From reading/learning about Kurosawa over the years, I have heard many thoughts about Throne of Blood, but this was the first time I have actually got around to watching it. I have to say, I was a little dissapointed with the overall product. This mostly comes from my über-high expectations from Kurosawa's films, as the last few I have watched are some of my favorite movies ever. This is undoubtably a good film, however. The ominous shades of darkness combined with the constant presence of fog creates the sense that the movie exists on some other plane of existence, as if the events taking place are a part of a dream or vision. The excellent cinematography constantly highlights the important emotional and physical status of the characters. Speaking of the characters, the main one here is acted very well and is presented in a very good way. While there is a lot of swords and soldiers in this film, this is certainly a drama, and the drama itself is pretty good most of the way. I love the short clips of people gossiping about the current state of affairs, acting almost as narrators to the story. The recurring themes of forboding natural omens, among others, give the film a very consistent feel and quality. Again, I was hoping for something as grand as Ran with this *other* Shakespearean adaptation, but this is a good film that expertly combines cinematography with good storywriting to deliver an interesting drama.