Wow. Never knew that this was to be the first film of Yoji Yamada's Samurai Trilogy. Just watched / streamed The Hidden Blade (2004) on the library's online hoopla service. May have to buy a dvd to see the third. At least it's on sale at amazon (U.S.).

I rate the first two 10/10.

Twilight Samurai (2002)
The Hidden Blade (2004)
Love and Honor (2006)