Samurai Fiction (1999)

Synopsis
Simultaneous parodying and paying tribute to classic Japanese samurai films, Samurai Fiction marries a knowing satire of the dramatic elements of movies about traditional Japanese warriors with exciting, straightforward fight sequences. In 1696, the Shogun's samurai keep the peace in a divided land as Inukai (Mitsuru Fukikoshi) studies the way of the warrior. The son of his clan's hereditary leader, Inukai has a short temper and isn't especially smart; when his clan's prized traditional sword is stolen by their nemesis, Kazamatsuri (Tomoyasu Hotei), he's sent to look for it, but just to be safe, two other samurai are sent along -- Kurosawa and Suzuki. Kazamatsuri, however, makes short work of the two veteran warriors, and Inukai escaped, wounded, to the home of Mizoguchi (Morio Kazama). Mizoguchi welcomes him into his home, espousing the virtues of pacifisms, while his lovely daughter Koharu (Tamaki Ogawa) nurses him back to health. However, after Kazamatsuri re-emerges as a bodyguard for a female gambling tycoon, Okatsu (Mari Natsuki), Inukai realized he must meet Kazamatsuri again for a final battle. Tomoyasu Hotei, who plays the villain, is also a popular and acclaimed guitarist in Japan, and he also scored this film. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide