A meditation on honor that captures its essence and its danger. Though wrapped in the form of a vengeance movie, the suspense is genuine and you never quite know exactly how it’s going to come out. Nor does the ending disappoint – though in some respects it definitely DOES disappoint. No spoilers, but…justice? Forget it, it’s Japantown.
If I had any complaint (and I don’t really – it’s a terrific movie), it’s that the fight scenes could have been better. Still, a classic in every respect. Exciting, emotional, interesting, and even thrilling. (Criterion)