For all the hype it got I was expecting a lot more!

As Good As It Gets

Although I seem to have had higher expectations than I thought, the movie is super entertaining.

Not sure how, but this is easily one of the best movies all summer. Multiple levels of funny, never takes itself seriously, super colorful, and creative.

Every once and a while you stumble upon a film that gets your heart racing, a film that you must track down immediately. So, you say that Toho made a Sinbad film in the 60s, when films like that flourished? Leading man Toshiro Mifune (Yojimbo, Seven Samurai, etc.) plays the Sinbad-like pirate? The gorgeous Mie Hama (You Only Live Twice, Ironfinger, Toho's King Kong films) plays a princess, Kumi Mizuno (tons of Godzilla and Kaiju) plays a bandit leader? So many other familiar faces, even Takashi Shimura and Masanari Nihei (the lovable dope from Ultraman) make small appearances, amongst many other Toho players as well? Wow, that sounds amazing! Well... it's not, because simply, nothing really happens. If you're aware of Toho films and Japanese films of the era, you can always expect gorgeous sets and highly detailed costumes--yes, that's all here. But that's about all you get. Mifune's titular Sinbad is at sea for a total of about five minutes, spending most of the film arguing and wandering around as palace guards and the antagonist's henchmen give him grief, yet seem to let him pass and do what he wants most of the time.After about the hour and fifteen minute mark things finally start to get interesting: a bit of sword fighting (the first in the entire movie; the rest is solely Mifune dodging,) arrows being shot, and a Gorgon-like witch character (sorta) battling it out with a mystical hermit. And as quick as the action beings, it dies off, leaving the viewer with a completely unfulfilling experience, and maybe a bit upset that these intricate sets and amazing actors weren't utilized to their true potential.I hate to put myself up on a pedestal, but this film is nothing short of a failure, even from a die-hard fan. Despite such a cast, it's tedious and boring, lacks adventure and monsters and action, and is truly not worth even the most devoted Toho or Japanese film aficionado's time. I know, I find it hard to believe myself.

It would be great if this could come out it a "loaded" DVD, like some of the Russian fantasy films, with the original track and the Western Dub. Anyway, I saw it a few years back, it was a lot of fun. There is still a LOT of great Japanese movies unavailable in the West; let's hope the DVD era just keeps them coming. Anything Mufine did is of at least historic interest. It's great to see more of the two female leads from"You Only Live Twice." I wonder if Kurosowa went to see this. Wakabyashihad been up for the lead in "The Hidden Fortress."

This is one of my all-time favorite movies from Toho studios. This movie is about a courageous sailor named Luzon (Sinbad in the American version) who tries to save a kingdom and a king's reputation from a corrupted premier, with the help of some aggressive but hilarious rebels. This movie is chock full of fun and adventure elements like sword-wielding battles, a gigantic castle, royalty, pirates, exotic dancers, heroes, action and magic. It's fun to watch and follow, fit for adults and children. Included in the mix is a woman-loving wizard, who is a resourceful ally to Sinbad, and the treacherous stone-turning witch! This movie stars Japanese veteran actor Toshiro Mifune and beautiful Japanese belles Mie Hama, Kumi Mizuno and Akiko Wakabayashi, overseen by veteran Toho screenwriters Takeshi Kimura and Shinichi Sekizawa, and includes a catchy music score by composer Masaru Sato. With a combination of drama, tragedy, humor, special effects, music, magic and adventure, this film is sure a treat for all adventure/sci-fi loving fans. I always have a good time watching this film.Grade A

This film while translated to appeal to younger English viewers has the 10 basic classic battle lessons as the treat between the oh I see your panties humor from the supporting cast member who plays a lustful wizard/priest...The sword versus long staff battle is a tremendous one.I hope you enjoy this film.