Love and Honour - Filmhouse, Edinburgh 23/1/09

Yoji Yamada presents us with the story of Mimura, a young samurai who has the less than glamorous life of a "taster" for his master. Each day Mimura and some of his comrades must sample the food prepared in the kitchens to ensure that it has not been poisoned by enemies. One day Mimuras life unravels when, rather than poison, an inadequately prepared piece of seafood leaves him blind. This leaves him devastated, depressed and on the brink of poverty.

To alleviate the financial worries Mimuras beautiful young wife is duped into sleeping with a local politician who promises to help ensure financial aid from his master. What she doesn't know is that that assistance is already promised as thanks for Mimura ensuring that his master did not eat the poisonous fish!

This third in Yamadas samurai trilogy ("Twilight Samurai" and the "Hidden Blade" being the first parts) was equally beautiful. Historical detail and reverence for the story ensure that you are never less than completely involved in the film. It looks marvellous too...costumes and sets are simply stunning.

This is not the samurai of Hollywood but the reality of life for these most complex of warriors and, as such, is much more compelling than any swords and stunts fare served up by the big studios.