The extended version of the film is much better than the shorter versions out there, which is all of the other versions. There is dialog that adds to the storyline in many scenes and there are a number of scenes that were cut that just add to the entire film. The longer version of the film allows the viewer to get into the character of Azumi as the director intended and watch her mature by the end of the film. The shorter version just seems to hurry along and you are left with somewhat of a "that's it?" feeling when it's over. So, get the Japanese Basic Edition while it's still available.

In order to enjoy this film, you have to be a genre fan and have an understanding of Japanese samurai cinema. The film contains some brutally violent scenes that western audiences will have a hard time understanding, but they are in context to the storyline and the period that the film takes place. Once you understand that, the film is excellent. Aya Ueto is absolutely beautiful and plays the role perfectly. She is Azumi. VERSUS director Ryuhei Kitamura was the only Japanese director who could pull off bringing the graphic novel character to life. Kitamura knew Aya Ueto was the one to play Azumi. She hung in there even though she was injured on the very first day of shooting. Kitamura thought it was over (see the special feature on the UK version for this story).

AZUMI is highly recommended for genre fans, but especially for fans of beautiful samurai-slashing leading ladies.