Story- The story was soooo complex and dark and I really enjoyed that. It was the most realistic show I've seen to date and that was a nice change for my usual supernatural shows that I have come to love. Whether you're male or female, no one can resist a love story infused with bloody action and betrayal. This is the OVA in a nutshell. It adds all components of genres except comedy and horror making the show so deep and dark that will send shivers down your spine. I love a good tragedy, it adds character development and a emotional connection with an audience that cannot be reproduced. The pacing was perfect, literally perfect. I would not take away one second or add another second it was a great performance.
Art- The art was incredible. Anyone who appreciates good art in an anime would love this to no end. The colors are crisp, the blood is beautiful, and the scenery is exactly what you would expect to see in an animated dream. My personal favorite art work in an anime is FMA Brotherhood and I must admit that this show gave it a run for its money that's how gorgeous the art was.
Sound- The sound really depicted the ear in which the show took place. It had that older feel to it and was extremely appropriate for the show. In the versions I watched there was no opening nor an ending and that maybe a genius idea. Without either of those it adds an even more serious mood even if the songs were dark or ballad like. Very good idea not to add any opening or ending. I decided to watch the show in Sub and the actors nailed it, the performances were so good it's unbelievable. I give a lot of credit to the voice actors that portrayed such serious, dark, complex and sad characters in the manner that they did.
Overall it was a great show. I almost do not like giving anything a 9 or 10; it has to really deserve it and originally I had it at an 8. The last 2 parts of the OVA made me change my mind. The action was brutal and the story got so dark a flash light couldn't help. I give this show a lot of credit, I was skeptical about an anime concerning samurai and now I cannot wait to start the original series. This show is a must watch for anyone who enjoys love, hate, action, death, retribution, betrayal, and a complex set of characters that even when they do something awful, you understand why they did it. A solid 9 out 10 with no regrets what-so-ever.
