The Third Shadow Warrior

Poor farmer Kyônosuke (Raizô Ichikawa) has an aspiring ambition and dreams of a glorified samurai future. An opportunity arises when a position under the local Lord is offered, Naïve young Kyônosuke is told that because of his resemblance to the Lord he is to become a body double, the third of the Lords human shadows. . Say no more... The film from Umetsugu Inoue is a spellbinding dark tale, an incredibly creative and stylish work of cinematic art, tantalizingly evident from the credits opening moments.. Accompanied with an outstanding soundtrack wonderfully blended, creating a rich atmospheric tone. The b&w cinematography is sensational, the acting superb, highlighted with dynamic dual roles from Raizô Ichikawa, A superior adaptation, the deeply absorbing story is a multi faceted darkly dramatic tale and paints an unglorified image of the warrior class.

Director Tadashi Imai also adapted from the author Norio Nanjo for his excellent equally dark drama the anti samurai film, Bushido, Samurai Saga . In the context of having viewed a Great number of feudal J Classics, Daisan no kagemusha shines out, an absolute gem exceptional entertainment... Highly Recommended Classic Japanese Cinema !!!