I finally had a chance to see the classic
Kagemusha by Akira Kurosawa. In 1573, a petty theif, who has an uncanny resemblance to the leader of the Takeda clan, is forced to assume the role of leader after the real leader dies.
In my opinion, a very well done film, with so much detail to look at. I think my only critique would be...
Spoiler for battles:
that the battle scenes were rather glossed over, especially the end battle. Shingen's son, after the identity of the theif is discovered, moves his army to attack, instead of defend. Very much against Shingen's teachings. As a result. his armies rush to attack a wall of musketmen and are mown down as a result, another reference to the old technology giving way to new technology.
However, we aren't shown the actual slaughter, it is instead several scenes to the musketmen firing with billowing white clouds of smoke, and the reactions of the double who snuck onto the battlefield to watch, and Shingen's son. Afterwards, we are shown the aftermath of the slaughter in a montage of shots and moving music.
I really hate to say this, but I kept thinking "Well that's one way to save money."
If you have a chance to see this, be prepared, for it is literally 3 hours long.
Endless "Fire, Forest, Wind, Mountain" Soul