The obsidian flame of nihilist imperialism has rarely been manifested as ferociously as Nakadai does with Ryunosuke. Moving forward as some juggernaut, his goal of conquering is his singular vision. Even his swordplay begs a demonic slyness.
Ryunosuke’s first showdown crystalizes Okamoto’s mastery of framing. In anime, it is not uncommon to see two opponents’ battle of will be visualized through some kind of spirit manifestation. Here, while no explicit visuals are added, the palpable space and tension between each samurai still elicits the same feeling. The combat in this film is operating on another level. The editing is as sharp as these blades, cutting shots and cutting us.
The film is atmospheric. It embellishes in silence and draws out sequences for suspended reaction. Ryunosuke has seemingly plunged this entire world into damnation. His dark emanations are given a cosmic gravity. The way characters speak of him amplify the specter of his existence over the entire world. He is devourment incarnate.
The obsidian flame of nihilist imperialism has rarely been manifested as ferociously as Nakadai does with Ryunosuke. Moving forward as some juggernaut, his goal of conquering is his singular vision. Even his swordplay begs a demonic slyness.
Ryunosuke’s first showdown crystalizes Okamoto’s mastery of framing. In anime, it is not uncommon to see two opponents’ battle of will be visualized through some kind of spirit manifestation. Here, while no explicit visuals are added, the palpable space and tension between each samurai still elicits the same feeling. The combat in this film is operating on another level. The editing is as sharp as these blades, cutting shots and cutting us.
The film is atmospheric. It embellishes in silence and draws out sequences for suspended reaction. Ryunosuke has seemingly plunged this entire world into damnation. His dark emanations are given a cosmic gravity. The way characters speak of him amplify the specter of his existence over the entire world. He is devourment incarnate.
