The story makes no sense. The viewer never learns why the Seki or the rival Himiko Ninja desire the Ginryu Sword. An extended sequence depicting lesbian sex and opium use never pays off; neither does the duel between noble Kazuma Utsuki and a paid assassin. But the minimal plot is only there to connect the sword fights. When Utsuki comments, "The scent of death is in the air," he's not kidding. For hard-core fans of anime swordplay and violence only.

Unrated, but graphic depictions of violence, violence against women, sexual encounters, drug use, and drinking are unsuitable for children. --Charles Solomon