Miyamoto Musashi (2014)

"For what purpose are you walking the path of the sword?"

Miyamoto Musashi was a crash course in the legendary figure starring Kimura Takuya. Despite it being twelve years old as of this writing, I thought the cinematography and quality of the drama were well done. And then there was Kimura whom I have a soft spot for, especially with a wig and sword. Battle on!

Takezo is involved on the wrong side of the Battle of Sekigahara. More brawn than brains, often operating on instinct, he has the raw skills of a swordsman but not the patience or techniques required. After being captured attempting to leave a message for his friend’s mother, the monk Takuan imprisons him in order to teach him discipline. After his release the newly named Miyamoto Musashi heads out to make a name for himself with his sword hoping to find a job with the Tokugawa shogunate. Along the way he fights, finds love, new advisors, and personal growth.

I enjoyed Kimura in this role. He brought the wildness needed for Miyamoto’s youth, the bloodthirsty determination that followed, and ultimately the calmer swordsman attempting to balance life and death on the edge of his sword. Maki Yoko had the thankless role of Otsu who could be cloying. Nakatani Miki appeared as a geisha styled quite similarly as her role in Jin. Sawamura Ikki played Miyamoto’s rival and what could have been a beautiful bromance if swordsman pride did not come into play. Honestly, I don’t understand the need to be the best when the only way to prove it is, 'one of us will be the best and one of us will be dead'.

The fights were entertaining if straining believability. At least Mifune Toshiro used the terrain to his benefit in his film while Kimura had to take on 70 samurai at one time on flat, dry ground. There was quite a bit of wuxia wire work as Miyamoto leaped great heights or dropped from heights designed to kill other men. He also had super healing abilities because this story didn’t have time for such things as sword wounds. To quote one of the Yoshioka, “How come he won’t die?!”

I burned through both episodes which were around 2 hours each as this mini-series was fast paced, never slowing down much to bother with historical exposition or character development of supporting cast. It helped that I enjoyed watching Kimura devour this role even when the pacing could stumble and the narrative could be heavy handed. For three and a half hours characters berated Miyamoto for killing people even when his life was being threatened and then at the end, his use of the sword was deigned by the cosmos to bring greater purpose and potential to all people. Uh, say what again? Overall, I enjoyed this mini-series though I’d only recommend to people who are fans of Kimura, like martial arts flicks, and have a rudimentary knowledge of Miyamoto.

11 May 2026
Trigger Warnings: Though there was a LOT of sword action, no heads, arms, or legs went flying. Sexual encounters were implied with some groping but nothing bared or overt.

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