Kakushi Ken Oni no Tsume / The Hidden Blade (English Subtitles)

Yoji Yamada, who brought us the story of "The Twilight Samurai (Tasogare Seibei )" continues with the story of the samurai Munezo Katagiri, and his struggles with the changing face of Japan during the 19th century.

Western weapons and training, corruption of the ascendant class of society, his love of a simple girl and the order to kill his samurai brother might remind one of "The Last Samurai." However, this is a look at this tumultuous age from the Japanese point of view. Based on the novels by Shuhei Fujisawa. Starring Masatoshi Nagase and Takako Matsu.

The DVD is available in both Special Edition, with two bonus discs without English subtitles (100-min making-of featurette, 10-min conversation between director Yoji Yamada and Takako Matsu, and more) and 68-page booklet, and a single disc Regular Edition. The soundtrack CD features music by the legendary Isao Tomita of "Jungle Taitei (Emperor)" fame.