With Onimusha: Way of the Sword set to launch on September 3, players have a limited window to immerse themselves in the world of samurai cinema. This curated selection offers a taste of the genre that heavily influences the game's aesthetic and narrative.
Sword of the Stranger
Released in 2007, Sword of the Stranger is highlighted for its exceptionally animated sword fights, which are crucial for preparing players to parry the rapid attacks found in Onimusha. This anime, produced by Studio Bones, places a ronin hero into a plot involving the Chinese Ming dynasty emperor, offering a rare jidaigeki film that balances foreign elements with a distinctly Japanese perspective. The film's action sequences are noted as some of the best samurai fight scenes ever animated.
Yojimbo
Akira Kurosawa's 1961 classic, Yojimbo, stars Toshiro Mifune as a cunning ronin who manipulates two warring criminal factions in a Japanese village. The film's plot, which originated from the American pulp novel Red Harvest and was later remade as the spaghetti western A Fistful of Dollars, is a masterclass in storytelling. Mifune's performance, characterized by subtle expressions and gestures, crafts a vivid character despite minimal dialogue, and is considered a significant influence on the portrayal of Miyamoto Musashi in Way of the Sword.
The Sword of Doom
This 1966 film presents a starkly different samurai figure in Ryunosuke, a psychopathic killer who embodies the antithesis of the honorable samurai archetype. The Sword of Doom is recognized for its nihilistic tone and critical examination of samurai ideals. Toshiro Mifune also appears in a supporting role as a wise swordsman, drawing a parallel to Onimusha's depiction of the mad swordsman Sasaki Ganryu. The film's unique visual style and thematic depth distinguish it within the genre.
Ninja Scroll
While not strictly a samurai film, the 1993 anime Ninja Scroll is lauded for its blend of fantasy and graphic violence, elements that resonate with the supernatural direction of the Onimusha series. The film features a hero with a mysterious past battling a series of increasingly bizarre antagonists, a narrative structure that likely inspired many video game boss encounters. Its fantastical elements, such as characters with supernatural abilities, align with the magical gauntlet and demon-slaying aspects of the Onimusha franchise, including the 2023 Netflix series of the same name which also utilized Toshiro Mifune's likeness. The film is noted for a forthcoming 4K restoration debuting in theaters in October.
Samurai Trilogy
Comprising Samurai I: Musashi Miyamoto, Duel at Ichijoji Temple, and Duel at Ganryu Island, this trilogy from 1954-1956 stars Toshiro Mifune as the legendary swordsman Miyamoto Musashi. These films offer a broad, albeit melodramatic, depiction of Musashi's life and development. The first film shows him as a wild ruffian, while subsequent entries depict his pursuit of martial enlightenment and his rivalry with Sasaki Ganryu. This trilogy serves as an ideal primer for Musashi's story and his classic adversarial relationship with Ganryu, setting the stage for their superpowered, demon-infused confrontation in Onimusha: Way of the Sword.