Copious use of stage blood

Rating: Null/10 (19 January 2000)

More stage blood was used in this film than in any other I have seen. In the indoor battle scenes it literally pours from the second floor. Indoor and outdoor it sprays onto any available surface. Unfortunately the color of the blood is just a bit to watery and not dark enough, or maybe the color was off on the tape I watched. The battle scenes are intense and spectacular, except the sequence of one of the warriors falling off a horse and getting stepped on as a group rides by is replayed several times.
Other than lots and lots and lots of stage blood this film does have a good plot and strong characters. The plot is based on King Lear, but IÕm not sure how closely. Also someone finally broke the bundle of sticks. (You know how in every youth group this situation arises. You each get a twig and break it then you put all your twigs together and the idea is you canÕt break them. The moral is teamwork=good Yuck!) Just for the scene where the son breaks the bundle of arrows this is an excellent movie. The acting is also good, especially Lady Kaede.
The only bummer is the ending of the film, although I get the idea that it was supposed to be a bit of a joke. My recommendation is to see this movie if you like gore, and strong characterization.