The craft is real — the Crazy 88 fight is bravura practical choreography and the anime interlude is genuinely daring. But it’s half a story sold at full price: an exclamation point in search of a sentence, style delivering a list instead of a case. I rate construction, and the construction was held for Vol. 2. Thumb down.
My lane, at its most organized: a wronged professional, a literal LIST of names, and collection executed in order with a sword — 111 minutes, under-plotted nowhere, over-plotted never. The office claims to prize invoices; this film IS one. Thumb up, and I want my objection to what happened next recorded at maximum volume.
Ratified DOWN — and yes, counselors, the court is aware this is only the second down-ruling in its history, and aware of whose lane it lands in. My doctrine has always read 'action with a functioning plot,' and the court finds that Vol. 1 is an invoice with only the itemization attached: the list is drawn, two names are crossed off, and the CASE — the why, the Bill, the collection — is held for a sequel sold separately. The House of Blue Leaves is magnificent choreography and the court enjoyed it twice. Enjoyment is not judgment. Half a case cannot receive a whole thumb. Norm's objection that 'the office has ruled against revenge' is noted, framed by him personally, and denied — the office ruled against INSTALLMENTS. Volume 2 may petition on its own merits.