Takashi Miike must have been snorting shredded wheat for months to dream up this confusion of so many different elements. Yes I know, how clever to incorporate elements of the historical Genpei war, the Wars of the Roses, the films of Sergio Leone, Akira Kurosawa and Sergio Corbucci in particular. Thanks Takashi, I know my history and have seen all the films ta. So we get the surreal sight of a western gunfighter with revolver in feudal Japan. But not so unfair as the main villain gets a gun just like Lee Van Cleef's in "For a Few Dollars More". Then we have the Japanese actors speaking English phoenetically, which fails dismally. I mean you really shouldn't have to stick the subtitles on for a supposedly English speaking film. A pity because the film looks so ravishingly good. The sets and sumptuous cinematography are worthy of much better. I can see where Miike is coming from. I genuinely love the western too, although I admit Spaghetti's were never my favourite. Funny to see Quentin Tarantino on board, a man who is heavily influenced by the likes of Leone and Corbucci. It will be interesting to see what his latest "Django Unchained" is going to be like. Better than this I hope! If you want to see a better example of a western spoof, then watch Alex Cox's "Straight From Hell", who was another director heavily influenced by spaghetti westerns. Can't be bothered to go on, losing heart, and a nice sausage sandwich beckons! Two stars for the nice sets, costumes and cinematography. Otherwise pants!
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