This week, Gavin and I are discussing one of the best martial arts movies of the past decade that you probably missed, and maybe one of the GREATEST Manga adaptations to ever hit the big screen… ‘Blade of the Immortal’! Directed by the visionary action maestro Takashi Miike and based off of the long running manga of the same named created by Hiroaki Samura, this bloody, battle-tactic, Bushido bonanza will leave you on the edge of your seat! The story follows Manji, a samurai cursed with immortality, who reluctantly becomes the bodyguard for Rin, a young woman out for revenge against the ruthless assassins that wiped out her entire clan. Filled with non-stop swordplay, intricate action design, some the coolest manga characters come to life you have ever seen, and a plethora of wild weaponry, there is something for everyone to enjoy in this one! With a truly enthralling performance by iconic J-Pop star and actor Takuya Kimura as our grizzled protagonist Manji, as well as a stellar supporting cast who are as diverse as they are captivating, every scene keeps your eyes glued to the screen as you wait to see what insane scenario our characters find themselves in next. Listen in as we break down everything from the high-intensity swordplay, the genius of director Takashi Miike, and why this film succeeds where others have failed. You can listen to The Martial Arts Mania Podcast on Soundcloud, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and iHeart Podcasts! Don’t forget to subscribe, download, like, and share with your friends! Thanks again for the continued support and we hope you enjoy!