There have been a lot of films made about the mighty and brutal warrior Oda Nobunaga, but certainly not one like this, which seems to take its cue from some early legends about his wife Nohime, that she herself was a trained assassin.

The first thing to say is not to come to this film for real life history - the film makers have very much put action and romance and drama above any kind of historical verisimilitude. But the result is very watchable, mostly thanks to some great acting, especially from the two leads, although sometimes Kimura struggles with the widely differing sides of Oda portrayed in the film, from idiotic young man to vicious killer to romantic warrior leader. Jaruka Ayase is terrific as Nohime, the real power behind Odas throne.

The action and drama is often a little over the top, but is always watchable so long as you don't think too much about the likelihood of the plot. The ending will very much be love it or hate it, but I enjoyed it. Like a lot of modern Japanese productions, they seem very good at making a low budget go a long way - some of the settings are quite spectacular.

So overall, while not quite up to the standard of the best recent Japanese historical dramas, this is still very much worth your time.

Although I've seen various actors portray Oda Nobunaga before, this is the first film where they've depicted Nohime as even more formidable than Nobunaga himself. Especially in their brief close combat scenes, shortly after getting married, Nohime confronts Nobunaga with a sword, and later, even in their prosperity, she powerfully reminds him of his misguided path. Aya Ueto's portrayal exudes unwavering strength, while Takuya Kimura's character evolves from hesitation to determined success and ultimately to a supremely confident ruler. Their expressions are truly on point. Although the story revisits familiar themes, the dialogue design leading up to the Battle of Okehazama really emphasizes the advantages of the enemy, making us ponder where we should apply our strengths now.

I found it surprisingly good realism. A rather immature war-lord (Nobunaga Oda) marries for political gain, as does the woman he marries (Nohime). She is the dominant brains, and as prepared to kill as to be killed-that's life! They have their ups and downs, working together to bring the whole of Japan under their control. Love for the other actually germinates in their unlikely soil, but it's not a Western love story.

In their political war, there are mistakes made, and much gain. The path to success is covered in blood, though the goal is peace, peace through fear: if I kill all my enemies I can sleep in peace.

Along the path they encounter Christianity, and are strangely warmed though do not, I think, take it on board-though evocative, it is too strange for them.

Their path leads almost to full success, but when Nobunaga weakens in his power drive (What is success?), he ends up defeated in a burning mansion. There is a new demon on the block! Meanwhile his wife elsewhere seems to be dying of some illness. He has promised her that he will return, and she, their love avowed, awaits him.

Will he escape to her and with her? The answer I found very disappointing and rewarding.