Reviews

The settings and photography in this film are not "grand" but give the impression of realism and the grittiness of life in feudal times. The storytelling devices and attention to detail are core to the feeling I took away from this film, which was one of dipping into a tiny slice of time but seeing a myriad of ageless issues (honour, duty, grief, non-ambition, family priorities). However, what really impressed me was the way the main part (played by Hiroyuki Sanada) grew through the film. At the beginning of the film he seemed physically smaller, his whole demeanour and features were weak and insignificant. Having never seen him act before, I felt I was going to struggle to relate to this man as a lead role. It was incredible to see him (partly through acting and partly through subtle directing) grow into the figure we see at the end; he's taller with wide shoulders and strong features, yet remains a gentle and humble man. This is a very touching film and one which I could definitely watch over and over.

I liked this film a lot, mainly because it's one of those that are so difficult to categorise, explain, or capture in a few sentences; however it is definitely memorable for many reasons.. the slow pace shows a director mature beyond his years, the humour is refreshingly subtle, the performances are all excellent. Nothing much really happens in this film, and what does happen is understated, so that we take much more notice of each detail. These details are a mixture of film homage and glimpses of tremendous imagination, all woven into a nonchalantly meandering story. Through this rich detail the film becomes extremely curious, effortlessly funny, touching but unsentimental, and in a strange way pretty real. All good stuff.

When I first saw this film, it was at a cinema, and it blew me away; straight into my all-time top 3. So good in so many ways! BUT I just watched it again on video - the dubbed English Language version. Epic cinematography never transfers well to the small screen, but when the sound is compromised as well.... you must ONLY watch the Chinese version (subtitled), and on the largest screen available to you!