The Wanderers—[unclear: Konawa]

Japan

The film had been [unclear: a] [unclear: oed] as a samurai 'Easy Rider'. It centres [unclear: three] wanderers in 19th Century [unclear: Japan]

"The three youths [unclear: t] actually samurai but a special [gap — reason: illegible] known as [unclear: a] toseinin, sons of [unclear: farmers] [unclear: merchants] who could not find [unclear: w] [unclear: d] so roamed from village to village [unclear: a] special code of honour, living by [unclear: g] and petty crime and working for [unclear: ons'] where possible." The patron [unclear: eople] (masters) who put them up for [unclear: e] but during their their stay they are [unclear: ex] to defend the master's interests [unclear: with] [unclear: lives].

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Ichikawa managed very well to show the meaninglessness of the 'honour' and heroism in what was a very interesting comedy, drama and documentary all in one.

It showed life amongst these people as a kind of a game. For example, when two groups engaged in a sword fight they would pick an isolated spot, carefully confront each each other and begin. But they would avoid one to one combat because that inevitably led to death so they would turn and run from each other and then turn around and run back into the bunch with swords flying.

Well worth seeing for its educational, artistic and entertainment value.