Estalagem do Mal

The film begins in feudal Japan with a new police officer by the name of "Kaneko" (Shigeru Koyama) discussing the smuggling trade with another police official named "Okajima" (Ichiro Nakatani) with one particular operation at the forefront of their concern--an inhospitable inn located on a small island in a river which can only be accessed by small boats or a rickety old bridge connecting it to the mainland. But it's the clientele which makes this inn so dangerous as its regular patrons are an odd assortment of cutthroats, thieves and murderers who are extremely hostile to visitors. To that effect, the police want to close it down. The problem, however, is that this inn is protected by a rich and powerful government official and, as a result, they have to be extremely careful. Now, rather than reveal any more, I will just say that I enjoyed this movie due to its in-depth plot, good acting and solid character development. Admittedly, I would have preferred a bit more action or suspense here and there, but even so, I thought this was an entertaining film and I have rated it accordingly. Above average.