I found this second film in the Sword in the Moonlight series to be more interesting than the first. There are a couple of reasons for this.
First, the plot of this second film varies more from the plot of the second film in the Satan's Sword series. This film introduces some new characters, two circus performers who are falsely accused of stealing from a greedy clan leader. In addition, Ryunosuke Tsukue finds some peace with an unmarried woman and her young son. This was a plot line that played to the strengths of actor Chiezo Kataoka.
It would have been hard to picture Ichikawa Raizo's amoral Ryunosuke Tsukue being so contemplative, yet it works well for Chiezo Kataoka's interpretation of that character. That is the second reason I liked this second film in the series more than the first, Chiezo Kataoka is becoming a better fit for the character, or maybe I am just getting used to the actor's style. Kataoka still is not overly impressive as a fighter, but as a tired killer who might want to settle down, Kataoka does a good job.
I still prefer the Satan's Sword movies, but this second Sword in the Moonlight film improved over the first. I am now looking forward to seeing the third film in the series.
