13 Assassins
7.4/10
Rating
125 min
Runtime
1963
Release Year
Eiichi Kudō
Director
Cast
Chiezo Kataoka, Kōtarō Satomi, Ryōhei Uchida, Tetsuro Tamba, Satomi Oka
Quick Synopsis
In feudal Japan, a cruel Daimyo abuses his power by raping a woman and killing her and her husband. When one of his own vassals commits suicide to expose this crime, the incident is quickly covered up. Despite the severity of his actions, the Daimyo faces no punishment because he is the younger brother of the Shogun and is soon to be promoted to a powerful political role, which could increase his harmful influence. Concerned that the stability of the Shogunate is at risk, a group plans to assassinate him. This leads to a confrontation between two skilled strategists: one assigned to protect the Daimyo with a small army, despite his personal dislike for him, and the other leading a desperate mission with twelve loyal men. Together, these thirteen assassins embark on a dangerous effort to stop the Daimyo's rise and prevent further damage to their country.
Detailed Synopsis of 13 Assassins
A sadistic Daimyo (feudal lord) rapes a woman and murders both her and her husband, but even when one of his own vassals commits suicide to bring attention to the crime, the matter is quickly hushed up. Not only will there be no punishment, but because the Daimyo is the Shogun's younger brother, he will soon be appointed to a high political position from which he could wreak even more havoc. Convinced that the fate of the Shogunate hangs in the balance, a plot is hatched to assassinate the Daimyo. The two most brilliant strategic minds of their generation find themselves pitted against each other; one is tasked to defend a man he despises, and has a small army at his disposal. The other is given a suicide mission, and has 12 brave men. They are the 13 Assassins.
