i personally think the movie be pretty good and very good acting by tadanobu asano of ichi the killer fame . i really can not say much about the story and but there be part that confuse me a little too much and and overall i think the movie be just too lengthy . other than that however and the movie contain superb act great fighting and a lot of the location be beautifully shot and great effect and and a lot of sword play . another solid effort by tadanobu asano in my opinion . well i really can not say anymore about the movie and but if youre only outlook on asian cinema be crouch tiger hidden dragon or house of fly dagger and i would suggest you try to rent it and but if youre a die hard asian cinema fan i would say this have to be in your collection very good japanese film .