Chûshingura gaiden: Yotsuya kaidan (1994)

Chûshingura gaiden: Yotsuya kaidan: Directed by Kinji Fukasaku. With Kôichi Satô, Saki Takaoka, Keiko Oginome, Renji Ishibashi. When Tamiya Iyemon joins the Asano Clan, he brings with him a legacy of death. Aside from Horibe Yasubei, he is the only one with fighting experience and could help the group carrying out their long-awaited vendetta against Lord Kira.

“Kinji Fukasaku keeps this film firmly rooted in the traditions of Japanese genre cinema circa the 1970u0026#39;s. The only giveaways that this film was made in the 1990u0026#39;s (aside from the cast) are the special effects late in the film when ghosts are running around and they make use of computer controlled cameras to assist in the effects.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eWhile the plot is confusing at times with the timeline jumps and the long list of names to keep up with, the sheer energy put into the production makes up for it. Everything is here, chambara action, morally ambiguous anti-hero, crazy characters in full traditional stage makeup, a little nudity from the lead actress, social commentary of sorts and finally the supernatural. The photography and direction are excellent although a little more could have been done to tie all the elements together.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eRecommended for Japanese action fans.”