Just a great movie. Illustrates and deconstructs the concept of honour with atmosphere, twists, beautiful camera work and a killer cast.
Who is really honourable? The honourable samurai who had to make an unhonourable decision? The samurai who had to defend it? The samurai who judge him by the code of honour? Me?
The duality of man
It's very brave move to in 1939 make such a strong statement of the equality of races, especially the romani, and to praise the freedom of press and free speech. Of course there are things in the movie that hasn't aged that well, but in many aspects it takes a surprisingly modern take on things.
Many actors get their chance to shine in the movie, like Maureen O'Hara as Esmeralda who makes a real character with depth out of something…