Blade of the Immortal

Blade of the Immortal

Year: 2017

Runtime: 140 min

Language: Japanese

Director: Takashi Miike

Echo Score: 80
ActionDrama

In feudal Japan, the immortal samurai Manji leads a solitary existence, burdened by the memories of those he has killed. His life changes when he encounters a young girl seeking revenge for her family's brutal massacre. Agreeing to help her, Manji becomes her protector and trains her in swordsmanship, all while embarking on a dangerous journey to confront the powerful and merciless swordsmen responsible for the tragedy. They face numerous challenges as they pursue justice and seek to end the cycle of violence.

Dark
Bittersweet ending
Emotionally heavy
High intensity
Fast pacing
Moderate complexity

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Blade of the Immortal (2017)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Blade of the Immortal (2017). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

17th century

The film is set during the tumultuous 17th century in Japan, a period marked by the rise of powerful clans and samurai. This era is characterized by conflict, betrayal, and the quest for vengeance, reflecting the societal struggles and personal vendettas that drive the characters' motivations in the movie.

Location

Fukagawa, Mt. Takao

Fukagawa is a bustling district known for its rich cultural heritage and vibrancy. It serves as a significant backdrop for the encounters between Manji and his adversaries. Mt. Takao, revered in Japanese culture, is known for its scenic beauty and historical significance, providing a dramatic setting for pivotal confrontations in the film.

🏞️ Nature 🏯 Historical

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:51

Main Characters – Blade of the Immortal (2017)

Meet the key characters of Blade of the Immortal (2017), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Manji (Takuya Kimura)

Manji is a deeply troubled anti-hero burdened by guilt from his past actions. Uniquely gifted with immortality, his journey is one filled with vengeance and self-discovery as he seeks redemption for his failures. His fierce loyalty and protective nature drive him to assist Rin, yet his violent past continuously weighs heavily on him.

🔪 Vengeance 💔 Guilt

Rin Asano (Hana Sugisaki)

Rin is a determined young woman fueled by a burning desire for revenge against those who murdered her father. Her character evolves throughout the story as she grapples with the harsh realities of vengeance and its consequences. Her resilient spirit and emotional depth make her a key catalyst in Manji's journey.

💪 Determination ⚔️ Avenge

Kagehisa Anotsu (Sôta Fukushi)

Kagehisa is the formidable leader of the Ittō-ryū, whose ambition and ruthlessness drive the conflict in the film. His character is portrayed with complex motives rooted in familial rivalry, making him both a formidable foe and a tragic figure. His actions are pivotal in shaping the narrative dynamics and interpersonal struggles faced by the other characters.

👑 Ambition ⚔️ Adversary

Machi (Hana Sugisaki)

Machi, Manji's sister, is a tragic figure whose madness stems from the anguish of loss. Her fate serves as a catalyst for Manji’s unyielding pursuit of vengeance and highlights the emotional stakes surrounding his character. Despite her brief appearance, her impact resonates throughout the narrative.

😢 Tragedy 💔 Family

Makie Otono-Tachibana (Erika Toda)

Makie is a devoted disciple caught in the moral conflicts of loyalty and personal convictions. Her internal struggle reflects the themes of the film as she navigates the complexities of her relationships with members of the Ittō-ryū and her eventual choice to protect Kagehisa. Her journey adds depth to the exploration of loyalty and sacrifice.

⏳ Loyalty ❤️ Protection

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:51

Major Themes – Blade of the Immortal (2017)

Explore the central themes of Blade of the Immortal (2017), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

⚔️ Revenge

Revenge is a central theme in 'Blade of the Immortal,' exploring the psychological toll it takes on individuals. Manji's quest for vengeance against those who wronged him intertwines with Rin's desire to avenge her father, highlighting how such desires can consume one's life and morality. The film examines the fine line between justice and vengeance, showcasing the devastating consequences of bloodshed.

💔 Loss

The theme of loss resonates deeply throughout the film, driving characters to their breaking points. Manji grapples with the guilt of losing his sister to madness and later witnessing the death of allies. Rin's journey is similarly marked by the anguish of losing her parents, shaping her motivations and relationships as she seeks closure and a sense of purpose in her life.

⚖️ Morality

Morality plays a pivotal role in the film, especially depicted through characters like Makie, who struggles with her allegiance to the Ittō-ryū. The narrative challenges the characters' beliefs on right and wrong, as they navigate a world filled with treachery and violence. These moral dilemmas force the characters to confront the consequences of their choices, ultimately shaping their destinies.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:51

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Grim revenge quests like in Blade of the Immortal

Stories of relentless revenge set in brutal, unforgiving worlds.For viewers who liked the relentless, violent revenge story in Blade of the Immortal. This section features movies with similar themes of vengeance, set in brutal and unforgiving worlds where the quest for retribution is as costly as the original loss.

vengefulbrutalgrimfuriousviolentmelancholic

Narrative Summary

These narratives typically follow a protagonist, often a mentor-and-student pair or a lone warrior, on a bloody path to avenge a grave wrong. The plot is propelled by a series of violent encounters, with the central conflict exploring whether revenge brings closure or merely perpetuates a cycle of violence.

Why These Movies?

Movies are grouped here for their shared dark tone, high emotional weight from themes of loss, and a fast-paced, action-driven structure focused on a singular, vengeful goal. They create a cohesive experience of grim determination and brutal consequences.

Movies with cursed protectors like the samurai in Blade of the Immortal

Tales of supernaturally burdened guardians protecting the innocent.If you liked the theme of the immortal, burdened samurai in Blade of the Immortal, this section showcases similar movies featuring cursed or supernaturally-gifted loners who take on a protective role, leading to stories heavy with themes of atonement and sacrifice.

lonelymelancholicgrimviolentatonementburdened

Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern involves a world-weary, often immortal or supernaturally powerful individual who is reluctantly drawn into a conflict to protect a vulnerable charge. Their journey is one of re-engagement with the world, confronting their past sins, and finding a fragile purpose through sacrifice, typically leading to a bittersweet resolution.

Why These Movies?

These movies share a melancholic mood, a focus on the moral and emotional weight of immortality or power, and a central character dynamic between a tormented guardian and their ward. The tone is consistently dark, with a mix of high-intensity action and heavy thematic exploration.

Unlock the Full Story of Blade of the Immortal

Don't stop at just watching — explore Blade of the Immortal in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Blade of the Immortal is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Blade of the Immortal Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Blade of the Immortal, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Blade of the Immortal Summary

Blade of the Immortal Timeline

Track the full timeline of Blade of the Immortal with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Blade of the Immortal Timeline

Blade of the Immortal Spoiler-Free Summary

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Blade of the Immortal Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Blade of the Immortal

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More About Blade of the Immortal

Similar Movies to Blade of the Immortal

Discover movies like Blade of the Immortal that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.

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