Review by poikkeus

This tense and amusing samurai drama stars Hiruyuki Sanada as a spirited entrepreneur who makes a living brokering negotiations between rival swordsmen. When a famous fighter (Tatsuya Nakadai) rolls into town, the broker discovers some clues to his past, and tries to flummox the designs of a corrupt official out to deflower his longtime love.

Vengeance for Hire is a wonderful, low-budget throwback to those memorably offbeat samurai films of the mid-sixties, albeit with superb set design, photography, and acting. The plot unfolds at its own pace, then kicks in with a series of delicious set pieces guaranteed to keep an audience delighted and surprised.

A real treat.