Provided that I've never read the comic version, I don't know what to say about this movie. I wouldn't know how the characters would normally interact with each other, or whether or not the actors got their characters down or whatever beause I've never read the comic.

That said, I thought this was a pretty phatass movie. Taken completely at face level, the story was a little too intricate for my juvenile mind to follow, but the special effects/flying people effects were primo.

I especially loved the swordfighting flashback scenes between Cloud's father and Conquer in the middle of the forest. How much more anime-like can you get? Phatness. By the way, I didn't even know Sonny Chiba was still acting. He's still got it =)

The only thing I really didn't like was Hsu Chi as the annoyingly shrill village girl who saves Cloud. What's up with that girl's voice? Is she trying to draw comedic inspiration from that lady from The Nanny or what? Whatever it is, it's not working.

All in all, a fairly cool movie with lots of action, and very stylish camerawork (especially with the flashbacks, like I said). Turn off your brain and enjoy this one, even if you don't read the comic version.