The hidden blade: la espada oculta

I had to see this movie because I am a huge fan of director Yoji Yamada. The man puts out amazing films!!! For example, his previous film, Twilight Samurai, was nominated for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 2003 Academy Awards, and it was awesome!! I don't know if Hidden Blade is as great as Twilight, but on its own it still is a great movie, and should be seen by anyone who likes epic films! Here's what it's about: There is this samurai (honest and low ranking) who is trapped in a state of both personal and professional imbalance. For example, he is secretly in love with his family's maid, and despite the fact that he knows the relationship is impossible, he begins an uneasy courtship with the woman. Then there are his professional issues. He has always been raised to respect the traditions from the past, but suddenly, circumstances have forced him to master a new art; the western art of artillery. Can you imagine? A samurai from the East trained to master the arts of the West? Awesome! And then, to top it all off, he is ordered to find and kill a former friend, who he knows is so dangerous that his skills with both the sword and the gun will not be enough. So, he enlists the help of his old teacher, who entrusts him with --- the secret of The Hidden Blade. Great acting, great story, great movie!!! A must see in my book!