If you want to watch this film, you HAVE to watch the 2 following movies.
Together, they make more of a TV show season! And alone, this introductory story isn't particularly satisfying.. nor does it feel as if it provides a complete narrative either, as it tries to tell the entire life of Musashi Miyamoto. And so, I review the entire story and not just this first entry here (otherwise, I would have to lower its score by quite a margin).
I feel it has pacing issues, a lack of focus in some themes and moments, and constantly shifts to other things without a proper setup or conclusion. It's also has elements of period "romance", which is sometimes hard to enjoy (specially for those not accustomed to Japanese culture). It also lacks excitement or truly memorable moments (be it battles or interactions).. but it does have a good cast and the famed and always impressive Toshiro Mifune, and it is very well produced. I wasn't particularly blown away, but I also ended up watching them one after the other. So, while I would have wanted to get more out of it, it is enough to satisfy a fan of these films.. albeit barely.
Together, they make more of a TV show season! And alone, this introductory story isn't particularly satisfying.. nor does it feel as if it provides a complete narrative either, as it tries to tell the entire life of Musashi Miyamoto. And so, I review the entire story and not just this first entry here (otherwise, I would have to lower its score by quite a margin).
I feel it has pacing issues, a lack of focus in some themes and moments, and constantly shifts to other things without a proper setup or conclusion. It's also has elements of period "romance", which is sometimes hard to enjoy (specially for those not accustomed to Japanese culture). It also lacks excitement or truly memorable moments (be it battles or interactions).. but it does have a good cast and the famed and always impressive Toshiro Mifune, and it is very well produced. I wasn't particularly blown away, but I also ended up watching them one after the other. So, while I would have wanted to get more out of it, it is enough to satisfy a fan of these films.. albeit barely.