Overall, I was also slightly disappointed, especially considering how strong the first-half of the film truly was. Kitano was simply magnificent to watch, though, no matter how hideous his acts became. (Yes, hengcs, he tended to his sick wife but that doesn't make up for the rest, and also don't forget how that situation ended.) While I was glad that the director didn't attempt to justify Kim Shunpei's actions, it remained unclear what made him tick. Also, the narrator, his son, wasn't very close to him, so that was an odd choice. The period details were captured quite well, though the political angle seemed like a decoration. The film worked better as a personal story. So, like A, I believe that it's a good film, not a great one. (Tartan will release it in the U.S.)