The movie has some very visually striking moments, such as when Osumi and Ensai recover the relics.
The story isn't one much of substance. It is a light-hearted adventure movie with magic and giant monsters. But it does have Osumi making friends with a group of Uighurs and helping them in their situation. As of today, this element gives the film an extra layer of political relevance.
It's a stealth remake of 'Samurai Pirate' in some ways. It has the same witch and wizard as before, as well as Toshiro Mifune, Akiko Wakabayashi and Mie Hama.
The witch and wizard aren't used much, but some of the things they do in the film are truly remarkable. My favourite part is when the witch disguises herself as the Queen to destroy Osumi in the Hell Pond, but the wizard has put Osumi under a sleeping spell to outwit her.
This movie makes you wonder at first why Osumi keeps being Ensai's "slave" despite the fact that Ensai set him free. Then you realize that Osumi cares for Ensai no matter what. As the king said, "Here is a man with a pure heart".
If you compare this movie to Ben Hur or Samson and Delilah, you'll find that Senkichi Taniguchi, unlike Cecil B. Demille, casted stars who got you to care about the characters.
The story isn't one much of substance. It is a light-hearted adventure movie with magic and giant monsters. But it does have Osumi making friends with a group of Uighurs and helping them in their situation. As of today, this element gives the film an extra layer of political relevance.
It's a stealth remake of 'Samurai Pirate' in some ways. It has the same witch and wizard as before, as well as Toshiro Mifune, Akiko Wakabayashi and Mie Hama.
The witch and wizard aren't used much, but some of the things they do in the film are truly remarkable. My favourite part is when the witch disguises herself as the Queen to destroy Osumi in the Hell Pond, but the wizard has put Osumi under a sleeping spell to outwit her.
This movie makes you wonder at first why Osumi keeps being Ensai's "slave" despite the fact that Ensai set him free. Then you realize that Osumi cares for Ensai no matter what. As the king said, "Here is a man with a pure heart".
If you compare this movie to Ben Hur or Samson and Delilah, you'll find that Senkichi Taniguchi, unlike Cecil B. Demille, casted stars who got you to care about the characters.