The Hidden Blade (Kakushi ken oni no tsume) 2004

Munezo Katagiri, an honest and low ranking samurai is trapped in a state of personal and professional imbalance. Secretly in love with his family's maid, Kie, Munezo begins an uneasy courtship with her, knowing that a relationship is impossible. Raised to respect traditions from the past and the demanding moral code of the samurai, circumstances have now forced Munezo to look to the future. Required to master western military strategies, particularly the art of artillery, Munezo is ordered to find and kill Yaichiro, a former friend, samurai, and brilliant swordsman. Munezo knows that he cannot beat Yaichiro with fire power alone, so he enlists the help of his old teacher, Kansai Toda, a master swordsman who entrusts Munezo with the secret and power of The Hidden Blade.

Director: Yamada Yoji

Stars: Nagase Masatoshi, Matsu Takako, Ozawa Yukiyoshi, Tanaka Min

JDramaMama's Rating: A+

This is simply a brilliant movie by the wonderful director, Yamada Yoji. I absolutely loved everything about it: the acting, (especially of the lead, Nagase Masatoshi) the gorgeous cinematography, the OST and the ending. Matsu Takako is adorable as Kie, the maid that is loved by the samurai Munezo. A really well acted, exceptional film.

#Japan #samurai #revenge #jidaigeki #drama