Legend Of The Eight Samurai (1983) Rating: Starring: Sonny Chiba, Mari Natsuki, Hiroyuki Sanada, Hiroko Yakushimaru Director: Kinji Fukasuku Category: Action / Adventure, Foreign Studio: Brentwood Subtitles: Length: 130 mins     Satomi Hakkenden mixes elements of fantasy, romance, adventure and traditional Samurai drama (Chambara). Inspired by the massive 106 volume 1814 epic Japanese novel Nanso Satomi Hakkenden, by Takizawa (Kyokutei) Bakin, Satomi Hakkenden modernizes and reinterprets the legend of the eight "Dog" heroes of the Satomi Clan of Awa Province. Upon her tragic death Princess Fume gives birth to the Hakkenshi (Eight Samurai) whose spirits are reincarnated in human form carrying mystic crystal beads signifying the virtues of Confucianism. Shizu (Yakushimaru, Hikoro) is a descendant of Princess Fume and is being hunted by the sinister forces of the Hikita Clan, whose Black magic-wielding, Lady Tamazusa (Natsuki, Mari) needs Shizu's blood to give herself eternal beauty. Enter the Hakkenshi who attempts to protect Shizu's from Tamazusa's minions and her Black Magic-spawned threats. During the course of their adventures, Shizu falls in love with one of her protectors, the wild-child Shinbei (Sanada, Hiroyuki) who just happens to be the bastard son of Lady Tamazusa. Producer Hiroyuki Kadokawa and legendary maverick director Kinji Fukusaku team-up with star Sonny Chiba to bring together this special-effects laden sensation.