The Phoenix

This extraordinarily complex film is not only a send-up of every samurai film ever made, it is also an extrapolation of the value of life. The Yamatai, represented by Prince Susano-O and elderly advisor Sumuke, hire Yumihiko of Matsuro to hunt the phoenix so that Queen Himiko, sister of Susano-O can have eteranal life.

Director: Kon Ichikawa

Cast: Jun Fubuki, Tomisaburō Wakayama, Toshinori Omi, Masao Kusakari, Kaoru Yumi, Ken Tanaka, Reiko Ōhara, Tohru Emori

Audience-only score — full critic data not yet in the ReelXO vault.