[spoiler]

Samurai Rebellion attempts to blend the epic swordplay of Kurosawa with the domestic character-building of Ozu. And except for a very slight let down at the end, almost succeeds completely. Without getting into too much detail, let’s go over the ending, which is where the film opens itself for questioning.

Question: could it have ended differently? Should it have? The film basically ends twice. The first ending, when he buries his son. I blew my wad. That was the Ozu ending. But then the film has a second Kurosawa (read: Throne of Blood et al.)-style ending. This is fine in advancing the plot. The film needs to make the point that he was not going to make it to Edo. But by that time, I’ve already blown my wad (see above). It’s too much to expect of me.

Otherwise, great film. Good grip.