Orochi

This was a very good film that was bogged down by feeling much longer than it really was. The narration was good as was the score and the Finale with the police was thrilling.

This film is so idiotic. Main hero is a complete dumbass, so it's really hard to feel for him. Full of unintentional comedy. Still it was an interesting experience since I saw it with live benshi and a band.

A picture known for spearheading the introduction of more modern sensibilities to the historical action genre in Japan. The protagonist's dedication to the usual theatrical notion of honor comes off as naive and doomed in a frankly unfair and corrupt world (a point the film hammers home a bit repetitively). Also, the kabuki style gets ditched for sped-up, hectic scuffles. The emotionally charged rapid-cut montage towards the end is a surprisingly stand-out bit of directing.