Gohatto, 1999 by director Nagisa Oshima. this tale explores the waning days of Japan's samurai warrior class in the late 1800s, and specifically, a young samurai, Kano, and the curious effect his uncommon beauty has upon on his stealth and fellow fighters. as graceful and keen - and cold - as a razors edge, this is a contemplation upon the nature of beauty and male vulnerablilty, and one captured in images of a rare cinematic splendor. by my estimate the end shot alone is worth the trip of the entire film – nothing short of stunning, really – as it serves to frame a serene and lovely film in a visually perfect metaphor. enough said.