Set in 19th century Japan, Yojimbo tells the tale of a wandering samurai who arrives at a rural town that's been torn apart by daily massacres carried out by the two criminal gangs living on opposite sides. Sensing an opportunity to make some money as well as to free the town from daily oppression, he decides to play one side off against the other while the two rival bosses try to hire him as their bodyguard but his plan is soon complicated by the arrival of one of the gangsters' son, who wields a revolver.

Directed by the legendary filmmaker, Akira Kurosawa, Yojimbo still hasn't aged a day & remains one of the most influential treasures of world cinema. Kurosawa's direction is absolutely top-notch, cinematography captures the plot events in sharp focus, editing paces the story excellently but it's Toshirô Mifune's bravura performance that makes this film such an emotionally-charged ride. There are also moments of well-timed humour plus the music makes its presence felt at the right moments too.

On an overall scale, Yojimbo is a wonderfully crafted period drama that further elevates the craftsmanship of a master storyteller & benefits greatly from a strong, disciplined & impressive lead performance. It being still able to amaze & entertain even after having been imitated so many times is a testament to its greatness & ageless appeal and for the fine balance it presents over its drama, action & entertainment, Yojimbo is a must for cinema lovers around the world.