Hidden Zombie Samurai Action Classic You Must Discover Now

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Regardless if you’re more into zombie or samurai films, it’s no secret that certain titles are considered genre classics, with very few overlooked. In the case of zombie movies, the abundance of titles has made it challenging to find pre-Internet-era films that didn’t get swept up in the online popularity wave. A movie often hailed as a classic for its unique combination of horror and action has become somewhat obscure: the 2000 Japanese film, Versus.

Gathered with limited funds, the movie “Versus” draws inspiration from diverse sources such as ’80s horror flicks and Jet Li action films. When it initially hit the screens, “Versus” caused quite a stir, its fame spreading through word of mouth and sharing on smaller specialized forums. Now, it’s largely overlooked, but anyone seeking a fast-paced horror-thriller should definitely revisit “Versus”, catch it again, or discover it for the first time.

‘Versus’ Is ‘Evil Dead’ with Guns and Swords

In a place known as the “Forest of Resurrection,” where the 444th portal links the realm of the deceased to the living world, several lives intertwine. Among them are an anonymous fugitive, a captive girl, and some members of the Yakuza criminal organization. A coincidental encounter sets off a brutal clash, signaling the start of their ordeals. Following this violent incident in the accursed forest, corpses from countless centuries rise, armed with swords, firearms, and an insatiable hunger for human flesh. The group finds themselves embroiled in a protracted fight against one another and the undead.

Money for the movie “Versus” was primarily obtained through self-funding by director Ryûhei Kitamura, resulting in an approximate total budget of $10,000. This production would function as a more refined edition of his earlier work, the 1997 film “Down to Hell,” featuring a smaller budget and a runtime under 50 minutes. Undeniably, the tight budget didn’t discourage Kitamura, who found significant inspiration in Sam Raimi’s Evil Dead, which gained horror icon status despite being produced on a minimal budget.

Versus employs numerous camera techniques and gory scenes akin to those found in other productions to generate an exciting pandemonium on a shoestring budget. However, Versus is not merely a carbon copy of Evil Dead, as it sets itself apart with its unique blend of inspirations derived from classical Japanese samurai films and Hong Kong action flicks. The action sequences exhibit a hint of fantasy and exaggerated absurdity, paying tribute to the timeless classics of both genres. Action director Yûji Shimomura and lead actor Tak Sakaguchi played crucial roles in making these sequences stand out, resulting in a movie that offers slick, blood-drenched action scenes throughout.

What Makes ‘Versus’ a Must-Watch for Action and Horror Fans

If the intriguing origins of the movie don’t already pique your interest as a prospective viewer, Versus exudes an irresistible sense of cool throughout its entirety. The film swiftly establishes its premise and concentrates on intense and visually striking fight sequences with eccentric characters. The storyline in Versus might be sparse, but those seeking mindless entertainment will find this style highly appealing. It aims to deliver stylish violence infused with dark humor and little else. For fans of gory spectacles, Versus offers numerous scenes of chest-bursting shotgun blasts, heads being sliced vertically and horizontally by samurai swords, and punches that result in heart removals.

This film boasts a mix of pulsating techno tunes and humor, with witty one-liners adding a comedic touch to the intense action scenes. Despite its eccentric, quirky elements, the movie maintains a balance, avoiding excessive campiness, and offers an electrifying blend of action and horror genres that is brutally violent in its execution.

It’s worth noting that this film has generally positive reviews online. On Letterboxd, it scores 3.4 out of 5, on IMDB it receives a 6.3, and on Rotten Tomatoes, it earns a 75%. The lower ratings are primarily from viewers who found the movie’s all-action, no-plot style not to their liking. So, it’s essential to consider this aspect before deciding whether to watch it yourself.

Why You Have Not Seen ‘Versus’ and How to Change That

It’s a bit of an exaggeration to claim that no one has seen Versus. If you were a fan of Japanese films around the early 2000s, chances are you might have come across this iconic zombie movie. Its success significantly boosted both director Ryûhei Kitamura’s and actor Tak Sakaguchi’s careers. In fact, Kitamura’s notable accomplishments include directing one of the early Asian productions for an American film, Midnight Meat Train in 2008. Despite some criticism, this project is still somewhat overlooked. Nowadays, he primarily works in Hollywood, with four out of his last five projects being in English.

Although Versus, known for its cult status, doesn’t guarantee that all such movies become eternal classics. Some viewers might scoff at the suggestion of watching Versus, given its excessive promotion in the past. However, many younger and modern horror enthusiasts may not be familiar with it. As seasoned cinematic veterans, it’s our responsibility to occasionally revive forgotten films and praise them anew! Versus certainly merits rediscovery, shaking off the dust of time like its zombie characters and returning for a fresh audience; the film is entertaining from start to finish. Though not currently available for streaming, Versus can be rented on Apple TV, Fandango Now, Amazon Video, or YouTube.

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2025-04-28 00:38