10 Fantastic Kenjutsu Japanese Swordsmanship Scenes

June 7, 2016

Probably the most badass weapon ever in movie history is the samurai. In sci-fi, action and fantasy films, fight scenes are pretty common. But fight scenes where actors use samurais? That’s dope! Everyone loves samurai fights, right? Here is a list of 10 Japanese swordsmanship scenes that we love:

10. The Last Samurai’s kendo training scene

Although the movie is not a “Japanese film” per se, The Last Samurai’s kendo training scene between Nathan, played by Tom Cruise, and his master Ujio was masterfully created. Instead of thinking what his (Nathan) next move will be, he feels Ujio’s movements. Watch the square off between Ujio and Nathan below.

9. Jubei vs Musashi in Samurai Reincarnation

Who would’ve thought that a stick can be used in a sword fight? This scene from Samurai Reincarnation features Jubei and Musashi in a sword fight. As Otsu blows her flute, the fight between Musashi and Jubei commences. This fight scene will teach us not to bring a stick in a sword fight (maybe a white samurai sword will help). Find out who won below.

8. Shogun Assassin

The whole Shogun Assassin series had six instalments. Imagine that. The fight scene between Ogami Itto and Lord Kurando is a must-see. Watch the 1980 trailer of this samurai classic below.

7. Rurouni Kenshin

Rurouni Kenshin is a three-instalment film adapted from the works of Nobuhiro Watsuki. Set in the early Meiji period, the story revolves on Himura Kenshin and his pursuits. Here is a compiled swordsfight scenes from the movie.

6. 13 Assassins

13 Assassins is a story about a group of assassins who were bonded with a mission of killing an evil lord. The film was actually a remake of the original 1963 film by Eiichi Kudo.

5. Bushido Man

The film intended to fervidly depict what is Budo and Bushido. Bushido Man tells the story of Toramaru and his pilgrimage around Japan.

4. Samurai III: Duel at Ganryu Island

The whole three-part series is about Miyamoto Musashi, a famous swordsman in Japan. Even if Kojiro is a “one tough samurai”, Musashi prevailed in the end because of his strategy. Here’s a clip from the original movie.

3. Seven Samurai

This 1950s black and white classic is said to be Akira Kurosawa’s best film. Here, Kambei leads the group of six ronin who were hired by the town to defend it from a band of raiders.