Samurai Assassin

Good people, hear thee what happened at the snow-swept Sakurada Gate on March 3rd, 1860. Apart from the initial tsunami of names, ranks and roles, there is little to fault. Perhaps just the music could have been more inventive, a little livelier in places and narrator was rather overused, but otherwise no amount of praise is enough. As usual, Mifune is the embodiment of charisma going hand in hand with his masterful acting. The others also hold at the top of the “damn good performance" column. It’s suspenseful, for fans of Shakespearesque tangled relationships and intrigue this is otter bliss and others if nothing else can enjoy one of the most beautiful “painting" camerawork to be seen anywhere. If I were to choose any frame of this movie, it would make a perfect still to hang above my bed. Especially any of exteriors, full of rain and snow. Not to speak of the final delicious clash, of the drunken singing, about the camerawork, about Mifune... But I’m repeating myself. (22.04.2008)