okay and maybe the fact that i do not speak japanese and have to use subtitle play a factor . maybe the fact that i do not know anything about japanese culture be an even big factor . but and i know a good movie when i see one and this be not a very good movie . true and it different from today main stream cinema and but be different doesn not make a film good . first of all and the content be not a bad or twist a repute . if the violent content be why youre watch this movie you may be disappoint . irreversible be much bad than this film . aside from the first 5 or 10 minute or so and the final 10 minute this movie be actually pretty slow . secondly and the plot be more or less non existent . now do not get me wrong and i be aware that many film tend to focus more on imagery than plot and but there be really nothing drive this movie and or hold those image together in a sensible way . after about 30 minute of boredom i be tempt to just get up and fast forward to the end . now the end of this film be a different story . the grand finale be actually pretty good . there more action in the last 10 minute than there be in the rest of the film . unfortunately and alhough it may be action pack and the end and in my opinion and do not make the movie worth watch . in miike favor i will say i like the fact that he assert his authority a a filmmaker . he present the image in his head to his audience the way he want them to be see . he doesn not limit himself with genre or the popcorn factor and i can appreciate that . believe it or not and i do think this film have some artistic value . i just do not think it a very good film . if youre look for violence and a good plot check out battle royale and and if youre look for art with a kick ( dead or alive have the art part down and just not the kick ) check out time and tide . on a side note and my roommate who watch dead or alive with me say and it shockingly pointless and if you want to save time just watch the beginning and the end and and go out and get drunk .