Samurai III: Duel on Ganryu Island is a more story focused film than the more action filled first two. Having said this, there are still some wonderfully staged fights and the final duel, while being only a few minutes in length, is one of the most beautiful and well filmed in all of cinema. Cinematography is top notch showcasing the gorgeous scenery and skies which only add to the great script and cast. The film bring Musashi Miyamoto full circle and we are left with many conclusions to the story's questions. This is my favorite of the trilogy and shows that battle scenes and action, while serving a story instead of being the story, make for great and meaningful films!

Beautiful scenery and colors return in this last part of the legend of Musashi Miyamoto. Kojiro becomes singly obsessed with his ambition to become famous and kill Musashi in a fight. Musashi has matured much, taking up carving, and is no longer seeking fame. Twice he postpones the duel with Kojiro. Akemi starts off to find Musashi again but ends up a prostitute until her path crosses Kojiro again and he tells her where Musashi has been. Otsu has still been searching for Musashi even though she strangely rejected his advances in the previous part. Musashi has not forgotten Otsu but thinks she does not wish to be with him anymore. I can see how a man would be confused by her behavior. The young boy, Jotaro, has continued to be a disciple of Musashi since the previous year and movie, and Musashi has picked up a horse-wrangler as another disciple. These three head to a small village to continue training, and while there, protect the villagers from bandits. Musashi builds a house in this village and begins finding much peace in farming, which is what he was trying to get away from in the beginning. Otsu finds Musashi and they renew their relationship. Akemi is nearly there too when a bunch of bandits vow revenge on Musashi and realize they can use Akemi in their scheme. Akemi sets everyone off their guard, sends a signal to the bandits allowing them to attack, and fights Otsu for Musashi, but in the end she dies. Musashi has been living the simple life in the village for a year as he promised so Kojiro finally sends for him. Musashi and Kojiro finally have a grand face off. It doesn't last long, but it is stunning. Musashi uses nature against his opponent. They fight on the west coast beach of an island during sun set. The sun behind Musashi makes it hard for Kojiro to see him and Musashi is able to deliver a lethal blow. Musashi realizes that Kojiro was probably the greatest challenger he would ever face, and so Musashi can now go back to Otsu, settle down, and give up a life of the sword!