P_MP_MP_M

This film takes considerable creative liberties with a real event from the Boshin Civil War, during which the small Shibata domain in northern Japan switched allegiances between opposing forces. It introduces a fictional element, a small squad of criminals tasked with defending an isolated outpost caught between the two armies.

Overall, it's a well-crafted period piece-visually impressive and competently acted. However, the storyline is fairly predictable, following a familiar pattern of defenders falling one by one. While some characters feel underdeveloped, others manage to leave a lasting impression.

The film shares some similarities with Miike's 13 Assassins but lacks the same level of intensity. Viewers shouldn't expect much beyond an entertaining action movie that occasionally surprises with its violent and gory moments.

This film presents an unexpectedly captivating blend of an author's biopic and the adaptation of his literary works, with both aspects receiving approximately equal screen time and alternating between scenes.

The biographical portion is masterfully carried by Yakusho Koji, who plays Bakin, and stands out as the overall stronger part of the movie. Meanwhile, the "adaptation" segment, though engaging, occasionally takes itself too seriously for what is essentially pulp fantasy entertainment. The contrast in tone, color palette, and music between the "real" and "fantasy" worlds is particularly notable.

One of the film's highlights is the portrayal of Bakin's relationships, including his interactions with Hokusai and his evolving connections with friends and family as they grow, live, and pass away. Conversely, as Hakkenden is one of the longest novels in Japanese literature, compressing it into roughly one hour (half the movie's duration) can make it challenging to follow without prior familiarity with the story and characters.

Overall, the film is both entertaining and unique enough to merit a watch.

There are heavy, deep, end of the world time loop movies (which this fun flick references), but this is not one of them.

A very light-hearted, character-driven, single location, short and fun, really, really fun enjoyable movie. If you're nearing 50, and thinking there is no more fun in life, this is for you. If you're a young aspiring worker giving it all for your workplace, this is also for you.

No one dies (except, probably, a pigeon) and injuries are light. At worst, the characters are going through your standard work week, they won't suffer hell or worse. Movie wise, it's doing the job and more, actors are fantastic, one of those "hidden gems", as they call it.