MovieChat Forums > Dora-heita (2001) Discussion > Dora-heita

Dora-heita

posted 19 years ago by malcolm-bigg
8 replies | jump to latest

I loved this movie. It was quirky, amusing and filled with dramatic action typical of of the Kurosawa era.
I have loved Samurai movies since I was a kid growing up on TVs Shintaro & The Phantom Agents - small meals for a westerner. Then when I was 12 y.o, Bruce Lee burst onto the screen & I was hooked on Kung Fu, developing a taste for Asian cinema.
My favourite novel is James Clavell's 'Shogun'which opened my eyes to the regal, disciplined & dutiful history of the Samurai (amongst other cultural features).
With Dora-heita there is an almost tangible blend of western and Japanese perspectives that shine through this engaging little romp. Moreover, I would just like to know where I could buy a clean DVD of the movie. I have managed to snare one over E-bay but it is mono & a little washed out - like a poor transfer from video to DVD.
If anyone bothers to read this I would love a reply and a tip towards getting the DVD of Dora-heita

[–] nerdity 17 years ago

Almost three years late, but i saw it at Amazon today. ;-)

[–] drowecaplan-1 17 years ago

Animeigo has the most recent DVD, the transfer is a beauty. I should know, I was the translator of the subtitles ;-).

[–] Suzume-san 17 years ago

I watched it last night and enjoyed it greatly. Thank you for the very good subtitles and helpful little footnotes!

BTW, I much prefer 'Sir' (name) to 'Squire' (name), which Yoji Yamada's subtitlers use. Someone must have told them it's a term of respect in English, but here in London it certainly isn't. If a fellow starts calling you Squire, you back towards the door, with your hand on your wallet.

Kambei of the Descending Gormful Bedafter Gumi.

[–] doleman 12 years ago

This is also available on Netflix.

[–] Suzume-san 12 years ago

Hello, Doleman, I have nothing to add here, just thought I'd say hi. It's nice to see some signs of life on the board for this fine and much neglected film.

[–] doleman 12 years ago

Hello Suzume-san, I seem to remember your name from another board from awhile back but can't remember which one.

I enjoyed Dora-heita just as much as most of the other Japanese films I have been watching for the last 3-4 years. I started with Seven Samurai like most Americans probably do, moved on to Hidden Fortress and have probably seen well over 100 by now (including all the old Zatoichis and Lone Wolf and Cubs).

Netflix has a wide assortment available for both streaming and renting. I worked my way through the 3 Human Condition films since Tatsuya Nakadai is one of my favorites and got to re-watch his brief role in Kwaidan as it was on TCM the other day.

More people would enjoy these films here in the States if they could get over their "fear" of subtitles. I'm glad I did :)

[–] Suzume-san 12 years ago

Oh, you'll find me all over the place . We obviously have similar tastes. I like the gentler style of jidai-geki, though - have you seen Yoji Yamada's trilogy?

[–] doleman 12 years ago

The Twilight Samurai was excellent. I have the other 2 in my Netflix queue and will probably bump them to the top now that you mention them.

Woman in the Dunes is one of my favorites also. As frustrating as it was to go through what the main character was going through the movie really left a mark and will definitely be one I revisit at some point.