The action movie genre would never be the same after Akira Kurosawa’s YOJIMBO, one of the most influential motion pictures in history. The tale of a bodyguard who manipulates two rival gangs into destroying each other created a template that other films would follow, and explored themes that almost none of its copycats picked up on.

This week on CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED we’re taking a look at that classic samurai movie, its underrated sequel SANJURO, and the two follow-ups that most people don’t know about: ZATOICHI MEETS YOJIMBO and INCIDENT AT BLOOD PASS. We’re also reviewing the new releases THE HAPPYTIME MURDERS and A-X-L, responding to your letters, and talking about last week’s epic match at the MOVIE TRIVIA SCHMOEDOWN!

Email us at letters(a)criticallyacclaimed.net, and follow your hosts on Twitter at @WilliamBibbiani and @WitneySeibold. Check out our new website at www.criticallyacclaimed.net and head on over to www.patreon.com/canceledtoosoon to contribute to the show and get even more exclusive content!

Email us at letters(a)criticallyacclaimed.net, and follow your hosts on Twitter at @WilliamBibbiani and @WitneySeibold.