Black Belt

Outstanding traditional martial arts movie. Tatsuya Naka (currently JKA 7th Dan - Shotokan) truly shines with both his acting and amazing martial arts skills. He plays Taikan, the student who initially goes against his sensei's teachings, using excessive force against his opponents. Akihito Yagi plays Giryu, the student who follows sensei's teaching to the letter, and does not use force against his opponents, only blocks, albeit with tremendous force. Yagi is a 7th Dan in Gojo Ryu, and also displays great acting and martial arts skills. Choei, played by Yuji Suzuki, who is a shodan in Kyokushin Karate, is sensei's student who must decide who will earn sensei's black belt (koru obi), after he passes away. Awesome character development, great story, phenomenal acting and martial arts. The music by Naoki Sato is something one could listen to all day! I have already watched this movie four times, not counting the number of times I watch the last scene and the credits, as both Naka and Yagi perform kata with Sato's music playing in the background...only wish this section was longer!!! A movie one could easily watch and enjoy numerous times. Japanese with English Subtitles.

I sat transfixed during this movie. It was as though I had waited to see this film my entire life. I have been a practitioner of Karate-do since I was in high school and have never seen anything like this. From the deep symbolism and the philosophical questions the film raises to the STUNNING representation of traditional karate, it is a film that all karateka should see. To me, it is the best representation of the ideals, spirit, execution and philosophy of Karate-do that has yet to be created. I found out after seeing the film that the actors are highly accomplished karateka in real life (Naka in Shotokan, Yagi in Okinawan Goju-Ryu), but their acting is so good that while watching I found myself wondering how they were able to teach these actors such solid karate. I will always be grateful that this film got made, and that Amazon suggested it for me after I investigated 'Fighter In The Wind.' Kuro Obi is an invaluable film.

"BLACK BELT" is a well-done film which reminds viewers of several important historical and martial arts facts. One, the complete and utter barbarism demonstrated through the rise of Japanese militarism during the late 1930s and 1940s. Two, the physical effectiveness of karate techniques and how they can be misused - even after years of serious training by a practitioner. And lastly, the transcendant power of man's inner morality - a trait which always triumphs over evil. The martial techniques are realistic as are the conflicting attitudes shown by the main characters. This is a great movie for both the martial arts enthusiast and the person with a budding interest in the history of the period.

Unike so many wild Hong Kong Wire-Fu flicks and Matrix styled Hollywood nonsense, Blackbelt is a quiet, accurate depiction of both the physical and spiritual world of the martial artist. Where too many films espouse the "Zen" philosophy but contradict it with nonsensical battles every 2 minutes, Blackbelt spends most of its time reflecting and developing its primary characters. It's filmed in a manner that's very much reminiscent of Kurosawa's Seven Samurai. It's pacing is placid but always engaging. The two characters, Taikan and Giryu represent two opposite poles of the karateka. It's an interesting essay on the morality of martial artist. This movie was the deciding factor for me to stop deliberating and being studying Goju-Ryu. It's a fascinating, engaging film about an art that combines linear powerful movements of karate and the circle softer motions of Kung Fu. Well worth buying and watching over and over. The cinematography in particular is stunning.

Very peculiar movie, worth purchasing for a genuine Karateka to further open your mind to Master Funakoshi inspiring principles. The "DO" component of Karate is emphasized and is the true winner against the seductive malicious, nasty and evil sides of life. A Shotokan-style centered movie, it shows superb techniques that only the trained eye can appreciate. Nothing spectacular nor the movie for the punches and kicks only seeker. The Japanese original language audio (with English subtitles) gives a very intense perception of the characters. Definitely a movie to watch with your sparring partners and your Master for a good round table discussion. REI.

This is another very well done film...it is great in many ways but is not of the same caliber of 'Hana','Hara-Kiri' or 'Sword of Desperation'...although it is well crafted and the Karate is superb the film story and ending are some what 'weak'...non the less it is a worthy film and i enjoy watching it.

this is a period piece that looks at the early beginnings of the Okinawa style karate and the broader idea of karate as a self defense art. The movie looks at the interplay of 2 students who must decide on the path of self defense at any cost or the use of the martial art as a pre-emtive attack art. the story doesnt have a sophisticated plot developement but the martial arts are presented with a degree of authenticity that is refreshing and will touch a cord with the martial artists whose style elements are reflected in the movie.

right the up there with the very best in this genre, love the realism displayed by the karatekas, only wish though, that there was a bit more dialogue, more fight scenes displaying the great skills in karate and that master togo was defeated more humianly, other than this, every martial artest should have this in there library. P.S. Hey man, when is someone going to make a movie of the life and times of master Gichin Shotokan Funakushi, if they do I hope it is made in quality just like this one. Great movie.

I'm not going to spoil the film by giving away any of the plot!! I am myself a blackbelt of the shotokan karate style and have been training very hard for more than a decade, thus I feel that I can comment knowledgeably on this type of film. As a karate-ka I appreciated that the fight/training sequences have been choreographed for cinematic effect, but it is hardly noticeable - the techniques are accurate, undoubtably done at speed and with excellent control as you would expect. It is worth noting that all three of the main characters are themselves blackbelt standard, only one of whom is an actor by profession. Plot line and subtitles were, as normal, fairly weak although I cannot give an accurate appraisal of the dialogue since I speak only very little Japanese. As a westerner I find most oriental films very disorienting, I simply do not understand the symbology used in some of the screenplay: I know there is a deep significance, but I don't know what it is. I enjoyed the film at a simple level as my interest is in all things karate and I felt that I learned a little more about my art than I knew previously. Frankly, I would not expect a non-karate practitioner to enjoy it as much, but if you practice shotokan or goju ryu karate then I have no doubt you will watch it hundreds of times. For me a very good film, as expected, in non-typical Japanese style.

Great movie, lots of classic karate!!

Para um adepto da karate, um excelente filme!

Collection

Reçu dans une enveloppe à bulles en très bon état. vu le prix modique j'avais un peu peur, mais non, Excellent film difficile à trouver en magasin