Sword of Doom (2005, DVD)

This 1966 film by director Okamoto Kihachi is a classic of Japanese cinema. Based on one of the longest serialized novels ever and conceived originally as the first in a trilogy of films (which explains the ending of the film), it follows the career of Ryunosuke, a sociopathic samurai who happens to be an unbeatable swordsman with a unique technique. The great actor Nakadai Tatsuya's (Ran, Seppuku) portrayal of the lead character is mesmerizing, and the direction of the film is very striking visually.

Also in the film, although in a briefer role, is Mifune Toshiro, the better known of the two actors in the West (Yojimbo, Seven Samurai, and many others). Although his appearances are brief, he fills the screen while he's on.

There are two scenes that are absolutely unforgettable. A battle at night during a snowstorm and the final ten-minute scene. Some people may find parts of the movie slow (as it hails from a time when character development and dialogue had at least equal billing with action), but for action junkies, these two scenes will be ample compensation for other parts.

In my opinion, one of the film's great strengths is the treatment of the central character. In Hollywood, every bad guy has some redeeming feature (Darth Vader comes through in the end...Hannibal Lecter makes us laugh). If they don't, they get killed. Ryunosuke as no redeeming qualities. Nada. Zip.

Highly recommended for any serious student of film, samurai movies, or slow-motion train wrecks.