The Phoenix
This extraordinarily complex film is not only a send-up of every samurai film ever made, it is also an extrapolation of the value of life. The Yamatai, represented by Prince Susano-O and elderly advisor Sumuke, hire Yumihiko of Matsuro to hunt the phoenix so that Queen Himiko, sister of Susano-O can have eteranal life.
Director Kon Ichikawa
Cast
Tomisaburō Wakayama
Sarutahaiko, General of the Yamatai
Reiko Ōhara
Hinaku
Ryūzō Hayashi
Guzuri
Mieko Takamine
Queen Himiko of Yamatai
Junzaburō Ban
Exorcist
Jun Fubuki
Oro
Toshinori Omi
Nagi
Masao Kusakari
Yumihiko of Matsuro
Ken Tanaka
Takeru
Tohru Emori
Susanoo
Hideji Ōtaki
Sukune
Kaoru Yumi
Uzume, a dancer from Matsuro
Tatsuya Nakadai
Jingi the Conqueror, leader of the Takamagahara
Takeshi Katō
Kamamushi
Mitsuko Kusabue
Iyo