Story: This is the first historical show I’ve watched. I never was really in to them, not even the ones in English, but this really opened up a new world for me. It was interesting to see how feudal Japan looked through the eyes of the assassins. To them it is kill or be killed and most important: complete the mission no matter what. They are not allowed to let anything cloud their mind or judgement or allow anything to hold them back. Not even if it is a fellow assassin dying. The whole aspect of the movie is cruel and relentlessness. But that is what keeps you holding on and watching to see what will happen next. Even several minutes into the film you become attached to all ten of the assassins and even their teacher (though you don’t know it yet.) Watching Azumi I felt close to her while she went through so many hardships. Falling in love, betrayal, revenge and a constant urge to keep fighting on, even when it seemed that all hope was lost. I just wanted to stop the movie, give her a hug and tell her that she would be all right. Music: I can’t really recall too much music. What I do remember is that the music reflected the scene around the characters. It wasn’t too modern or loud. It was quiet, in the background adding to what was going on. Cast/Acting: I gotta say I blame Ueto Aya for making fall for Azumi. It’s like I said earlier, I just wanted to hold her and comfort her and it’s all because of Ayas intense performance. It seems as if she isn’t just pretending to be Azumi, a female ninja whose heart was torn and turned to stone. It’s as if she is Azumi, fighting on to complete her mission no matter what. The other performances are just as spectacular but Aya is the star and she is the one you focus on the most. Rewatch Value: 9 READ MORE DRAMA AND MOVIE REVIEWS HERE: http://dramadevoted.tumblr.com