Top 10 The World's Highest-Paid Athletes

Global athletes earn some of the highest wages in the world. We've listed the top 10 athletes based on how much they are paid from forbes. There are top 10 the world's highest-paid athletes:

Bryant had the highest salary in the NBA for the fifth straight year at $23.5 million in 2014-15. Bryant took a $7 million pay cut on his Lakers' salary last season under the two-year, $48.5 million extension he signed in 2013. Injuries limited the 17-time All-Star to only 41 games combined over the past two seasons. The five-time NBA champion still has deals with Nike, Lenovo, Hublot and Panini, but is moving away from straight endorsement deals in favor of being part of businesses. His future includes Kobe Inc., which he set up in 2013. The firm's first investment was $4-6 million in 2014 to buy more than 10% of emerging sports drink BodyArmor. Bryant will sit on BodyArmour's board of directors and focus on the marketing and branding of the product.

Golf pro Tiger Woods has earned $1.35 billion since turning pro in 1996 with barely 10% of the total derived from prize money. The bulk of Woods' fortune was generated from endorsements with the likes of Accenture, AT&T, Buick, Nike and Gatorade. All of those companies have left Woods, but Nike who has stuck by the 14-time Majors winner and pays him more than $20 million a year. Nike built a $711 million-in-sales golf division on the back of Woods.Other current partners include Hero MotoCorp, Kowa, MusclePharm, Rolex and Upper Deck. The first Woods-designed golf course opened last year in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Injuries have hampered Woods the last two years and he is currently sidelined after back surgery in September. He turns 40 at the end of December 2015.

Mickelson earns more than $40 million annually from appearances and endorsement partners Callaway, Barclays, KPMG, Exxon Mobil, Rolex and Amgen. He picked up a deal to promote psoriatic arthritis drug Enbrel after he was diagnosed with the disease in 2010 and used the drug for his treatment. The five-time Major champion re-upped with Callaway last year in a multi-year deal to use Callaway's clubs, balls and bag during tournaments. It continues a partnership that began in 2004. Mickelson has racked up 42 PGA victories (ninth all-time), but his last win came two years ago at the 2013 British Open. His $77 million in career prize money ranks second all-time.

The four-time NBA scoring champ won his first MVP trophy in 2014 after leading the Oklahoma Thunder to the second best record in the NBA. The 2015-16 season is the final year on the $85 million contract he signed with the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2010. Durant inked a blockbuster, 10-year deal with Nike in 2014 that could be worth up to $300 million, including royalties. It is the richest endorsement deal of any active athlete. Nike is one of a dozen sponsors in Durant's arsenal, which also includes BBVA, Sprint, Sonic, Panini, 2K Sports, Skullcandy and more.

James is the first NBA player to appear in five straight NBA Finals since the Boston Celtics dynasty of the 1960s. The NBA's four-time MVP returned to Cleveland in July 2014 when he signed a two-year, $42.1 million contract after four seasons in Miami. James inked the shorter deal, instead of a richer four-year pact, so he could be a free agent again in 2016 when the NBA's new $24 billion TV deals kick in and sends the salary cap soaring. The NBA's top pitchman added Kia Motors to his endorsement portfolio, which already included Nike, McDonald's, Coca-Cola, Samsung, Beats by Dre, Upper Deck, Tencent and Audemars Piguet. Sales of his signature Nike shoes were tops among active players at $340 million in the U.S. during 2014, according to research firm SportsOneSource. His Cavs jersey was also the NBA's best-seller.

After seeing his world ranking drop to No. 7 in 2013, Federer rebounded last year and finished the year ranked second. He continues to be among the world's best players 17 years after he turned pro. He holds the records for most singles Grand Slam wins (17) and career prize money ($90 million). He appeared in a staggering 18 out of 19 Grand Slam finals between 2005 and 2010. His endorsement portfolio is filled with long-term deals with blue-chip companies like Nike, Rolex and Credit Suisse. He extended his Mercedes-Benz deal at the end of 2014 for another three years. His sponsors collectively pay him more than $40 million annually. The latest addition is a five-year pact with Sunrise, the largest private telecommunications provider in Switzerland.

In 2014, Barcelona awarded their record four-time FIFA player of the year with a $9 million a year raise in his 7th contract since 2005 to bring his take home pay to $50 million a year through 2018. The Argentine holds records for most goals in Barca competitions, most goals in La Liga competitions, most goals scored in a calendar year and most hat tricks scored. His superhuman talent is why sponsor Samsung cast him as superhero Iron Man in their ad to promote the Avengers film. It's also why his main sponsor Adidas launched a Messi icon line of shoes and apparel which has exceeded company sales expectations, including in the U.S.

The three-time and reigning FIFA best player in the world has scored 60 or more goals in each of the last four calendar years and averages a goal a game for his club Real Madrid. He has a $50+ million a year salary (with bonuses) through 2018 to show for it. He's also the world's most popular athlete, with 102 million Facebook and 35 million Twitter followers. His commercially good looks have landed him mega sponsorships with Nike and his own underwear and shirt line CR7.

Pacquiao's $125 million payday for his bout against Floyd Mayweather was four times his previous high for a boxing match (Pacman's boxing earnings also include $23 million for his November fight against Chris Algieri). Pacquiao boosted his income further through endorsement deals with Nike, Foot Locker, Wonderful Pistachios, Nestle's Butterfinger and a handful in the Philippines. The pugilist and Filipino Congressman is sidelined for the rest of 2015 after shoulder surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff.

Mayweather's $300 million year shatters the record for athlete earnings, which was previously held by Tiger Woods who banked $115 million in 2008. Mayweather's May 2 fight against Manny Pacquiao crushed multiple boxing financial records, including PPV buys (4.4 million), total gate ($73 million) and sponsorships ($13 million). The fight is expected to gross more than $600 million once everything is counted. Mayweather has typically shunned endorsement deals, but inked agreements with Hublot, FanDuel and Burger King ahead of the May fight. The Pacquiao fight marked the fifth bout in the blockbuster 30-month, six fight deal he signed with Showtime in 2013. Mayweather, whose record stands at 48-0, plans to fight in September to complete his Showtime deal and then retire.

10 Richest People in Indonesia

Indonesia is one of the giant economy in South East Asia and it has been experiencing a wonderful economic development for almost a decade, surpassing its neighbors in South East Asia. With the incredible development in economic sectors, Indonesia is now in the spotlight of the world. Dubbed as one of the major emerging economies, Indonesia economy is shifting to more industrialized and diversified sectors as can be seen from its group of business tycoons who are racing against each other to stay ahead in the competition. Some of the business tycoons are diversifying its fortunes to the latest startup trends such as e-commerce and other innovations in the country. This is the list of 10 richest business tycoons in Indonesia :

10. Tahir USD 2 Billion

       

Tahir was recently awarded the Bintang JasaUtama by President Joko Widodo for his contribution in the nation’s economic development. Tahir was famous for surviving the 1998 economic crisis. Its then-biggest investment Mayapada Bank, is one of the few banks who were able to survive the crisis. Tahir then sold Bank Mayapada in 2015 for USD 150 million and use the money to buy some properties in Indonesia and Japan. Tahir owns multiple businesses such as Medico, an online hospital management system.

By looking at the recent development of the economic condition in the country, there might be some additional new names to the list, especially after the rupiah consistent weakening throughout the year 2015 which surely hit even the biggest conglomerates in the country. But, I think it is safe to bet that the top two conglomerates will not change any time soon, as their primary source of money is from the tobacco industry, which is an unbelievably huge market in Indonesia.

9.  Mochtar Riady USD 2.2 Billion

MochtarRiady is the iconic business tycoon in Indonesia who founded the global conglomerate, Lippo Group. Today, the group is famously known as development company that has done some monumental projects in Indonesia. However, Lippo started as a commercial bank back in 1950. Lippo’s most recent initiative is MatahariMall.com, an e-commerce website whose ambition is to be the Alibaba of Indonesia. 

8.   Boenjamin Setiawan – USD 3 Billion

Dr. Boen is famous for its pharmaceuticals company, Kalbe Farma, a dominant player in the industry. Dr. Boen co-founded Kalbe Farma along with his six brothers. Kalbe Farma then grew to be Kalbe Group, a diversified group which focuses on the healthcare and food industry in Indonesia. Kalbe Farma’s medicine can be found in almost every drug stores, some of its famous brand are Promag and Extra Joss.

7.   Bachtiar Karim – USD 3.3 Billion

Bachtiar Karim generates most of its fortunes from being in the CPO (palm oil) business with its Musim Mas Group. Musim Mas was founded in 1932 by Bachtiar’s grandfather as a company which produces soap. Only then in 1988, Musim Mas started to diversify its business by entering the palm oil scene in Indonesia and has been known as one of the powerhouse in palm oil industry.

6.   Sri Prakash Lohia – USD 4.7 Billion

Graduated from University of Delhi with Bachelor of Commerce degree, Sri Prakash Lohia founded its money machine, Indorama with his father 40 years ago. Indorama is the giant in petrochemical industry in Indonesia. The Lohia family is a business tycoon family with other member of the family runs business giants in Thailand and India. Today, Indorama presents in several countries including Nigeria and Singapore. 

5.   Chairul Tanjung – USD 4.8 Billion

Few years ago, Chairul Tanjung was never in the radar of richest people in Indonesia. ChairulTanjung marks the start of itsentrepreneurship journey by founding a company that produce shoes for children, Tanjung co-founded the company with two other partners by using a bank loan of 150 million rupiah. Today, ChairulTanjung’s conglomerate group, CT Corp runs several businesses in the media, financial, food and fashion sectors.

4.   Eka Tjipta Widjaja – USD 5.3 Billion

Famous for its property giant, Sinarmas Group, Eka Tjipta Widjaja founded Sinarmas Group in 1962. Sinarmas operates in multiple sectors such as pulp & paper, real estate, telecommunications and mining. Sinarmas group recently acquired London’s iconic Alphabeta Building for USD 400 million. 

3.   Anthoni Salim – USD 5.5 Billion

Anthoni Salim is a self-made billionaire. Anthoni leads Salim Group to bounce back from the 1998 economic crisis in Indonesia. During the crisis, Salim Group was drowning in debt which forced Anthoni Salim to sell some of its businesses such as Bank Central Asia, the country’s largest private lender.

Today, Salim probably most well-known for its instant noodle product, Indomie produced by PT Indofood SuksesMakmur. Indomie is famous for its tasty instant noodle and has been consumed in several countries including USA, Australia and some European countries. Recently, Indofood has created another hype in the market by introducing Indomie-flavored chitato (potato chip snack).

2.   Susilo Wonowidjojo – USD 5.5 Billion

Susilo Wonowidjojo is the second generation of Wonowidjojo family, Susilo’s father Surya Wonowidjojo founded GudangGaram, a giant in Indonesia kretek cigarette industry. Despite its status as second richest man in Indonesia, Susilo’s wealth used to drastically decline during 2011 – 2014 due to scarcity of clove (main ingredients in kretek cigarette). Susilo lost USD 2 billion during that period. 

1.   Hartono Family – USD 15.4 Billion

Historically, Hartono family is most well-known from its kretek cigarette, Djarum.Budi Hartono and Michael Hartono inherited one of the leading kretek cigarette maker in Indonesia when they were in their early 20s. Djarum started as a small business in Kudus, Central Java. Djarum was the first cigarette maker in Indonesia to modernize its production process and use machine to produce its cigarettes.

Today, Hartono family is undoubtedly one of the most well-diversified conglomerates in Indonesia. The family runs countless businesses in multiple different sectors. The conglomerates’ presence are virtually everywhere, ranging from banking sector with Bank Central Asia, electronics through Polytron, to venture capital firm like GDP Venture, Hartono family runs it all. One of its recent initiatives is an e-commerce platform known as blibli.com. 

Top 10 Most Famous Indonesian Traditional Songs

Too often adult songs that played on TV and radio make the Indonesian folk songs are forgotten by us. This situation is making us like there is no nationalist spirit in Indonesian people.

But there is a way one of them is by providing information on traditional songs that 'had' Popular, and even still popular until the end of time for us, it is meant for us especially the children who did not know about the richness of our culture.

What is the difference of traditional songs and modern songs? The traditional songs will always be popular all the time, while modern songs as we hear the hustle and bustle only can stand one month. Prove it!

Indonesian folk songs are very diverse because of the many tribes in this country. In fact, with the diversity of the traditional song, Indonesia has often lived up to its name through various international choir competitions in the category of folklore.

Here are 10 of the most famous Indonesian traditional songs or folk songs in my version.


10. Jali-Jali




The traditional song from Jakarta which popularized by M. Sagi (often spelled M. Sjaugi) in 1942. The song was played using a violin at that time and finally become a Betawi folk song. In 1942, the song was sung in an interactive conversation way between woman and man.

The Quotation Lyrics:

Inilah dia sijali-jali
Lagunya enak, lagunya enak
Merdu sekali
Capek sedikit tidak peduli sayang
Asalkan tuan, asalkan tua
Senang di hati


9. Yamko Rambe Yamko



The song comes from Papua. This song is about war, which killing each other between nations. It is telling about the patriots who sacrificed their life to protect and defend our nation from imperialist. Although the tempo of the song seems carefree and happy, actually the meaning of the song is quite sad.

The Quotation Lyrics:
Hee yamko rambe yamko
Aronawa kombe
Hee yamko rambe yamko
Aronawa kombe
Teemi nokibe kubano ko bombe ko
Yu mano bungo awe ade


8. Tokecang



The song which is show happiness comes from West Java. The song is going more to be popular after it’s become a soundtrack for the children TV serial in the past. This song is actually a companion for a traditional game. Tokecang for some people are meant there is a gecko which eat nuts.

The Quotation Lyrics:
Tokecang tokecang bala gendir tosblong
Angeun kacang angeun kacang sapariuk kosong
Tokecang tokecang bala gendir tosblong
Angeun kacang angeun kacang sapariuk kosong


7. Si Patokaan



It is an ancient rhyme or poetry which gave from a Minahasa mother for his son who already get the puberty. And that’s the time for a child to earn his own living. The rhyme is mean that a mother really loves his son and don’t want to be left with their children. The song comes from Minahasa, North Sulawesi.

The Quotation Lyrics:
Sayang-sayang, Si Patokaan
Matego tego gorokan Sayang
Sayang-sayang, Si Patokaan
Matego tego gorokan Sayang


6. Gundul Pacul



The Song which comes from Central Java was reportedly made in the 1400’s by Sunan Kalijaga and friends who have a deep philosophical meaning. Gundul Pacul means that a true leader is not the one who was given a crown, but the one who was carrying a hoe for hoeing, and seeking prosperity for their people.

The Quotation Lyrics:
Gundul- gundul pacul cul gemblelengan.
nyunggi-nyunggi wakul kul gemblelengan
wakul ngglimpang segane dadi sak latar


5. Naik-Naik Ke Puncak Gunung



The Song comes from Maluku. It is telling a story about a trip to the mountain.

The Quotation Lyrics:
Naik naik ke puncak gunung
Tinggi tinggi sekali
Naik naik ke puncak gunung
Tinggi tinggi sekali


4. Injit-Injit Semut

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The song also as well as a companion song for a traditional game which originally from Jambi. The game is simple, just pinch on back hand each other if one of the players cannot stand the pain going up and pinch the other one and so on and so on. But who is can stand of the pain and never going up to turn to pinch another one he is the winner.

The Quotation Lyrics:
Injit injit semut
Siapa sakit naik diatas
Injit injit semut walau sakit
Jangan dilepas


3. Cublak-cublak Suweng



The song comes from the East Java singer as a companion song to a traditional game that one of the players should prune and another player puts a finger to his back. The player who is prone should guess what finger that another player put on his back.

The Quotation Lyrics:
cublak cublak suweng
suwenge ting geletek
nganggo kepudung solek
tak ijo royo-royo
sopo gelem delekake
sir – sir pong ‘dele bodhong
sir – sir pong ‘dele bodhong
sir – sir pong ‘dele bodhong-dhong-dhong–dhong


2. Anak Kambing Saya



The song comes from ​​East Nusa Tenggara. This song is very interactive which like the first person give a question and then the second one answer that. This Folksong was modified to be a little bit modern for maintaining the live in children. Actually, there are many folk songs from NTT which as popular as it, but I don’t share it in this article.

The Quotation Lyrics:
Mana di mana anak kambing saya
Anak kambing tuan ada di pohon waru
Mana di mana jantung hati saya
Jantung hati tuan ada di kampung baru


1. Ampar-Ampar Pisang



The song comes from the province of South Kalimantan / South Kalimantan with its made by Hamiedan AC.

The content of the song ampar-ampar pisang tell about a banana that spread and be crowded with tiny little animals that can fly and pleased with the aroma of banana. This animal is known in Kalimantan people as Bari Bari. At the end of the song is told about the animal which scared by the children in the past (see the word "dikitip bidawang" meaning bitten by biawak some kind like big lizard). It seems the word dikitip bidawang it used to frighten children who liked to steal bananas or Rimpi cake, which is still in the process of drying.

The Quotation Lyrics:
Ampar-ampar pisang
Pisangku balum masak
Masak sabigi, dihurung bari-bari 2x
Masak sabigi, dihurung bari-bari 2x


How then guys? Is it the songs take you flash back into your childhood? You know what, although the songs are played rarely, but I still remember and enjoy it every time I hear the songs again. It is so many songs from this country and it is popular. So guys, be Proud to be an Indonesian

Top 10 Greatest Inventors

10. Alexander Graham Bell

Alexander Graham Bell was born on March 3, 1847 in Scotland. Bell comes from an educated family. His father, Alexander Melville Bell is a psychologist and his grandfather Alexander Bell was a professor. Alexander was always interested in something related to sound. He had studied experiment with tuning fork and a magnet that produces sound. Alexander also had taught in a special school of the deaf in 1870. In 1875, along with his assistant named Thomas A Watson, Graham Bell made a tool that can recognize the voice. Together Waston, Bell attempted to create a means of communication with the conductor of the electric wave. Research conducted by using voice control and a magnet to deliver sound. Finally created a phone receiver and transmitter are shaped in the form of a thin black disk mounted in front of the electromagnet.

9. Thomas Alva Edison

Thomas Alva Edison was born on February 11, 1847 in Ohio, USA. At school, he was always regarded as ignorant children. So he should be released from the school. Behind the assumption that, edison have succeeded in creating in 1000 the invention. The first objects created by edison is an electronic voice recorder. At the time, he just turned 21 years old. Unfortunately he never sold his work to the public. In 1877 he began seriously to make new findings. It creates a phonograph. The phonograph is a tool to play a recording. Edison's most famous invention is the bulb. Edison light bulb has developed technology in 1879. While Edison did not invent the light bulb first, but he managed to develop a more practical light. Therefore, the artificial light is suitable to be installed at home.

8. Henry Ford

Since the discovery of the car, the car can only be enjoyed by people who are really rich. Until one day Henry Ford sought to create sebuauh car that can be enjoyed by many people. Henry Ford also started manufacture Car massively. He was born on July 30, 1863 in the United States. Since the age of 16, he is already an expert in the field of machinery. In 1896, he was able to create his first car, and in 1903, he founded the car company Ford. At that time, the only car produced by individuals, so the price is very expensive. So Ford wants to make cars that can be produced by many. Consequences production car Ford has changed the lifestyle of the people, especially the American population. Besides it easier for people to travel, vehicle even this price is very low, thus making industry run more efficiently. T car is the first car launched by the company Ford. T car made in 1905, and is often called the Tin Lizzie. In an instant T car demand even higher. Between 1908 until 1927, one of the two cars made is a car T. With sturdy construction and a relatively cheap price, it is suitable for high society.

7. Samuel F.B Morse

Samuel finley Breese Morse was born on April 27, 1791, in Massachusetts, USA. Morse had always imagined can send a message to the whole world. He is actually not a scientist or technologist but he remains eager to realize his dream. Morse managed to create the first telegraph telegraph in 1835. It is run at New York University building where he taught as a teacher seni. Sothey do not have the money, make a Morse telegraph from scrap materials. In addition to inventing the telegraph, Samuel Morse also will be remembered for discovering Morse code. Morse code is a system message in the form dot "." And the "-". Morse code can be sent through sound and light.

6. Joseph Nicephore Niepce

Joseph Nicéphore born on March 7, 1765 in France. People know him as the inventor of the photo and is a pioneer of photography. Niepce successfully made history by capturing the image in 1820. Niepce capable of recording images in the form of photos the first time in about 1926. The photos capture the sights that are around her neighborhood. For the picture recorded on the lead sheet coated with asphalt. Asphalt selected because if exposed to light will harden. To print a photo with a camera obskura, it takes a strong hand. then he is looking for new ways to make photos with lithography. In this way, the image is placed on a flat stone or plate. for this trial, he was assisted by his son. In addition to the photos, he also found Velociped in 1818. In addition, he also found that the combustion engine is an engine with the fuel system.

5. Alan Turing

Born with the full name of Alan Mathison Turing on July 23, 1912, he started the beginning of modern computer era. Beginning in 1945 to 1947 Alan Turing worked at the National Physical Laboratory. He tried to find a design of a computer model automatically. On February 19, 1946 Alan Turing describes in detail the computer storage program in his writings. But it was only on May 10, 1950 sestem computer recently launched Pilot acce. In 1948, when he berkeja in the math department, Manchester, he seeks to create an initial upload their software as a computer. The computer is called the 'Manchester Mark I'. For his services to the world of computers, many universities world reward him. One of them is a bronze statue of Alan Turing was opened to the public June 23, 1001 in Sackville Park, Manchester.

4. Philo Taylor Farnsworth

One of the inventors who made us grateful for is the inventor of television. Philo Taylor Fransworth is the first person who managed to find a television. Fransworth born in America on 16 August 1906. Before finding television, Farnsworth was very interested in the world is the success he elektronik. Only fix the phone so that it can be used to communicate with his brother abroad. In addition, there are many discoveries are still disimpin in the attic. In fact recorded not only Fransworth that produces television with wave elekttromagnet. Among them was Alexander Bain, Paul Nipkow, Karl Ferdinand Braun, and John Logie Braid. Television's first successful artificial Fransworth shown to the media on September 1, 1928. As of August 25, 1934, Fransworth managed to show their trial for airing a television show directly to all the public.

3. Richard Trevithick

Richard Trevithick was a mining expert and inventor of the UK. Trevithick was born on April 13, 1771. Trvithick is the first to successfully build a steam train. In addition, he also built an iron rail trains are running. Since the age of 19 years, Trevithick had worked in the mines. Therefore at that time many mines use a steam engine, Trevithick interested in studying the steam engine. He also got a job as an assembler of the steam engine. The steam engines used in mining to pump water out of the mine. In 1803, Trevithick make a steam engine that is used to pull a cart machine. The machine can be moved with the help of an iron rail. If using wood, this will cause the steam engine will be more easily damaged than using iron. Catch-Me-Who-Can is the first steam locomotive made in Trevithick. This train was made in 1808. The train is also able to move up to speeds of 20km / h.

2. Kirkpatrick Mac Millan

Kirkpatrick Macmillan was born on 2 September 1812 in Dumfries-shire, Scotland. He was a blacksmith's son. Mac Millan is famous for his creation of the two-wheeled bicycle. Bicycle is the development of a 'hobby horse'. Hobby Horse is an early form of the bike, but without footing for paddling gear and move the bike. When the Mac Millan dreaming if, if he could ride his bike without having to tread on the ground. Although considered crazy, but she was trying to realize his dream. The first bike made in Macmillan is much simpler than a bike now. Mac-made bike much heavier counted, because the wheels are made of wood coated with iron. So the driver must push first.

The first experiment was conducted by Macmillan is very surprising, because a local newspaper wrote Dumfries-shire shocking news. "A man driving home Dumfries-shire 'Velociped' with an odd shape" the paper also announced that Mac Millan hit a little girl with her bike.

1. Johannes Gutenberg

Johannes Gutenberg was a miner, who was born 1398 in Mainz, Germany. Johannes Gutenberg was the first to succeed in making the printing press and change the old-fashioned way of making books. In 1438, Gutenberg made printing machine is simple by using only a metal rod carved letters. Letter from the trunks are then compiled and added to a paint and then be printed to paper.

The book results from the famous Gutenberg printing press was the Bible. The book organized into 42 lines per page. Book created in 1455, to the decorations are still made by hand.

Top 10 Best Samurai Films of All Time

10. The Twillight Samurai / Tasogare Seibei (2002)

The Movie favouring character-driven drama over more traditional action beats, Twilight Samurai follows the tale of a 19th century samurai who attempts to protect a battered woman (who is also a former love) whilst conforming to the rigid demands of feudal society. Wildly popular in Japan, it was picked up on by Western critics and eventually nominated for a foreign language Oscar.

The Samurai Seibei Iguchi is a profoundly likeable hero, what with his slightly dog-eared appearance and long-suffering expression. Having sold his sword to pay for his wife's funeral, defending the honour of his childhood sweetheart is going to be harder than it ought to be.

While the idea of a samurai movie conjures up ideas of complex choreography and severed limbs, this low key character piece shows a different side to the genre. Well worth seeking out, it's a thoughtful, affecting drama with a pleasingly uplifting ending.

9. Seven Samurai (1954)

The Seven Samurai is an all-time legendary picture, produced by renowned director Akira Kurosaw. It follows the story of a group of villagers who, upon overhearing the cruel plan of a group of bandits, decide to protect their harvest and homeland by hiring a group of mercenary samurai. Due to poverty and food shortages, the villagers are limited in their choices, but by stroke of luck, they successfully find seven samurai to take on their cause, and a tale of class and cultural conflict ensues (much like in the film’s 1960 Hollywood western re-make, The Magnificent Seven), packed to the brim with heart-thumping action sequences and heart-wrenching twists.

8. 13 Assassins (2010)

Takeshi Miike takes on the samurai movie with this lavish period drama set in mid-nineteenth century Japan, following the exploits of a band of assassins charged with murdering the sadistic brother of the ruling Shogun. Shinzaemon is the man charged with assassinating the despot in waiting, and sensibly, he decides to recruit a further twelve sword-swingers in order to combat Lord Naritsugu's private army. Honourable, wise and battle-worn, he's just the kind of character you want to see leading the charge. It's not perfect, with several of the titular 13 afforded little in the way of characterisation, but in terms of kinetic, blood-spattered action, 13 Assassins delivers in spades. Miike deserves credit for reviving a flagging genre, without sacrificing any of the old-school trappings that made it great in the first place.

7. Kagemusha (1980)

A must-watch film from Kurosawa of Palme d’Or fame, Kagemusha tells the story of a lowly criminal raised to all new social heights by learning to impersonate a local warlord and stave off attacks from nearby warring clans. During the production, Kurosawa hired over 5,000 extras as fodder for the dramatic final battle scene and selected only the best 90 seconds for the final release.

When a powerful warlord in medieval Japan dies, a poor thief recruited to impersonate him finds difficulty living up to his role and clashes with the spirit of the warlord during turbulent times in the kingdom.

6. Chushingura (1962)

Based upon one of Japan's most revered folk stories, oft-described as the country's "national legend", this famous adaptation follows a group of 18th century assassins seeking revenge on the court official who forced their master to commit seppuku. 47 loyal samurais, who suddenly find themselves masterless after Lord Asano is forced to kill himself. Knowing they too will be fired to commit seppuku should they exact their revenge, they get set to embark upon a very bloody mission indeed.

Whilst film's like Seven Samurai are more relatable to a Western audience, Chushingura is immersed in the rules and regulations of the traditional samurai, a world in which bloody revenge can be taken, but only on the understanding that one will have to kill oneself afterwards. A must-watch for anyone hoping to understand what the way of the samurai is all about.

5. Tales of Ugetsu (1953)

Based on Ueda Akinari’s book of the same name, this movie directed by the acclaimed Kenji Mizoguchi centers on the struggle of two peasant families pursuing different dreams, leading them to follow divergent life paths. The impressive plot structure of the masterpiece is full of surprising twists and there is an ever-present tension between the themes of morality, family loyalty and dreaming that does well to critique the contemporary Azuchi–Momoyamaperiod of Japan. Viewers also enjoy a glimpse of national culture through the eye-wateringly wonderful and Oscar-nominated costumes throughout.

4. Lone Wolf And Cub: Sword Of Vengeance (1972)

The first in a series of six films, Lone Wolf And Cub: Sword Of Vengeance follows the adventures of Ogami Itt, a wandering assassin for hire who roams the Japanese countryside with his young son Daigoro in search of the hit squad who murdered his wife. It is a gruff, unsmiling sort, which is probably to be expected given what's happened to him. As for his parenting skills, he's fairly hardline. When Daigoro was a baby, Itt gave him the choice between a ball or a sword. Had the youngster chosen the ball, Itt had resolved to kill him. Good job he grabbed the sword then It's a ridiculously cool revenge story, and the final showdown provides everything you could hope for from such a scenario. Even Daigoro's baby carriage comes into play, harbouring an armoured underside and a host of concealed weaponry. Gratifyingly grisly, it's the samurai movie at its most down and dirty.

3. Yojimbo (1961)

Another masterpiece directed by Akira Kurosaw, Yojimbo never disappoints viewers with its enthralling and complex plot lines. Feeling discontent with an ongoing war between gang leaders Seibei and Ushitora, a masterless samurai decides to go vigilante, eliminate the gangs and restore peace in the area. Sanjuro, a wandering samurai enters a rural town in nineteenth century Japan. After learning from the innkeeper that the town is divided between two gangsters, he plays one side off against the other. His efforts are complicated by the arrival of the wily Unosuke, the son of one of the gangsters, who owns a revolver. Unosuke has Sanjuro beaten after he reunites an abducted woman with her husband and son, then massacres his father's opponents. During the slaughter, the samurai escapes with the help of the innkeeper; but while recuperating at a nearby temple, he learns of innkeeper's abduction by Unosuke, and returns to the town to confront him.

2. Harakiri (1962)         

Peace in 17th-century Japan causes the Shogunate's breakup of warrior clans, throwing thousands of samurai out of work and into poverty. An honorable end to such fate under the samurai code is ritual suicide, or hara-kiri (self-inflicted disembowelment). An elder warrior, Hanshiro Tsugumo (Tatsuya Nakadai) seeks admittance to the house of a feudal lord to commit the act. There, he learns of the fate of his son-in-law, a young samurai who sought work at the house but was instead barbarically forced to commit traditional hara-kiri in an excruciating manner with a dull bamboo blade. In flashbacks the samurai tells the tragic story of his son-in-law, and how he was forced to sell his real sword to support his sick wife and child. Tsugumo thus sets in motion a tense showdown of revenge against the house.

1. 1. Sanjuro (1962)

Another masterfully directed and acted moving picture from Kurosawa and Toshiro Mifune, Sanjuro is the sequel to the director’s 1961 Yojimbo. Sanjuro – a ronin who happens to overhear the plans of nine young samurai to fight against their corrupt superintendent – decides to lead the ploy and the fight for justice. The action comes to a head with one of the most intense stand-offs in Japanese film history, while the movie also makes a commentary on the nature of violence and life – “the best swords are the ones that are kept in their scabbards” reads the final mantra.