Makai Tensho: Samurai Reincarnation

Deliciously delirious phantasmagoria that mixes historical events & characters with a pulpy cocktail of mythology. Pretty weird action packed fun about demonic vengeance done with a decent budget. Brought to life with garish set decoration & lurid colour, the clumsy structure gives way to many bonkers scenes and the superbly striking imagery is overall at the forefront of the experience. I feel I didn't get the full effect since I watched a crappy VHS transfer with even crappier English dubbing.

Bizarre supernatural tale of evil spirits and demon samurai. Some fantastic swordfights, and a fiery ending that defies explanation. Beware of the North American cut of the film which has a good 30 minutes randomly snipped out of the middle and as a result makes very little sense.

The production values here are pretty neat and the parts playing off of the villains in the first half have such a cool vibe that I couldn't help but dig it. But the second half becomes a slog where Chiba's Yubei is just comparatively more boring and has none of the hooks of the villains and the pay off just comes off as insanely underwhelming. It's a shame because I absolutely loved the burning scenery of Odawara and individual shots look so damn cool.

Very difficult to rate. IMHO setup in the 1st 24 mins desperately needs trimming, gave up once here. From there improves a lot. Overall a typical Chiba in his prime period piece - budget as needed, actors fine, set pieces & fights well done. There were 2 10/10 bits for me...makeup of Lady Hosokawa when she catches shogun's eye and the set for the final swordfight in the burning palace (- scenes before, same locale, don't look right but then it "clicks"). Chiba & period fans may add 10-15 points.

The film feels incredibly disjointed and the pacing is thrown out the window as a result. Not the best kind of film to expect, but not something one could regret watching either.