Disappointing

Rating: 7/10 (16 February 2004)

To me, the big disappointment with this film is the predictability of the script. From the moment Algren is captured by Katsumoto, it's possible to guess with some accuracy every single cliche that's going to be sprung onto us.
Yes, it was well made with some excellent cinematography (although nowhere near as sumptuous as Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon with which it'll be most compared). Cruise & Watanabe both give competent performances without ever crossing the "Wow!" threshold.
An entertaining enough evening although don't think for a moment you're going to see a classic.