Just finished watching this and was extremely happy I chose to watch this movie tonight.   Kimura was amazing. Erika Toda does excellent with her part.  If you like samurai movies AT ALL you must watch this movie.  I am a huge Kurosawa fan and this movie gives you the same feel.  More like Hidden Fortress than any of his other stuff.  Yes there is blood and gore but not too over the top.  The girl needing protection isn't too whiny or too stony she comes off as a real person.

I recommend this is you like action samurai movies.

Oh and the sound track at least the closing song I must find it!