Title: Sanjuro
Year: 1962
Rating: 7.9
Cast: Toshirō Mifune, Tatsuya Nakadai, Keiju Kobayashi, Yūzō Kayama, Reiko Dan
Description: A masterclass in understated tension, Kurosawa’s *Sanjuro* isn't just a samurai film; it's a cynical ballet of power, morality, and the corrosive influence of ambition. Through Toshiro Mifune's iconic portrayal of the titular ronin, we witness a subversion of the samurai code, a ruthless pragmatism that challenges our expectations of heroism. The film's brilliance lies not in flashy swordplay, though that's present and expertly choreographed, but in its sharp observation of human nature, revealing the hypocrisy and self-interest simmering beneath noble facades. *Sanjuro* is a timeless exploration of political maneuvering, loyalty, and the ambiguous nature of justice, leaving a lingering aftertaste of both exhilaration and unsettling contemplation. A must-see for cinephiles and fans of morally grey characters alike.