internal struggles rather than just action. The pacing is deliberate, allowing the tension to build as Hijikata grapples with loyalty and honor. The practical effects in the sword fights are refreshing, giving a raw punch to the action scenes. The performances, particularly from the lead, really ground the historical drama, making it feel less like a biopic and more like a window into a chaotic time. There's a gritty realism here that sets it apart from more polished period pieces.

Released in Japan on December 24, 2021.Filmed on location in historical settings.Features a mix of practical effects and choreography.Japanese language with English subtitles available.