Directed by Kon Ichikawa, from a wonderful script (long since thought abandoned) by Akira Kurosawa, Keisuke Kinoshita, Masaki Kobayashi, and himself, Dora-Heita is not so much a throwback as a realization of a lost treasure. Proudly sporting its classic sensibilities on its sleeve, the film is jam packed with everything you’ve come to expect from the four masters: rousing performances, impeccable direction, stunning visuals, and a completely engaging story.

In the tradition of Yojimbo and Sanjuro, Dora-Heita concerns a lovable scoundrel of a Samurai tasked with cleaning up a corrupt fiefdom through deception and other acts of unconventional heroism. Koji Yakusho (The Wow-Choten Hotel, Babel) plays Koheita, a samurai nicknamed Dora-Heita (“Alley Cat” or “Playboy”) for his aloof and licentious nature. In fact, his reputation is so terrible it precedes him wherever he goes. It is therefore no small surprise that the officials of the town assigned him object to such an undesirable character being appointed their local magistrate. As they see it, how could one expect a boozing, gambling womanizer to ever root out their corrupt element? But therein lies the twist. You see, Koheita’s reputation is a ruse (for the most part, at least), manufactured by himself in order to help his investigation. With both criminals and samurai alike unsure of his position, it goes without saying Dora-Heita has his hands quite full. But, win or lose, he’s in for his share of excitement.

The original script for Dora-Heita dates back to sometime around 1969, when Ichikawa, Kinoshita, Kobayashi, and Kurosawa founded their ill-fated “Four Musketeers” production company. It wasn’t until 2000 that this production actually got off the ground. It really is amazing it took so long, as Dora-Heita is one of the smartest, funniest, and most entertaining samurai films I’ve seen in years. A lot of the humor lies in the various dialogs, which often feature characters seemingly caught before the actual scene should begin. One sequence in particular involves the town officials discussing cold remedies, hopelessly lost on a lengthy tangent, before realizing the need to discuss their issues regarding Dora Heita’s character. Many others rely on the misunderstandings and uncertainties of townsfolk when confronted with Dora-Heita in the flesh, but to discuss these would rob the viewer of a bit of their humor.

As mentioned before, the performances are exemplary, but the majority of props must be heaped on Koji Yakusho. Even the most green samurai fan would recognize that the Dora-Heita role was most likely written with Toshiro Mifune in mind, but Koji Yakusho does exceedingly well in filling those shoes. Throughout the film he’s alternately charming, funny, dangerous, pitiful, and heroic, and never breaks character. His Dora-Heita is fully realized, and an absolute joy to behold on screen. In fact, I think Yakusho’s rebel samurai would make Mifune smile. Also noteworthy are turns by Yakuza screen icon Bunta Sugawara (Cops vs. Thugs, The Yakuza Papers), as Koheita’s secret contact in town, and Yuko Asano (The War in Space, The 8-Tomb Village) as a geisha and object of Koheita’s affection.

In closing, Dora-Heita succeeds on all fronts, be they action, intrigue, comedy, or romance. If you are a fan of classic samurai films, or just a fan of a good story, you owe it to yourself to see Dora-Heita.

The DVD

Animeigo presents Dora-Heita in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio, and Japanese language track. Being a rather recent film, there’s not room for restoration or picture enhancement, but the image is exceptionally clear (just check out the stunning Nikkatsu logo which opens the film). Also, the film’s not that intensive on sound, but the awesomely retro soundtrack played out the speakers nicely.

As far as extras are concerned AnimEigo provides trailers for Shogun Assassin, Samurai Assassin, and Shinsengumi. Also included are an “Image Gallery” featuring production stills, and the usual awesome AnimEigo “Production Notes,” which this time discuss various colloquialisms used in the film, in addition to the usual historical explanations. I would have liked to see a special on the making of the film, but I’m guessing one wasn’t made, or AnimEigo wasn’t able to obtain the rights to it. Either way the film is strong enough that this can be overlooked. Also worth noting, the DVD case features yet another trademark AnimEigo warning (these always make me smile), this time alerting the viewer that the film “Contains Violence, Debauchery, and Masterful Direction.” Too cool.

All in all, a decent disc for a great film. Definitely pick it up.

Dora-Heita hits stores April 10, 2007.

About the Author

Chris Nelson has been a film fanatic since age six. A former film and English major, he is now a Software Engineer and contract Technical Writer living in the Silicon Valley.

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