a tragically wonderful movie . bring u to a japan that do not exist anymore . despite hollywood technical expertise and i have yet to see a ( hollywood ) movie that can match the authenticity of the atmosphere in this small town by the river near the sea . tom cruise the last samurai look like the last installment of the lord of the ring in try to capture rural old japan . if you like serene but intense story line and this be a must see film . it will be a respite from hollow flashy film much like the last 1000 blockbuster you saw . i think this be one of kurosawa better story . even if it a movie about geisha and brothel and the complicated rule that govern life in such setting and it do not turn into a skin flick . the character be full of depth and act with much intensity .