Rating: 
Summary: An interesting film for Criterion to release
Review: This film (which won an Oscar® in 1955 for best foreign language film) is the first part of a trilogy which is known as the Samurai Trilogy. I find it very impressive for a color film to be released in 1954 at a time where even most American films were still in B&W. At this time, color films were still far more expensive than B&W and Japan was not yet even close to becoming the tech savvy country it is known for being today. The film itself is based loosely on the true story of 17th century Japanese samurai Musashi Miyamoto. He was considered a hero by the Japanese though I disagree because he participated in the massacre of a Japanese Christian community in Kyushu. The films have been likened to a Japanese equivalant of "Gone with the Wind" as it is of a woman torn between two lovers during a civil war.
Rating: 
Summary: one of the best from the best
Review: this is a great film, one of my favorites, and really seems to follow the life of Musashi Miyamoto pretty well. Mifune-san was probalbly the best actor ever, in this genre or any other he tried. i do how ever have a problem with the blantant racism with a comment of another reviewer. Most Buddhist countries had very high literacy rates among people from all ranks in society, a fact offten noted by western travelers during the pre-modern age.
Rating:
Summary: One of the Greatest Trilogies Ever!
Review: This movie is so good for so many reasons. The dvd transfer is great to start with. The real strong point of this movie though is the story behind it-Miyamoto Mushashi, Japans most famous Swordsman. This is the first in the series and tells the story of a wild young man(Toshiro Mifune) and the beginning of his Journey to fame and understanding of The Way. Not only is it a visually stunning movie, but it flows like caligraphy and has incredible impact. I have watched this movie(and the other two) about 50 times and I still find something new each time. Fantastic!
Rating:
Summary: Great Action But Something More, Too
Review: This trilogy is the story of a lone, masterless samurai (ronin) on a burning quest to perfect his craft. Although full of action, the real story is Musashi's maturation not just as a martial artist, but as a human being. Some scenes are nearly spiritual. The direction and acting are excellent. Mifune is the perfect choice to portray Musashi - he is a fine actor and carries off the fight scenes quite adroitly. The screenplay is based on Eiji Yoshikawa's novel about Musashi. If you haven't already read the book then I encourage you to do so. It's been called the "Gone With the Wind" of Japan and has sold something like 100 million copies. And deservedly so, it is a very good book.
Rating:
Summary: 1/3 of the story
Review: To a quick shopper like me who read the book and wants to see the video, don't make the same mistake I did and buy only this video. This is about the first 300 of 900 pages and has a rather incomplete ending for someone expecting the whole story. Make sure you buy Samuri II and III if you want to see the whole of Miyamoto Mushashi.
Rating:
Summary: samurai at it's best
Review: To appreciate this movie you have to watch all three,(Samurai 1,2,3.),that is the only way I feel you will appreciate a great japanese classic story as this one.I have read the book and loved it,even though the book is more detailed,the movie is just as great.Though there is not much fight scene's, (maybe due to the editing),it has a great story to it,thank's to Toshiro Mifune,Mariko Okada and the rest of the supporting actor's.
The DVD to me was okay,although in some scene's you couldn't read the subtitle's, but that was alright for me, as I speak a little japanese any way,other than that, this and the other two DVD's in this serie's are a must buy for your DVD collection.
Rating:
Summary: A Stunning Portrayal of The Way of the Sword
Review: Winner of the 1955 Academy Award for Best Foreign Film, Samurai I: Musashi Miyamoto is a work of wonder. The Samurai Trilogy is by far one of the world's greatest epics, recounting the journey of Takezo, a brash, hotheaded young peasant to enlightened and invincible swordsman Miyamoto Musashi. This work of art is beautifully directed by Hiroshi Inagaki (also known for the brilliant Chushingura) in fabulous color and beautiful cinematography. Ikuma Dan's musical score is stirring and dramatic. Yet the toast goes to the spectacular performance of Japan's greatest actor, the venerable TOSHIRO MIFUNE. Truly, it took one of the world's greatest actors to play the part of History's greatest swordsman. This film opens in one of the milestones of Earth's Military History, the Battle of Sekigahara, which unifies Japan for the first time in centuries under the shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu, whose dynasty lasts for over 350 years. Takezo and his friend decide to join the battle in search of quick fame and a samurai title. Unfortunately, they join the losing side. After a narrow escape and a stay with Oko and Akemi (played by the charming Mariko Okada), Takezo decides to go home -being abandoned by his friend in the meanwhile. Troubles abound when finding himself a fugitive in his own village, whose inhabitants mercilessly hunt him like an animal. His fate would have been tragic were it not for the famous Zen Priest Takuan -who sees great potential in this defiant young man, and the lovely Otsu (played memorably by Kaoru Yachigusa) who saves him from a bleak fate and whose love provides a reason for living. Under Takuan's tutelage and sponsorship, Takezo becomes Musashi Miyamoto, a samurai on search of repute. Unfortunately for Otsu, their love must remain unfulfilled while he journeys for adventure. Despite all of this she loyally awaits their reunion over the years. This Film succeeds with great character development, a moving storyline and sheer kinetic energy. Beyond this it is a poignant allegory of the hidden potential in all of us for something greater, and the values that help us achieve it: loyalty, love, and duty. MAGNIFICENT!
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