The Hidden Blade
  • Studio: Tartan
  • Release Date: Jun 23, 2006
Metascore
76 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 11 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
view
per page
  1. TV Guide
    Reviewed by: Maitland McDonagh
    88
    Casually paced and filled with telling detail, Yamada's delicate drama with swordplay (there's not much, but what there is packs an emotional wallop) transcends its specific setting in its depiction of Katagiri's internal struggle.
  2. Boston Globe
    Reviewed by: Wesley Morris
    88
    Enormously enjoyable.
  3. Entertainment Weekly
    Reviewed by: Owen Gleiberman
    83
    The Hidden Blade is tranquil, touching, and, in its climactic sword fight, excitingly real.
  4. Seattle Post-Intelligencer
    Reviewed by: Sean Axmaker
    83
    The restrained drama both punctures the mythic ideal of the samurai culture (trained as fighters, they mostly serve as clan bureaucrats) and spins a romantic portrait of one man who values principle over protocol despite the cost to his reputation.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.5 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 4 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 3
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 3
  3. Negative: 0 out of 3
  1. Ashogo
    9
    The movie moves at a slow pace and allows the viewer to get to know the characters more intimately. The Scenery in this Movie is amazing! The setting and atmosphere of the time period is also conveyed really nicely, and that's my favorite thing about it. The story is not action-packed, but in my opinion that's what gives the movie it's feel. And a movie dosent have to have chase scenes and battles every 15 minutes to be interesting.… Full Review »
  2. MarcK.
    8
    Very entertaining, as well as a surprisingly sweet love story.
  3. MartinD.
    9
    Highly engrossing and sympathetic characters and story.
See all user reviews »