Cast
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Jirô Chiba
as Morihei Ueshiba
Sonny Chiba
as
Yōko Koizumi
as Mine
Yoko Horikoshi
as Hatsu
Ryūnosuke Kaneda
as Onisaburo Deguchi
Akira Shioji
as
Takashi Noguchi
as
Kazuyuki Saito
as
Michimaro Otabe
as
Masataka Iwao
as
Seigo Inoue
as
Tetsuo Torisu
as
Teruo Fujinaga
as
Takanori Oya
as
Mineko Maruhira
as Nami Takahashi
Crew
Director
- Shigehiro Ozawa
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane History/Action film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, The Decisive Power of Aikido distinguishes itself through its exceptional pacing and meaningful stakes for its protagonists.
Director Shigehiro Ozawa 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 pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1975, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Decisive Power of Aikido took approximately 25 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 82 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 139 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 12 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The film contains approximately 850 individual shots.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 1975, when this film was released:
- The Watergate scandal changed public perception of political institutions.
- Environmental awareness was growing as a social concern.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Decisive Power of Aikido shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Second Life, which focuses more on action than character development, The Decisive Power of Aikido offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Ninja and Opium and the Kung Fu Master explore similar territory, The Decisive Power of Aikido 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: November 22, 1975
- Runtime: 1h 22m
Where to Watch
