Though similar to the Seven Samurai (or Battle Beyond the Stars for that matter) - this was an excellent Japanese Samurai Saga. Miike was way more restrained than I expected (not that it was a bad thing) with only one scene containing one of his more grotesque touches. Its 140min running time was pretty well paced and involving as it built up to the climactic final battle...
I think I may rewath my Lone Wolf and Cub boxed set now