danyel7

Make no mistake, this is an "Enter the Dragon" rip-off.(Yes, same director as well), if you don't believe me, watch them back to back.

One thing that stands out is that Robert Clouse certainly knows how to direct fight action and that is the movie's highlight. One master shot following every kick and spin, unlike the convoluted and choppy modern day cuts catering to mask the actors lack of skill.

I have to admit that I first saw this as a kid back in the 80's and it is still Sensei Benny and Richard Norton that come out on top as performers even with their minimal presence in the movie. Its easy to see why Sammo and Jackie worked with them several times.

I will keep this simple. This is not a typical action martial arts flick, what it is, is a well done small thriller about a former bodyguard who finds himself inadvertently working for money launderers and an alleged global law agency.

Anyone who already saw JCVD might remember the scene when Jean Claude is in a custody battle for his daughter and defends the violent content of his movies by stating that they have "heart". Well this is one of those films.

Be aware that it is not a feel good movie; it is a raw an honest look into the heart of what people would be willing to do or sacrifice to protect their loved ones.

Madarame, a hard and stoic Samurai who finds himself suddenly unemployed, leaves his wife and young daughter behind to seek employment as sword teacher or government official in Edo. Along the way, he learns the meaning of love, family and sacrifice through an unlikely bond with a mysterious and adorable white cat.

Lonely, struggling to pay rent and failing to get a dignified job worthy of his sword skills, he is presented with an opportunity that will forever alter his life. Through out both seasons Madarame is changed by the twists and turn of events around his growing affection for his little companion, learning along the way how to better relate to his family and the unconditional love that he seems unable to understand and much less surrender himself to.

Strips of his ego slowly unravel and fade as he embraces feelings and emotions previously unknown to him, exposing his vulnerability and developing a greater appreciation for the deep human bonds that make our existence a bearable and profound one, for better or worse.

Sometimes silly (As when they swap bodies in season 2) but always fun, funny and touching. Prepare to be charmed, giggle and have plenty of "Awww" moments as Madarame finds his Zen in the simple pleasures of trimming Tamanojo's nails or brushing her fur while navigating the strange world of cat mischief and the people who adore them.

Oh yes! There's also a fair amount of sword action for those of us who enjoy good old fashioned Chambaras.

P. S.

If you enjoyed this show, There is a wonderful pre-equel movie called "Samurai Cat: Tamanojo Goes To Edo", a between seasons film "Neko zamurai: Minami no shima e iku" and also a film version of the show but with the exception of the principal characters, it is with a mostly different cast.