My copy of Love And Honour (Bushi no Ichibun), the third film in Yoji Yamada's hitherto brilliant samurai trilogy. I've heard some murmurings that it's even the best and, if that's the case, it will threaten the top twenty five after The Twilight Samurai A-) and The Hidden Blade (A+) both impressed me a great deal.
Yamada makes sweet, delicate and poignant films of the highest order with understated yet emotionally powerful performances always based on characterisation and essential human drama. The Hidden Blade was also very funny. I have high hopes for this and hope to watch it over the weekend and will report on my views!
One sad note, no British or American distributor has picked this up yet, despite the fact it's been out for a while so a big thank you to YesAsia for delivering my sublime copy. Someone in the West needs to pick this up. Although perhaps I should take that back until I've actually seen it.
Can't wait!
