I am new to Japanese films and I did watch most of "Samurai I" and II before watching "Samurai III". I wasn't going to watch these but I did stick it out and get through them as I had recorded them on TV. And while I'm still not a big fan of this genre, they did grow on me somewhat as I got used to the Japanese style and behavior. By the end I could predict that the moral lessons would dictate the outcome of the duel. Unfortunately, the duel at the end of III is a bit disappointing, I was hoping for some better swordfight action, but I guess it was in line with the previous action shown. Though the cinematography and settings were very nice. I am rating all three of these Samurai films a 5/10. If I were Japanese and this was my culture and history I would probably rate them higher, but for me that is how I feel. And I do find it is interesting and apparent how American western films influenced Japanese films such as this, and how Japanese films like this also influenced later American and Italian westerns, almost like in a reflexive loop.
