Irezumi ichidai

As a fan of Suzuki's films I find this lesser known one to be his best. The story is told very traditionally and has some interesting facets. There is the unexpected love story and an uncommon setting. The love story in particular and the way it evolves is handled with the greatest of care and without any of the madness that trademarks some of the author's films. So Suzuki slowly builds an intrigue which although quite original is perfectly understandable. And then he boils down all of what he is notorious for, expressive colors, exquisite angles,... in the final act which you will want to watch over and over again. If you are scared away by the slow pacing of some Japanese film this one will reward you with this final act which I found to be one of the most memorable ever.