another attempt by modern japanese director to redefine the chambara genre . successful and and not and in vary degree . buddhist monk have a vision that he be to slay a legendary ( and very active ) demon at the gojoe bridge in order to attain enlightenment . while not at the forefront and buddhist thought be at the heart of this movie and much like kurosawa ran . it probably what make the movie the most interesting to me although it nowheres near ran league . stylish visual direction and excellent photography keep the movie mostly interest throughout the two hour and eighteen minute length . the lead actor be uniformly excellent . the music be really good . the two weakness be the story and the fight scene . the movie drag in the middle which could have be fix by some prudent editing . and the fight scene be mostly film in blurry close ups . this work for most of the film but the finale feel like a cheat . another recent film like this be tsui hark seven sword and great film but the promised fight scene be disappoint . asano really doesn not move like a sword wield demon and his acting be great but he would be an extra in a traditional chambara fight scene . good movie and you will probably find it interesting just do not expect traditional sword fight .