Filmmaker Takashi Miike has, well, blood in his blood. The prolific provocateur has crossed boundaries and cinematic borders with his eye-popping gore fests. 1999's "Audition" still holds as one of the scariest, most stomach-churning horror flicks the world over. American fright disciples fall all over themselves for a chance to pay homage to his brutal art.

So now Miike himself makes a tribute to another bloody genre: the way of the samurai. His "13 Assassins," based on real events and the 1963 Eiichi Kudo black-and-white movie of the same name, spares no expense (or limb) to entertain modern audiences. Restraint, though a prominent characteristic of the historical Japanese warriors, doesn't really play a role here. Though a pensiveness haunts the first act, by the caffeinated ending, you'll feel as though Miike handed over the lens to either Quentin Tarantino or Stephen Chow. It's high-energy and dare we say somewhat (intentionally) humorous.

In mid-19th century Nippon, wartime has ended — but in rumor only. The rulers played nice amid tribal dignitaries, but entitled scum such as Lord Naritsugu (the serpentine Goro Inagaki) continue to abuse their power and terrorize the denizens. One example of such will have you clinging to your armrest and retching as a naked female quad-amputee is showcased.

Outraged at the despotism, the Ronin — aka masterless samurai — Shinzaemon (Koji Yakusho) compiles a crew of 12 fighters to once and for all liberate his nation from oppression. Standing in his way, however, is his old sparring partner Hanbei (Masachika Ichimura, acting through clenched teeth and a permanently furrowed brow), who happens to faithfully serve Naritsugu.

Undeterred by the stakes, Shinzaemon and his men clamor for the chance to die honorably. They train in sword combat, illusionism and explosives — making for some of the most thrilling and even funny scenes in "13 Assassins." The excitement is palpable, like a "Fellowship of the Ring" set in the land of the rising sun.

A welcome paragon of comic relief is a bandit who thinks the samurai boring and elitist. As the forest guide for the good assassins, he offers them a bounty of edible bugs and hearty laughs. It's all they need to prepare for the showdown with 200 of the lord's troopers.

The battle sequence is nothing short of breathtaking. The no-hold-barred brawl is among the most artfully choreographed and guttural on the silver screen. The chase of our heroes is harried and witty, exactly what an adventure film should be. Ribbons of blood spew as thick and prismatic as the dialogue does. And though the main action is contained in a small area, it feels as epic as a Cecil B. DeMille production.

It might be hard to market such a staunch period piece, and yet, with the uprisings in the Middle East and even Wisconsin, the triumph of the underdog is the relatable focal point of "13 Assassins." The message conveys that the struggle may seem overwhelming, but with a fierce heart and the tools for victory, even a tiny fraction of the population can turn the tide of history.

"13 Assassins." Rated: NR. Running time: 2 hours, 6 minutes. 3 stars.

To find out more about Melissa Bobbitt and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.