is a multitoned send - up of samurai film lore. (criterion.com)
Director Yamada made two more Samurai films to complete a trilogy, and the hope is the Screen Archives label will soon release 2004's The Hidden Blade and 2006's Love and Honour. (theretroset.com)
This film is quite intense for a 1964 B&W samurai film, it is graphic and contains an amazing ending battle scene to rival all battle scenes. (mediamikes.com)