I've always been a big fan of fiction set within the trappings of feudal Japan across its numerous historical periods. The architectural and natural backdrops of that time lend themselves so well to visual media like movies and games, the political and economical upheavals that seemed to occur every few generations make for captivating stories, and of course the archetypal warriors of the era (samurai and ninja) allow for endlessly cool conflicts. Long story short, feudal Japan is just awesome.
I'm always looking to discover some quality new samurai/ninja fiction, regardless of the medium. That's why I'm making this thread. Hopefully I won't be the only person to stumble upon a new favorite book, film, or game via this thread.
I'll start us off with what I consider to be my personal favorite work of samurai fiction.
Rurouni Kenshin: Trust and Betrayal (1999)
While technically a four-part OVA (original video animation), it runs together as a two hour-long film. This right here is what got me into anime all those years ago as a teenager, and on repeat viewings as a more discerning adult I can confirm that it still holds up very well. In fact, I still think it's among the best anime ever made. I'm noticing little touches and details now that went over my head when I was younger and seeing it for the first time.
I love it because it's a rare treat in anime: a grounded Samurai tale devoid of mystic/mythological elements. It also helps that it sports some of the best art/animation that I've seen within the genre, and its positioning as an origin story to the excellent (but very different) Rurouni Kenshin anime series lends its story even more weight.
Trust and Betrayal tells a captivating story with beautiful art and real emotion, and I can't recommend it highly enough to anyone who has yet to see it.
Honorable Mentions:
I'm always looking to discover some quality new samurai/ninja fiction, regardless of the medium. That's why I'm making this thread. Hopefully I won't be the only person to stumble upon a new favorite book, film, or game via this thread.
I'll start us off with what I consider to be my personal favorite work of samurai fiction.
Rurouni Kenshin: Trust and Betrayal (1999)
While technically a four-part OVA (original video animation), it runs together as a two hour-long film. This right here is what got me into anime all those years ago as a teenager, and on repeat viewings as a more discerning adult I can confirm that it still holds up very well. In fact, I still think it's among the best anime ever made. I'm noticing little touches and details now that went over my head when I was younger and seeing it for the first time.
I love it because it's a rare treat in anime: a grounded Samurai tale devoid of mystic/mythological elements. It also helps that it sports some of the best art/animation that I've seen within the genre, and its positioning as an origin story to the excellent (but very different) Rurouni Kenshin anime series lends its story even more weight.
Trust and Betrayal tells a captivating story with beautiful art and real emotion, and I can't recommend it highly enough to anyone who has yet to see it.
Honorable Mentions:
- The Seven Samurai (1954 film)
- 13 Assassins (2010 film)
