Photo courtesy National Geographic
Want something a little different to make this year’s cherry blossom visit truly magnificent? How about a great samurai triple feature? The National Geographic Museum will be presenting three classics of Japanese cinema, all featuring the iconic Toshiro Mifune and presented in stunning 35mm! Presented in conjunction with the National Geographic Museum exhibition Samurai: The Warrior Transformed, the films will be introduced by Michael Jeck, veteran film programmer notable for commentary on Criterion DVD releases of Seven Samurai and Throne of Blood.
Admission to each film is $5, though you can see them for free with paid admission to the new samurai exhibit. (The offer is valid only for exhibit tickets purchased for Saturday, 3/31; there are a limited number of tickets available.) Warning—these films all have some pretty violent content. Film details after the jump.
Samurai Rebellion
(1967/119 min/Director: Masaki Kobayashi)
11 am
An aging swordsman and his son take a shocking stand against an unjust ruler.
The Hidden Fortress
(1958/139 min/Director: Akira Kurosawa)
1:30 PM
A general and a princess must dodge enemy clans while smuggling a royal treasure out of hostile territory in a film that inspired George Lucas’ Star Wars.
The Sword of Doom
(1966/119 min/Director: Kihachi Okamoto)
4:15 PM
During the turbulent final days of the shogunate, a wandering samurai kills without mercy or remorse.
All films take place in Grosvenor Auditorium at 1600 M Street, NW. Tickets may be purchased online at www.nglive.org, via telephone at (202) 857-7700, or in person at the National Geographic ticket office between 9 am and 5 pm.
Having lived in the DC area for ten years, Ben still loves to wander the city with his wife, shooting lots of photos and exploring all the latest exhibits and galleries. A certified hockey fanatic, he spends some time debating the Washington Capitals club with friends – but everyone knows of his three decade love affair with the Pittsburgh Penguins.
A professional writer, gamer, photographer, and Lego enthusiast, Ben remains captivated by DC and doesn’t plan on leaving any time soon.
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