Directed by Takashi Miike, and written by Daisuke Tengan, 13 Assassins (2010) is a remake of Eiichi Kudo's 1963 film of the same title. The historical and semi-factual story, set in the 1840's, follows a group of Samurai warriors on a mission to kill the sadistic and cruel Lord Matsudaira Naritsugo during the end of the Tokugawa shogunate. Vastly outnumbered, the 13 Samurai battle a force of 200 men in an epic climax using ingenious tactics and expert swordsmanship. With period details, the production has indications of great historical research mixed with intense moviemaking and creative license. The cast does a fine job all-around, including Koji Yakusho, Takayuki Yamada, Yusuke Iseya, Goro Inagaki, Masachika Ichimura and Mikijiro Hira.
Directed by Nicholas Hytner, and written by Arthur Miller (based on his own classic 1953 play), The Crucible (1996) is an allegory of 1950's McCarthyism and the related blacklist. Set in 1692 Salem, Massachusetts Colony, the semi-fictionalized story focuses on the mania and paranoia surrounding the unfounded witchcraft accusations and wrongful hangings during the infamous Salem Witch Trials. After young harlot Abigail Williams and a group of young girls are caught enacting a ritualized dance in the woods by the local Reverend, all hell breaks loose… and a demonic examination/inquisition is called, with petty grievances leading to false accusations amongst the Salem townsfolk looking to save themselves from the noose. Wonderful set and costume design shows careful attention to 17th Century historic detail. Daniel Day-Lewis is great as John Proctor. Winona Ryder is enchanting as Abigail Williams, the source of the witch-mania. The supporting cast is good as well, including Paul Scofield, Jeffrey Jones, Rob Campbell and Joan Allen.
