This action-horror-thriller from Japan begins with the main character, Akemi, leading an imperialist attack against the rival Goudan clan.
Akemi is a master swordstress; the enforcer for a Yakuza-like clan known as the Tachibanas- of which she is second in line to inherit leadership of. One element of a five person team: all of whom are marked with a segment of dragon tattooed across their backs. Their collective technique and style, renders them best described as the Dragon Force. And, seeing as Akemi is their leader...she sports the head.
While engaged in this opening battle, Akemi is about to strike down the Goudan leader...when his younger sister- Aiko- suddenly rushes to his side, in an attempt to beg for his life to be spared. But Akemi strikes without flinching. And when she does, she accidentally grazes the face of Aiko, as well. Blinding her in the process.
At this moment a strange black cat appears, lapping up the blood oozing from Aoki's eyes...before leaping at Akemi.
Whereas the Tachibana clan emerge from the battle largely victorious, most of their men are killed, or imprisoned- lncluding Akemi. While locked up, she suffers from recurring nightmares that haunt her with images of Aoki and the cat. Though, she still manages to use this oppourtunity to rebuild her fighting force in Orange-Is-The-New-Black fashion.
Once Akemi is released from prison, the Tachibana clan confront a rival gang called the Azoras- who had taken control of their territory in her absence. The rival gang leader is a hilariously, bizarre character who walks around in assless chaps. If anyone has caught Guy Moshe's Bunraku, it's quite evident that Kevin McKidd's Killer #2 character (and his gang of redcoats) are based off this guy (and his gang).
A local, social justice oriented, lone wolf-type, named Tatsu, intervenes in the confrontation on behalf of Akemi and the Tachibanas- though he does not represent any particular clan, himself. Either way, it is his intervention that helps run the Azoras off...and Akemi won't forget it- as she's become enamoured by him.
Everything seems to be going well for the Tachibanas after this. That is, until a traitor named Aniki, aligns himself with the Dobashi clan- who are planning to rid themselves of the Tachibana's, once and for all. The Dobashi leader has been hatching a plot to manufacture a conflict between the Tachibanas and Azoras, with the hope they will severely weaken each other in a war- allowing their clan to move in and seize control in the aftermath.
A mysterious blind woman suddenly shows up and presents herself to the Dobashis- seeking employment and wishing to join their cause. After testing her skills, their leader accepts her proposition- allowing her to join the ranks. Though, it quickly becomes clear that she is the one manipulating the Dobashi leader into acting on her suggestions.
This mysterious woman is Aoki. She has become a witch, who uses a black cat- and madman that acts like a cat- to plague Akemi and the Tachibanas with her curse.
This is where stuff starts to get a bit confusing and weird... After going to what has got to be one of the oddest stage-show attractions ever seen, some Tachibana members are found murdered...only to reanimate into what seems like a zombie-type state. While others are killed and left with the tattoos skinned from their backs.
Only Akemi knows what is going on. As, in each instance, she witnessed the presence of a black cat and/or the madman. She is well aware that it is Aoki, out to reap vengeance on her and those she is close to- mainly, Tatsu and her clan. Hence why Aoki and the Dobashis use them against her.
Inevitably, the whole story wraps up with an epically, atmospheric showdown where Akemi and Aoki go head-to-head with one another. However, --SPOILER-- it doesn't end in bloodshed. As, when Akemi slays the cat- who tries to blindside her at one point- Aoki snaps out of the demonic trance that had beholden her, and which was responsible for diving her toward rage and revenge.
Seems Aoki wasn't doing the cursing after all. Rather, she had been the one who was cursed all along.
This is a beautifully stylish film, with a great blend of action, mystery, horror and comedy. The characters are particularly excellent. Especially Kantoro, and the Azora leader- who is just wild. My biggest beef with this film would be the editing, which I found to be quite choppy and amateurish at parts (but that is really nitpicking). It's particularly worth watching for it's female-oriented cast- all of whom do a great job, other than at a few weak sword fighting scenes (though this is the fault of both the male and female actors). I did feel the ending was a bit abrupt, but I liked how Ishii wraps things up. Thoroughly enjoyed the film, overall.
6.5 out of 10.
