In addition to being more violent than other Inu-Yasha films, Swords of an Honorable Ruler is more lavish, with lots of CG special effects and a score by Kaoru Wada that evokes The Rite of Spring. Director Toshiya Shinohara keeps things movie so briskly, the viewer doesn't have time to miss Naraku, Kikyo, or the Shikon Jewel, although the final battle goes on far too long. The drama and passion of Swords of an Honorable Ruler will delight Inu-Yasha fans. (Rated PG-13: violence, grotesque imagery, minor risqué humor) --Charles Solomon