Is The Life of a Chivalrous Man in Suruga: Broken Swords Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1964)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Debuting in 1964, The Life of a Chivalrous Man in Suruga: Broken Swords represents a sophisticated intersection of artistic ambition and genre-defining elements within the Crime, History category. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into The second film in the "Suruga yukyoden" series, in which Shintaro Katsu plays Jirocho Shimizu. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Crime, History are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "The second film in the "Suruga yukyoden" series, in which Shintaro Katsu plays Jirocho Shimizu. The film features Omasa, Komasa, Ocho, who will become Jirocho's wife, as well as other members of his future family. There is a particularly great swordfight near the end where Katsu and cronies attack the rival villainous yakuza clan to rescue their ailing, elderly boss. The action choreography, cinematography and editing of this sequence is quite brilliant, treading a difficult tightrope act between genuinely goofy antics and exhilirating, bloody violence."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. The presence of Shintarō Katsu provides a necessary level of professionalism to the production, even when the underlying script struggles to maintain a consistent tone. It is a testament to their skill that they remain the most engaging element of the film.

The direction by Tokuzō Tanaka is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 86 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is The Life of a Chivalrous Man in Suruga: Broken Swords truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Crime, History, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 0/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, The Life of a Chivalrous Man in Suruga: Broken Swords explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 1964 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Tokuzō Tanaka respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, The Life of a Chivalrous Man in Suruga: Broken Swords is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Shintarō Katsu or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, The Life of a Chivalrous Man in Suruga: Broken Swords is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.