A worthwhile and alternative addition to the vast range of Samurai films that have come out of Japan. It is a realistic and touching story of a low-level Samurai in feudal Japan with believable yet non-stereotypical characterisations.
It is slowly but satisfyingly paced with pleasant and effective use of music, sparingly used. The story develops believably with a satisfying ending. Narrated by its five year old character, now an elderly woman, it must resonate with modern day Japan with its recent economic upheavals, job insecurities and family strains - surely intentional by the writer/director.
A worthwhile couple of hours but not a classic
It is slowly but satisfyingly paced with pleasant and effective use of music, sparingly used. The story develops believably with a satisfying ending. Narrated by its five year old character, now an elderly woman, it must resonate with modern day Japan with its recent economic upheavals, job insecurities and family strains - surely intentional by the writer/director.
A worthwhile couple of hours but not a classic