Usually it's a good idea to watch a movie before reviewing it. But after spending all morning researching this obscure film, I figured I'd share the info I've found even though I haven't picked up the DVD yet.
First and most obvious, Akira Kurosawa did NOT direct this film. I'm guessing you know that already. But you'd be surprised at how much misinformation there is when you google the UPC code for this DVD (891514001030).
Second, as IMDb correctly states, the full version is 2 hrs long. But that DVD is currently only available in Japan. The international version you're probably considering watching is the 59 minute short film made in 2005 and shown at various film festivals. That's the only version for sale on Amazon, distributed by Cinema Epoch and released on Apr 10, 2007.
The 2 hr version was released in 2009 by some distributor whose name I don't know because I can't read Japanese. I'll try to post their website here and hope IMDb will allow it...
aitech.ac.jp/~tikujo/
I've heard the full version is wonderful. The chopped version is OK, I'm told, but seems incomplete and rushed. I think I'll wait for the real deal myself. Good luck!
