Confession time... 2 things that will always be funny: midgets and stutterers. 2 things that will always kick ass on DVD: Toshiro Mifune and a samurai sword. Let's be honest. Superman wears Toshiro Mifune pajamas.
The best way to watch this DVD is as Part 1 of a trilogy. The story is tight enough that it can stand alone as a rich drama, but loose enough that plenty of space exists for stories told in the sequels. Fortunately the subtitles were done well -- I've been *very* distracted by some poorly captioned foreign films.
Japan is ripped apart by civil wars; men all over are choosing to fight or flee. Some fight simply to be looked on as tough guys - that's how Mifune begins his journey to becoming a samurai. Like the great Kurosawa flicks, there are plenty of layers to enjoy. Swords, babes, comic relief, and more swords. Highly recommended.