Merolliv I really wanted to like this movie. I feel terribly cynical trashing it, and that's why I'm giving it a middling 5. Actually, I'm giving it a 5 because there were some superb performances.

Voxitype Good films always raise compelling questions, whether the format is fiction or documentary fact.

InformationRap This is one of the few movies I've ever seen where the whole audience broke into spontaneous, loud applause a third of the way in.

Bob This is one of the best movies I’ve seen in a very long time. You have to go and see this on the big screen.

Boba_Fett1138 Let me just say I had absolutely no idea what this movie was about, before I watched it. It was rather surprising to find out this was being an old fashioned, slower type of samurai movie, with homosexual themes weaved into it.You could say the movie is being a bit of a lackluster and also lacks an epic or spectacular type of vibe to it but then again, this totally wasn't the sort of approach that the movie was going for. Some people will appreciate this movie even all the more for that fact that is a slower type of movie, that focuses on its characters and their dynamics and its surprising themes.It was good to see a modern samurai movie, that wasn't taking a modern movie approach. You could even say that the movie takes a more sort of Akira Kurosawa approach to its storytelling and film-making. Still this would had been a better movie if it actually got made a couple of decades earlier. That way the movie would had made a far greater impact with its story and themes that are all in it.Now the movie just doesn't ever come across as anything provoking. It's still original but not really a movie that made a great impact on me, with any of themes and emotions. It's definitely a maintaining and special little movie but in my book really not a must-see. Perhaps it would had been if it had a more interesting main plot line in it. Instead now the movie is meandering on with its different character plot lines, instead of purely focusing on one story and one eventual goal, with all of it. It's not like the story is not focused but I would had simply preferred it if there was a more clear main plot line in it.Definitely a watchable and original genre movie, that is worth giving a go, despite of all my criticism.7/10 http://bobafett1138.blogspot.com/

kaos-23 I happened to catch this film on BBC4 last night. My attention was immediately caught by the stunning Japanese setting, and as the film progressed, by the unusual storyline.This film is about the Shinsen militia: a group of samurai in shogun times. The story explores the homoerotic tensions between the men, as well as the conflict with another militia (group of samurai).In a way, not much happens in the film, but at the same time, it is fascinating from beginning to end. Takeshi 'Beat' Kitano gives an impressive performance as one of the older samurai, and in fact all the actors are very good.While the overall atmosphere of the film is quite dark, there are many funny moments which lift the mood. The humour is quite subtle - no slapstick here.The film is visually stunning, with wonderful use of light and colour to emphasise the mood of each scene. The Japanese mountains, lakes, and buildings look gorgeous.There are some moments in the film which are quite graphic, both sex and violence. However, this is not done in a gratuitous or grotesque way, and I didn't find it offensive.Overall, as another reviewer has commented, this film is somewhat cold. Despite the powerful events that happen in the film, they don't really emotionally involve you as a viewer. The film almost feels like a parable rather than a 'realistic' story.In summary, this is a gorgeous-looking film with an unusual subject matter, which is well worth watching.

ingietsultrim Most of the reviewers here presume that homosexuality is the 'taboo', but that is the one thing that is clearly accepted by one & all... so what is the taboo? Is it the lust for killing in the murderer? (Reflected so beautifully in the open & controlled lust in most of the other characters...). I loved the film, subtle & beautiful... & my only dislikes are the awful "Everything comes to those who wait" corny screen cards between some of the scenes... & that it was too short... it could have explored both lusts further, & perhaps explored some controlled fear of the killings... For those who are confused as to who the killer really is, just remember his response to being asked why he joined the military. Give it a try!

marinika Gohatto is a movie done extremely aestheticly in a true Japanese tradition (it almost seems that colors were specially chosen for each scene to give you the incredible feeling of understanding what will happen next). It is erotic, which is cruel and sweet at the same time. Not to mention - hot ;)The soundtracks create a weird mystical effect, giving the events a slightly different meaning and keeping the viewer glued to the screen even when nothing is going on.The movie leaves more questions then it answers, keeping your thoughts on it for a long time. It is full of symbols that are not easy to decode having a non-Japanese menthality. Kept me wanting to see it over and over (like it usually is with anime), each time finding something new and incredible.A perfect work of art, by a true master.