Ujio (Hiroyuki Sanada) is a
Sword-master, and Katsumoto's (Ken Watanabe) right hand man; always
at hand to protect his Samurai Lord. Ujio is a fierce Samurai warrior who
believes strongly in the way of the Samurai, and lives by the code of
Bushido; he is determined to do whatever it takes to help Katsumoto to
protect their way of life, for the good of the people and the Emperor
himself.
The above photo is from a scene that was
eventually deleted from the movie. As Ujio walks down the street, he is
challenged and insulted by a couple of men. In true Samurai fashion, he
beheads the offensive man... no more problem!
This part has brought
Hiroyuki Sanada to the attention of a wider international audience, and has
gained him a legion of new fans.
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Appearing out of the mists on his
war horse, Ujio leads the men into battle, and is a frightening sight
for any enemy to have to face, never mind a troop of untrained Imperial
guards. |
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Ujio the Sword master, prepares
the blade of Katsumoto's Samurai sword in a traditional ritual. |
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As Captain Algren is led away
following the Imperial Army's overwhelming defeat by the Samurai,
Katsumoto assists Samurai General Hasagawa to commit Hara Kiri, because
though he refused to fight against his former comrade, Hasagawa was still
in the Imperial Army, and so their defeat was his. So at the Samurai he
still is, he chooses hara kiri. |
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With Algren as their captive, the
proud Samurai are led by their leader, Katsumoto, to his son Nobutada's
village high in the hills, where they will spend the winter months until
the melting of the snows in the Springtime, making the valleys clear to
pass through. |
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Katsumoto informs the prisoner that
he is in his son's village, and asks for the prisoner's name. When Algren
refuses to answer, Ujio is furious at what he takes as an insult to his
Lord. He threatens the American, and calls him an impudent swine, spitting
at him as he kneels on the floor! |
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When he receives no reaction
either, Ujio draws his sword and swings at Algren's neck, stopping just in
time, as the sharp blade nicks the skin slightly. Again there is no
reaction. Katsumoto tells him to leave the prisoner alone, so Ujio stomps
off in disgust, just as the exhausted and wounded Algren passes out with a
thud on the floor! |
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Ujio feels that their American
prisoner should commit hara kiri following his defeat at the hands of the
Samurai; but Katsumoto explains that it is not a Western custom to do
this. Ujio states that he will do it for him! |
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Katsumoto contemplates the
situation and eventually refuses Ujio's plan, saying that it would be more
useful for them to learn about their new enemies from him. Ujio seems
disappointed! |
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As Algren explores his new
surroundings, guarded over by "Bob" the Silent Samurai, he
watches as the warriors practice their skills, led by Ujio the Sword master. |
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Captain Algren is amazed at the
discipline of the Japanese people, and the perfection that is awarded to
every single thing, from their fighting skills to every day tasks like the
tea ceremony. |
As Ujio notices Captain Algren
having a mock fight against one of the children, he strides up and
commands Algren to drop the stick. Algren refuses, or at least ignores
what Ujio is saying. Ujio repeats his order, but Algren holds the stick
up in a challenge to him. |
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Furious, Ujio lets rip with both
his Kendo stick and with his feet. Algren is knocked to the floor, blood
pouring from his nose. He gets back up several times, refusing to give in,
which infuriates Ujio even more. |
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As the torrential rain falls,
soaking them, Algren stubbornly continues to put up a fight and to
challenge Ujio, something that the Sword master cannot, and will not allow
in front of his own men. With a final flurry of hits with his Kendo stick,
Ujio flattens Algren. |
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Thoroughly defeated and virtually
unconscious, Algren lies soaked and hurt in the wet mud as Ujio stands
over him, ready to dole out more punishment should the prisoner dare to
move. After repeatedly refusing to give in to Ujio, Algren has at least
earned some respect, if not sympathy, from those standing around watching. |
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During one of their conversations
the next day, Katsumoto teases Algren about his being taught the sword by
Ujio! However, the volatile Sword master is not at all happy when Algren
joins the fight training sessions the next day, and he walks up to
challenge him again. |
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He is about to tell the American
where to go, but is stopped when Katsumoto rides by, and signals for him
to allow Algren to learn the sword skills. It seems that Ujio must train
his enemy. |
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So, the training continues, and
Algren once again faces the unbeatable Ujio. The Sword master shows no
emotion as he faces the man he still considers his enemy: if he is not
allowed to kill him, he can at least inflict some pain on him! |
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The Samurai notice as Algren's
skills improve over the weeks; and some of them bet on the outcome of his
fights with Ujio. Algren is once again defeated and is getting very fed up
of losing, and of the inevitable pain that comes with defeat. |
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Ujio stares menacingly into
Algren's eyes, confident that the American will never be able to beat him
in a fight. |
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After two defeats, Algren recalls
Nobutada's words of advice to him. "No mind." He concentrates
and tries to empty his mind of everything but the task at hand, and faces
Ujio for the third time. |
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Ujio seems disbelieving, and rather
shocked, as in his third attempt, the American manages a draw against
him. |
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Ujio nods grudgingly at Algren in
acknowledgement of his draw. Algren bows to Ujio, but knows that he has
accomplished quite a feat in drawing against the Sword master, maybe he
would never beat him, but a draw was pretty damned good! |
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The village enjoy an evening comedy
drama, which Katsumoto himself participates in, bring a hearty laugh from
his son Nobutada, and a rare smile to the lips of the fierce Ujio.
As the people enjoy the show, Algren notices
someone moving on a rooftop and yells out a warning as a group of ninja
assassins attack the village. |
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Ujio urges his master to go inside,
so that he can be protected. It is imperative that the murder of Katsumoto
is prevented, and Ujio feels that his Lord would be safer indoors.
Katsumoto is reluctant to go, but is eventually persuaded by the
determined and loyal Ujio. |
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As Ujio and the Samurai warriors
fight off the ninjas outside, he is perhaps unaware that Katsumoto and
Algren are fighting for their lives indoors as the assassins break into
the house. |
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With the ninja assassins killed,
Ujio gives a triumphant yell, signaling the end of the fight. |
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Following the assassination
attempt, and with winter gone, it is time to leave Nobutada's village and
for Katsumoto to go to Tokyo to try and get an audience with the Emperor.
Algren is also to be returned to Tokyo. Ujio gives the command for the
troop to move off. |
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Katsumoto lead the Samurai into
Tokyo. He is determined to speak to the Emperor and to attend the
council.
Algren is returned to his post, but he has no
intention of leading the troops against the Samurai, who he has come to
admire and respect. |
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Ujio stares impassively ahead as
panic fills the streets, and the crowd either bow or run away as the
Samurai pass them. |
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Imprisoned by Omura, Katsumoto
feels that all is lost and contemplates Hara Kiri. Then Algren turns up
and informs Katsumoto that it is time to escape; they hear a few thuds
outside the door, and the door is opened to reveal Ujio, the guards
sprawled dead at his feet. He hands Algren the swords. |
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Algren, Ujio and Katsumoto make
their escape, stepping lightly over the result of Ujio's successful rescue
attempt, lying scattered about their feet. |
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As they escape, Katsumoto and Ujio
back in dismay as Nobutada is shot. Katsumoto's instinct is to go to his
son, but Ujio holds him back, knowing that it is imperative that his Lord
lives to fight on. Algren risks his life to bring Nobutada to his father,
but it is too late. |
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Ujio realises that they must leave
the dying boy, and urges the grieving Katsumoto to hurry. Nobutada tells
his father to go, and prepares himself for his death and to defend his
father and the Samurai with his last breath. He goes out bravely, taking a
few of the soldiers with him. |
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The time has come to face the
Imperial Army and Ujio, like the other Samurai, prepares himself for the
battle ahead in his own way. |
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Ujio performs the traditional dance
of death. Kagura and kyogen are included in the dance of death. His
movements, using his fan, are so beautiful and graceful.
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The dance of death is soulful, with
meaning in every movement that he performs. It is a wonderful contrast to the devastating ruthlessness that he is
capable of when facing an enemy. |
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As Ujio prepares himself to face
death, his dance shows another side of his samurai character, a side that is
serene and disciplined, and in touch with himself, and his God. |
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Ujio is incensed when he sees
Algren emerging from Taka's house wearing Hirotoro's armour. |
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Eventually he puts his feelings
aside, tugs Algren's armour into place, and accepts that the Captain will
fight with them. |
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It is time to leave the village.
Ujio and the Samurai shout out their battle cry, psyching themselves up
for the fight to come. |
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The Samurai are amused as Katsumoto
informs them that the Imperial Army have refused to surrender to them!
Even Ujio manages a rare smile! |
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On Katsumoto's order, Ujio dons his
distinguishable long horned helmet. Get into position men... it's time to
fight. |
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Leading the charge of the Samurai
cavalry against their enemies, Ujio, with spear in hand, easily finds his
target. |
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His helmet tossed aside, and his horse
gone, Ujio roars out his battle cry, and throws himself into the fight,
unafraid of death to come. |
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Ujio's Samurai sword flails through
the air, slicing at anyone near him. At close range, the soldiers stand no
chance against his fury, his power and his swordsmanship. |
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Then, Ujio grimaces as he feels a
bullet rip through his body as he is shot in the back by a soldier. |
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Down on his knees and wounded, Ujio
is determined to fight on... it's going to take more than one bullet to
finish off this hardened warrior! |
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Brushing away his comrade's offers
of help, Ujio barks out orders to the other Samurai. |
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Against all odds, the Samurai win
the first skirmish through sheer tactical brilliance, strength and
willpower. A shot Ujio
surveys the battlefield. |
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Katsumoto, flanked by Ujio and
Algren look on, and prepare themselves to charge the enemy, knowing that
the odds are heavily against them because of the artillery and Howitzers
that face them. |
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His face streaked with his enemies'
blood, Ujio glares at his enemies and looks as if he is relishing the last
fight to come. |
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Sword drawn, Ujio is ready to do
battle to the death. |
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Ujio, Katsumoto and Algren push
their horses in a final charge against the Imperial Army. |
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Charging at the army's guns and
cannon, the Samurai are brought down in droves. The bullets tear into Ujio. |
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Ujio and his horse fall as he is
killed by a hail of the army's bullets. As befitting a Samurai, he
dies an honorable warrior's death. |
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