The Hidden Blade on DVD (2004)

brian green from scotland [Highly rated reviewer] , 11/05/2006

took this to make up the numbers + was pleasantly surprised !.not the usual swoosh , there goes an arm etc.the main character in this is indeed a samuria but has never drawn his blade in anger,so dont go looking for zatoichi 2.instead we get a little bit of story & some satisfying bloodletting. 4 stars then !

  4 out of 4 people found this review helpful

Read all reviews

A customer from London, England , 22/04/2007

Well I would have enjoyed this more if I hadn't already seen the Twilight Samurai. Problem being it is an almost identical story and subsequently holds little interest.

If you've not seen Twilight Samurai then go for it.

  4 out of 4 people found this review helpful

Read all reviews

itstinks , 15/01/2007

A samurai is saddened when he sees the old traditions dying, the troops are being taught the western way of marching and running (great slapstick comedy) the usage of guns and artillery and thus removing the personal challenge aspect of war and that the heqads of the clan are lapsing into loose morals. He cannot bear the mistreatment of an ex-servant in her new household and rescues her from certain death ut this is misunderstood by those around and as his caste is higher than hers he cannot marry her. All these problems are brought to a head plus he has to fight an old friend to the death. A superbly photographed sweetly told story with heart.

  3 out of 3 people found this review helpful

Read all reviews

A customer from England , 10/05/2006

This film has atmospheric Japanese scenery, great sets, fine performances and a compelling story about a lower ranking samurai torn between obedience to corrupt masters and modernization in mid-19th century Japan. The scenes of soldiers learning how to shoot guns, and run western-style are funny, but also emblematic of the struggle. The film also has plot twists that set it apart from other samurai films

  2 out of 2 people found this review helpful

Read all reviews

A customer from England , 10/05/2006

This film has atmospheric Japanese scenery, great sets, fine performances and a compelling story about a lower ranking samurai torn between obedience to corrupt masters and modernization in mid-19th century Japan. The scenes of soldiers learning how to shoot guns, and run western-style are funny, but also emblematic of the struggle. The film also has plot twists that set it apart from other samurai films

  2 out of 2 people found this review helpful

Read all highest rated reviews

AndrewE from Hampton , 23/03/2008

Reminiscent in some ways of Yamada's Twilight Samurai but in my view this is an even better film. A beautiful romance, combined with a moderate amount of samurai bloodiness, tempered with occasional humour, all beautifully photographed to make a truly first class Japanese perod drama.

Read all highest rated reviews