The existential life of an unsympathetic samurai.

Upon my third full viewing of this beautifully paced classic, I just realized who the main actors are: Shintaru Katsu (Zatoichi), Tatsuya Nakadai (Sword of Doom), and my favorite (and yours, I'll bet) Yukio Mishima (renaissance samurai). Wow. "Production by Katsu & Gosha", nowadays, would be tantamount to a Hollywood/Detroit blockbuster by "Coen Brothers & Spielberg".

This movie does not disappoint its audience. With a master of dark humor directing this Homeric bloodbath, one cannot but notice how Katsu (Izo Okada) finishes off his opponents in true video game form. The only difference is "Tenchu!" more resemble the better looking gaming video scenes you can't play in. One scene shows Okada oddly executing a Eichigo magistrate sadistically, in homage to Powell and Pressburger's, "Peeping Tom". And just like Powell and Pressburger, this movie canvases deep colors that only film stock (Fuji?) from 1969 could capture.

"Tenchu!", or "Heaven's Punishment!" is one of the ultimates in film making. The ever present philosophical messages are also comically displayed. The unrivaled chanbara action sequences are pleasantly out shined by the fantastic acting. Mishima is as scary looking as ever; reminiscent of Dan Freeman's character in "The Spook Who Sat by the Door". Katsu plays a killing machine of a fly-on-the-wall, with similar primitive ethics. And Nakadai plays himself, once again. Which is always welcome.

Excellent story, lush cinematography, explosive timing... And, no CGI. A true classic.

"My main man. Tell me something, OK? What is problem with Michael Jackson?" Saïd