One of my regrets for studying in the states is the fact that I wasn't able to watch movies shown in the Hong Kong Film Festival. This year, I grabbed my chance and watched one of the two opening films of this year---- The Hidden Blades(中譯<<隱劍鬼爪>>). It's directed by Yamada Yoji and was his second film of his Samurai movie series.

Unnoticed at first, I wonder who the speaker in front of the stage was, and was suddenly reminded that the announcer had introduced him as "Yamada Yoji Sensei." Oh my God, this speaker is the director of my beloved movies, including Gakkou (School) and 男人真命苦系列. By numbers, he is one of the most productive directors in Japan. I recommend every Japanese culture lover to watch his movies. You won't regret.

Back to THE HIDDEN BLADES. This movie reminded me Tom Cruise's THE LAST SAMURAI, which also spoke of the struggle inside Japanese Samurai's life. However, THE LAST SAMURAI was somehow from a foreigner's point of view, especially in the handling of the Japanese Emperor. THE HIDDEN BLADES put a deeper focus in the unspoken loneliness and ridicule a Japanese Samurai faced. Loyalty is one of the principles for being a Samurai, no matter how unreasonable orders can be. "Emotion" is absolutely excluded from a Samurai's life. Sound familiar, right? Somehow, I still find these characteristics in the today's Japanese culture.

Finally, the hidden blades trick in the end of the movie amused every audience tonight. It's quick and smooth and was within a second. It reminded me of Ninja, heehee.....