Plot by Imdb:"Two ronin - an ex-samurai and an ex-farmer - get caught up in a local officials complex game of murder and betrayal."
Technically impressive and beautifully framed, this classical tale of two extremely different characters, one disillusioned ex-samurai and a poor farmer wannabe samurai, being thrown into a local treacherous politics maneuvers, finds its originality in its constant humor and ironic comments on Japanese Medieval stereotypes. Kihachi Okamoto knew his craft well, having directed such Chambara classics as "Samurai" and the amazing "The sword of Doom" (both with Toshiro Mifune), and once again he delivers. Photography, framing, lightning, editing, etc, all technical aspects are excellent and should be praised but what really tops everything else are the actors performances. The two main characters are likeable and complex. They try to find their own way in the mist of the violent and erratic events happening all around them. Tatsuya nakadai, who'll be a Akira Kurusawa favorites many years later, is just wonderful in his depiction of a cynical character in search of his own way.
Apparently inspired by Sergio Leone and its Spaghetti western original style, the "comic book" approach is clearly visible here. Once again, a Japanese classic Jidaigeki happens to be a very special movie: a Chambara satire, hilarious, deep and exhilarating at the same time. Highly recommended for fans of the genre.
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