Perfection At Every Level.

Rating: 10/10 (11 October 1999)

This is one of the few "perfect" films that I have ever seen. It is staggeringly good on whichever level you choose. Taking the best aspects of the Shakespeare sub-structure, but perfectly satisfying in its own right; Cataclysmic, cast-of-thousands (well, hundreds!) battle scenes; big issues of loyalty, betrayal, revenge, man's destiny to struggle and suffer in a godless universe; intensely personal, immaculately acted scenes to point up character and motivation; exquisite imagery and cinematography (making the sky the real star of the film!).
Mieko Harada (playing Lady Kaede) dominates the screen whenever she appears. Her character is so ruthless it almost defies belief. The scene in which she pulls a knife on Lord Jiro is one that gives me goosebumps whenever I think of it, and one of my top 3 scenes in any film.
This is a film that treats the viewer as an intelligent adult, and has the density of content to repeatedly reward. This is why we keep going to the cinema: the hope of finding another film this good.