At the risk of fanboying, this is one of the few if not the only series's I've ever encountered that manages to not idealize feudal era Japan. It truly reflects the stoic and jarring world of honor bound killing and entire communities premised on power and violence. In addition to its starkly accurate historical perspective, the directing aides the story so well, suspending every moment to discomfort and stress. One of the most unique animes ive ever seen, truly fascinating and well crafted.