Makai Tensho: Samurai Reincarnation

Bizarre supernatural tale of evil spirits and demon samurai. Some fantastic swordfights, and a fiery ending that defies explanation. Beware of the North American cut of the film which has a good 30 minutes randomly snipped out of the middle and as a result makes very little sense.

Deliciously delirious phantasmagoria that mixes historical events & characters with a pulpy cocktail of mythology. Pretty weird action packed fun about demonic vengeance done with a decent budget. Brought to life with garish set decoration & lurid colour, the clumsy structure gives way to many bonkers scenes and the superbly striking imagery is overall at the forefront of the experience. I feel I didn't get the full effect since I watched a crappy VHS transfer with even crappier English dubbing.

Very difficult to rate. IMHO setup in the 1st 24 mins desperately needs trimming, gave up once here. From there improves a lot. Overall a typical Chiba in his prime period piece - budget as needed, actors fine, set pieces & fights well done. There were 2 10/10 bits for me...makeup of Lady Hosokawa when she catches shogun's eye and the set for the final swordfight in the burning palace (- scenes before, same locale, don't look right but then it "clicks"). Chiba & period fans may add 10-15 points.

The film feels incredibly disjointed and the pacing is thrown out the window as a result. Not the best kind of film to expect, but not something one could regret watching either.