Wow. This one was a very pleasant surprise. I hope to one day see this lost film included on lists of the best samurai films ever. Its release by Surviving Elements and Diabolik DVD is cause for celebration. I had never heard of it before seeing it go up for sale on Diabolik in a limited Blu-ray pressing. I took a chance thinking it would be a silly genre picture with some titillating exploitation elements (well, there are topless ninja seductresses!) I also expected it to have horror elements, but in reality the samurai is merely haunted by his past life decisions and the incompatibility of his samurai code with his own conscience. The film is carefully constructed, frequently treating the viewer to beautiful cinematography and unexpected moments of grace. I will revisit this one for sure. Seek this out, even if you have to turn to eBay. If you're a fan of samurai films, you need this in your collection. Here's hoping Surviving Elements and Diabolik can bring us more lost treasure.
