description The Assassin (1964) Overview
Directed by Masahiro Shinoda, *Assassination* (*Ansatsu*) is a 1964 Japanese jidaigeki film set during the Bakumatsu period. The narrative follows a ronin who is hired to assassinate a political reformer but finds himself manipulated by competing factions. It is recognized as a significant work of the Japanese New Wave, blending historical drama with sharp political commentary and stylized black-and-white cinematography. The film explores the erosion of samurai ethics in the face of modern political Machiavellianism.
help The Assassin (1964) FAQ
What is the original Japanese title of The Assassin?
The film commonly known in English as The Assassin is titled Ansatsu in Japanese. It was directed by Masahiro Shinoda and released in 1964.
What is the plot of The Assassin?
A ronin is hired to assassinate a political reformer during the Bakumatsu period. He becomes trapped between competing factions that are using the assignment for their own political aims.
When is The Assassin set?
The story is set during the Bakumatsu, the turbulent final years of the Tokugawa shogunate before the Meiji Restoration. That setting places the film amid factional conflict and political reform movements.
Who directed The Assassin?
Masahiro Shinoda directed the 1964 Japanese jidaigeki. The film is known for treating its assassination plot as a study of political manipulation rather than a simple heroic mission.
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