Backdrop preview The Lord's spy backdrop
The Lord's spy

The Lord's spy (1964)

Jan 26, 1964 1h 28m Drama History

Maeda Tsunanori, the lord of Kaga Domain, had two young princes - Katsumaru, the son of his legitimate wife, who died, and Yasunosuke, the son of his concubine. However, Katsumaru suddenly lost his mind and appealed to the shogunate to hand over the reins of the family Yasunosuke, but the request was rejected. Vassal Osawa Kuranojo suspects that this is the work of Ishikawa Torajiro, a swordsman from the Katsumaru group, and begins an investigation.

Directed by Yasushi Sasaki

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Yasushi Sasaki

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, The Lord's spy examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.

Director Yasushi Sasaki brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 1964, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of The Lord's spy took approximately 36 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 88 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 126 minutes long.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 3 weeks before filming began.
  • Some visual effects sequences took up to 5 months to complete.
  • Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.

Historical Context

  • In 1964, when this film was released:
  • Social and cultural revolution was transforming Western societies.
  • The space race between the USSR and USA was at its height.
  • The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.

How This Film Stands Out

While The Lord's spy shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Bored Hatamoto Detective, Part 1: The Seven Brides, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Lord's spy offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.

While films like Seven Samurai and Zatoichi explore similar territory, The Lord's spy stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: January 26, 1964
  • Runtime: 1h 28m