About Samurai Trilogy 2: Duel at Ichijoji Temple

"Duel at Ichijoji Temple" is the second film in the acclaimed "Samurai Trilogy" directed by Hiroshi Inagaki and originally released in 1955. The movie continues the journey of the skilled swordsman, Musashi Miyamoto, as he hones his skills further through various challenges, while navigating the complexities of romance and rivalry. The most notable of these is his duel with the Yoshioka School.

Making / Production

Hiroshi Inagaki directed the Samurai Trilogy and "Duel at Ichijoji Temple" was produced by Kazuo Takimura. The screenplay was by Hiroshi Inagaki and Tokuhei Wakao, based on Eiji Yoshikawa's novel "Musashi".

Actors

• Toshiro Mifune as Musashi Miyamoto - Mifune's portrayal of Musashi Miyamoto is both intense and stoic, further emphasizing the character's singular focus on his quest for mastery over the sword.
• Koji Tsuruta as Sasaki Kojiro - Bringing a quiet menace to the role, Tsuruta is the perfect counterpoint to Mifune's Musashi.
• Mariko Okada as Akemi - Okada gives a compelling performance as Akemi, a jilted lover, effectively conveying the character's complex emotions in her longing for Musashi.
• Kaoru Yachigusa as Otsu - Yachigusa's portrayal of Otsu offers a softer, calmer perspective amidst the intensity of Samurai life.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The film is part of a trilogy that is based on the novel "Musashi" by Eiji Yoshikawa which was first serialized in Japan between 1935 and 1939.
• The "Samurai Trilogy" was one of the first color films made in Japan.
• The film was released in the USA in 1962, seven years after its original release in Japan.

Awards

While "Duel at Ichijoji Temple" did not receive any prestigious awards, the 'Samurai Trilogy' as a whole is recognized universally for its impact on the Samurai genre of movies.

Quotes

• "The way of the Samurai lies in death."
• "Musashi Miyamoto: The perfect blossom is a rare thing. You could spend your life looking for one, and it would not be a wasted life."

Music, Soundtrack

• The film's music was composed by Ichirô Saitô, blending traditional Japanese music with dramatic orchestration to underscore the story's progression and emotional highs.