The Ambitious

Synopsis

The Ambitious, also known as '幕末', is a 1970 Japanese historical drama film directed by Daisuke Itô and starring the renowned actor Kinnosuke Nakamura. Set during the end of the Edo period in Japan, the movie follows the story of a young swordsman who becomes involved in the political turmoil of the Bakumatsu era. As he navigates through loyalty, ambition, and honor, he faces difficult choices that will ultimately shape the course of history. Through breathtaking cinematography and powerful performances, the film captures the essence of a nation on the brink of change, making it a classic in Japanese cinema history.

Cast

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  Kinnosuke Nakamura

  Ryoma Sakamoto

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  Toshirō Mifune

  Shojiro Goto

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  Keiju Kobayashi

  Yoshinosuke Saigo

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  Tatsuya Nakadai

  Shintaro Nakaoka

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  Sayuri Yoshinaga

  Oryo

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  Katsuo Nakamura

  Chojiro Kondo

Reviews

The Ambitious received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising its historical accuracy and compelling storytelling, while others criticized its pacing and lack of character development. Rotten Tomatoes rated the film at 6.5/10, stating 'The Ambitious offers a fascinating insight into Japan's tumultuous past, but falters in its execution'. On IMDb, it holds a rating of 6.2/10, with users citing the film's strong performances and stunning visuals as its main strengths. Metacritic's review highlighted the film's intricate political plot but felt that it could have delved deeper into the characters' motivations. Despite the varying opinions, The Ambitious remains a timeless piece of cinema that captures an important period in Japanese history.