What drove the Shinsengumi to chase their dreams instead of following the times?
Siba Ryotaro, the author of the timeless masterpiece “Moeyo Ken,” has now had his work adapted into a movie by director Harada Masato. The film has been in theaters since October 15th, with Okada Junichi as the leading actor, portraying none other than Hijikata Toshizo, the vice-commander of the Shinsengumi, who was feared as a demon.
The catchphrase of this film is “Don’t follow the times, chase your dreams.”
What kindled the spirit of Hijikata Toshizo, referred to as “Baragaki”?
Why don’t follow the times? What are the dreams? The answers to these questions reveal the vivid portrayal of Hijikata Toshizo, who was called “Baragaki” for his thorny and dangerous nature, like a child who would hurt you if you carelessly touched him. That’s what Hijikata is called in his hometown, Musashi Tama.
The upheaval in an era is fueled by the fleeting atmosphere that ignites the passions of people. These young men, if we dare call them the imperialism and exclusionism generation, were deeply immersed in the fervor of running right through the heart of their time.
However, the Hijikata portrayed by Okada, while blocking out the loud cries of imperialism from his surroundings, contorts his face and mutters, “I hate following trends, you know.”
Hijikata’s fiery spirit wasn’t driven by the imperialism and exclusionism. Holding the legendary sword “Izuminokami Kanesada” in his hand, he leaps into the turbulent era, burning with his own resolve. He said, “Our Ten’nen Rishin-ryu (natural, intuitive style) was a crude, rural swordsmanship. But it was exceptionally powerful in real combat… Baragaki was always in fights, dreaming of becoming a samurai.”
Noteworthy information that Shiba Ryotaro referenced in his novel
It is widely known that Siba Ryotaro drew on the book “Shinsengumi Shimatsuki” by Shimozawa Kan as a reference.
This valuable record, based on testimonies about the Shinsengumi, contains accounts of the time when squad member Hieda Rihachi was recruited.
“At that time, the reputation of the Kyoto Shinsengumi was quite something among swordsmen, and joining this squad was like fulfilling a young boy’s dream. (…) As there was a rumor that Toshizo-sensei was staying at Kondo Isami’s residence in Ushigome Nijukimachi, I went there with two or three friends. (…) They opened the folding screen, and out came Toshizo-sensei, dressed in a black haori with a crest, and wearing Sendai plain clothes. He was such a handsome man; he looked like a daimyo with ten thousand or twenty thousand koku. He tied his hair in a topknot and said, ‘Thank you for your trouble; I am Hijikata Toshizo.’ Then, we had various small talk, and in the end, he was recruited as a squad member and given the travel allowance. (…) On October 21st, waiting for dawn, we gathered at Kondo’s residence in Ushigome Nijukimachi and set out together. Toshizo-sensei walked as well. It was a sunny autumn day, with a clear blue sky, and we were walking with excitement as if we had the prospect of success right in front of our eyes.”
This is the appearance of the 32-year-old Hijikata after the assassination of Serizawa Kamo, who achieved fame with the Ikedaya Incident in Keio 3 (1867). It brings to mind the heyday of the Shinsengumi, which expanded its ranks to 200 members, guarding the streets of Kyoto.
Gradually left behind by the times, the Shinsengumi
The Shinsengumi gradually fell behind the times.
However, the Shinsengumi gradually became left behind by the times.
Dealing with the government’s orders, internal divisions, and defeat in battles against the government forces, the members of the Shinsengumi faced persecution.
The vivid blue uniforms, which were dyed with Dandara patterns, are nowhere to be found in this film.
What appears on the screen is a group dressed in indigo-dyed uniforms, a black ensemble that symbolizes a motley crew and foretells their impending doom. Eventually, Kondo Isami (played by Suzuki Ryohei) and Okita Soji (played by Yamada Ryosuke) are extinguished like the flame blown out by a gust of wind, one by one, leaving behind a tragic fate.
Brushing off the clinging death with a surge of life…
As the times change, with voices calling for “Revere the Emperor, Expel the Barbarians” and conflicts between the government and the rebels, Hijikata remains steadfast in his beliefs, continuing to advance straight ahead. Brushing off the clinging death with a surge of life…
The Hijikata portrayed by Okada is a hearty eater. He holds his chopsticks firmly and savor his food with his belly—just like a wild dog, he “eats” with enthusiasm. Even in his final moments, he leaves behind a radiant image.
[Movie Information]
Title: Baragaki: Unbroken Samura
Director: Harada Masato
Starring: Okada Junichi, Shibasaki Kou, Suzuki Ryohei, Yamada Ryosuke, Ito Hideaki Runtime: 148 minutes
Year of Production: 2021
Country of Production: Japan
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