Kubi (2023) Review

In 2019, Takeshi Kitano released ‘Kubi,’ a Samurai novel, retelling the events of the 1582 Honnō-ji incident, in which the powerful feudal Lord- or Daimyo- Oda Nobunaga was assassinated. It was an idea Kitano first had in the early 1990’s, intended as a film. Akira Kurosawa was an advocate for the project, stating that "if Kitano were to make this film, it would be a masterpiece on par with ‘Seven Samurai’."

In 2021, shooting finally took place, with a release two years later. The result is a sprawling, Shakespearian epic, bloody, thrilling and darkly funny. The film reimagines Nobunaga as a psychopathic ruler, sadistic and unpredictable. He pits the Samurai under him against one other, promising each the throne after he steps down. However, the various clan leaders, such as Hashiba Hideyoshi and Ankokuji Ekei, alongside Samurai general Akechi Mitsuhide, band against him, plotting his downfall.

It is a tale that makes for a sweeping, action-filled picture, rocketing along at a brisk pace. The narrative is brimming with volatility, every character out for their own personal gain. There is plenty of back-stabbing- both literally and metaphorically- with betrayal as the dominant theme. Everyone is scheming and plotting; trust is not an easy virtue in Kitano’s representation of the Sengoku period, and nothing- even love- gets in the way of self-interest.

Kitano demystifies the notion that Samurai were bound by honour, portraying them as vicious killers, with little time for morality. More broadly, he shows how power-structures dictate relationships, as Nobunaga abuses- physically, mentally and sexually- those around him, taking advantage of their subservient position. This mirrors reality, and is a powerful, subtle piece of social commentary. Although perhaps not entirely factually-accurate, Kitano’s depiction of the time-period and its characters is compelling and engaging.

Furthermore, like most Kitano films, the undercurrent of humour, means that- despite rivers of blood and decapitations galore- it doesn’t get too dark. In fact, it is a very funny film, striking a fine balance between comedy, thrills and drama. Moreover, Kitano’s characterisation is astute. Every person is distinct, with their own quirks, while the dialogue is sharp and witty. Hashiba Hideyoshi is a particularly risible character, who features in the film’s most hilarious scenes.

In addition, the action is pulse-pounding and frenetic. Battle scenes are messy and visceral, as they would have been in real life. Katanas sweep through skin, limbs fly, heads roll- it is a gory and riveting affair. Much like his previous ‘Zatoichi,’ Kitano directs the action magnificently, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats throughout. Moreover, the unpredictable nature of the narrative ensures one doesn’t know who will die next, or how; making things all the more exciting.

Further, it is a striking looking film. Takeshi Hamada’s grittily realistic cinematography is atmospheric and evocative. Much like his sterling work on Yôjirô Takita’s ‘Departures,’ his avoidance of flashy stylisations compounds the film’s authenticity. He and Kitano shoot the fight scenes expertly, making them appear utterly crazy, while approaching the film as a whole with an artist’s eye; some of the images and sequences involved are simply stunning.

Moreover, the production design is minutely detailed. Everything looks period-accurate, and Kazuko Kurosawa’s costume design is texturally rich and intricate. Additionally, the subtle score from Tarô Iwashiro- who worked on Yōichi Sai’s ‘Blood and Bones,’ which also starred Kitano- heightens the film’s emotional impact. It is also a well-edited picture, moving at a stallion’s pace from the start and never lets up.

Part of the reason Kitano waited so long to film ‘Kubi’ was because he could never get his ideal cast, but, as he explains, when he was “able to gather talented actors in the Kitano-group, and when such excellent actors come together, I felt like it was finally time to make it... and that's how it finally came to fruition.” The cast he gathered is vast and noteworthy, which reads like a ‘who’s who’ of premier acting talent.

Ryo Kase is chillingly effective as the psychopathic Nobunaga, clearly loving the opportunity to play such a madman. Kenichi Endō does fine work as Araki Murashige, who is the first to rebel against Nobunaga, showcasing a vulnerability that is most affecting. Fans of his work will delight in seeing Kitano’s longtime collaborator Susumu Terajima, brilliantly playing Sahei, a ninja, while Nakamura Shidō II is most effective in the role of Naniwa Mosuke, a mad peasant who is determined to become a Samurai general, at any cost.

Moreover, Nao Ōmori and Tadanobu Asano do typically excellent work as Hashiba Hidenaga and Kuroda Kanbei, accomplices of Hashiba Hideyoshi, underplaying effectively (as an aside, fans of ‘Ichi The Killer’ will surely enjoy seeing them on screen together again). Hidetoshi Nishijima brings a steady resolve to the role of Akechi Mitsuhide, and is very believable as one struggling, not just with his love for Murashige, but with the life he’s found himself in. Finally, Takeshi Kitano, as arch-schemer Hideyoshi- disparagingly nicknamed The Ape- is marvellous, delivering a bewitchingly funny, layered performance that ranks alongside his best.

A monumentally entertaining Samurai epic, Takeshi Kitano’s ‘Kubi’ is a gripping story of betrayal and violence. Well-written, funny and thrilling, it’s blood-soaked brilliance must be seen to be believed. With striking cinematography, stunning production and costume design and a stirring score, it fires on all cylinders. Boasting excellent performances from all in its star-studded cast, ‘Kubi’ is, as Akira Kurosawa predicted, a masterpiece.