Fans of visceral, cynical action movies will lose their heads over it.

The eye-popping, blood-soaked vistas are a marvelous sight, as are its handful of striking moments of queer samurai imagery. However, Kitano’s tale of ambition and beheadings loses nearly all momentum in its second half.

Viewers would be wise to allow Kitano's vision to overwhelm them as thoroughly as possible. Then and only then can one properly evaluate and appreciate such a passion.

Kitano’s composition stands out due to its floaty and measured dynamism and its unrushed visual rhythm.