Well okay so they weren't exactly portraying the Shinsengumi this time
around but if you get a chance check out Battle Royale to see Tatsuya
Fujiwara and Tarou Yamamato, the actors who portray the NHK versions of
Okita and Harada and, as their sadistic teacher Takeshi Kitano who was
the worst choice ever to play Hijikata (in Gohatto a/k/a/ Taboo).
It's an interesting movie and once you get past the first sort of
introductory scene you really don't need the subtitles that much to know
what's going on.
I also recommend trying to get a hold of the sequel to The Ring/Ringu
featuring my personal favorite Koichi Sato. It's a bit bizarre but quite
good.
I found those on eBay fairly cheaply.
I'm considering that freaky sounding Bright Future film Tiffany
mentioned just to watch young Mr. Jo Odagiri (NHK Saitou). That movie
also features another Shinsengumi character --the one who was the Kano
kid's boyfriend in Gohatto.
--
Barbara Sheridan
http://www.barbarasheridan.net