Was just watching on AMC, and wondered what that gigantic sword Kikuchiyo carries is called. Much too big to be a katana, but of the same general proportion and shape. Anyone?
It’s been a while since I’ve seen the movie, and I know next to nothing about Japanese swords, but a quick Google search on Japanese sword types tells me that it was probably a nodachi or odachi.
Doesn’t he carry something similar to a naginata? I can’t remember myself.
It’s definitely a nodachi/odachi. A naginata is similar to a European glaive or fauchard; all have a slashing blade mounted on a long haft.
Cool…i couldn’t remember. Been a while. Might have to go back and see it again.
The Critereon Collection box cover gives a good shot of how big his sword is.
In the final fight, though, he needs a lot of swords.
A big pile of 'em.
Dopers come through again! Thanks, guys!
By the way, this was the first time I’d seen it, and it was a fantastic movie. AMC showed it late at night, with no commercials. I sat there fascinated for 3 hours and 27 minutes, sipping Murphy’s Stout. I was particularly fascinated by the strong thread of tragedy and even resignation that ran through it, in spite of the fact that the bandits were driven off. The same sense of sadness wasn’t nearly as strong in “The Magnificant Seven,” IIRC…even though it was a great movie as well.
Confound it. I hate typos. Magnificent. Not magnificant.
Yeah, I agree. I loved Yul Brynner’s character though. “Where ya from?” He points behind him. “Where ya goin?” He points ahead.