Too much of everything

After playing with our expectations, this turns out to be a very different sort of film.

The movie's neither hopeful in contrived ways, nor hopeless in different contrived ways. Somehow it manages to be wonderful

A great movie, one of the best of this year. There was a bit of confusion at one point in the plot, but nothing serious.

Just uploaded the image here for this fantastic little seen gem. Okawa Hashizo stars as 'Red Peony' Hanji who is thrown into a crowded & brutal prison cell. A superior fighter, he earns respect enough to keep himself safe among the cut-throat group, who carry out their own form of violent justice. Once released Hanji gets involved in an intricate plot to steal government gold from the Shogun's vault deep within the palace fortress. Co-starring with outstanding performances Kataoka Chiezo, Hanji's partner in crime and detective, Tanba Tetsuro never far behind them. Loaded with surprising touches and moments, the excellent absorbing tale slowly builds momentum into a gripping, very suspenseful, highly entertianing action packed film. Masterly crafted a fabulous ground-breaking early work from director Teruo Ishii, who would later become known as "The King of Cult". for his original eclectic cinematic style. Highly Recommended !!