Fascinating, sensitive movie about the end of the samurai period
Told from the perspective of a daughter reflecting on life with her father, 'Twilight Samurai' tells the story about a low ranking Samurai family headed by Seibei, a widower raising his two daughters and caring for his elderly mother who's rapidly lapsing into senility. Far from his prime as a professional samurai, Seibei now scrapes a living as a part time scribe and insect trap maker. When his childhood love returns to their hometown fleeing her alcoholic and abusive husband, Seibei finds his samurai skills put to good use and rapidly in demand, although he soon finds his heart is not in it. Overall, 'Twilight Samurai' is a poignant and heart warming tale of kindness, love and decency in a male dominated society where, although the ancient samurai feudal system is coming to an end, social standing is still attained through strength and war skills. Beautifully acted, scripted and directed, this sentimental tale has the feel of fable to it and even those who don't usually enjoy this genre will find it hard not to like.