I feel that this one had a similar rythm to the series rather than the previous one one which felt more like its own thing. Not that it was bad by any means, but I didn't enjoyed it as much as the previous one which was a trip from beginning to end.

It also feels like the animation and direction was somewhat weaker.

>>281475827
Just saw that on Twitter. Funny that they confirmed that they are different Medicine Sellers running around in the extra material. Albeit in this movie they kinda give it away when talking about the 64 swords and 'we who wield them'.
>>281477097
I mean, it's a place where you get horny drama, family drama and politics drama all in one. Mostly run by women in fertile age or by those past their prime and resentful of those in their prime. And enuchs who only care about their own wealth since they aren't bound by family and lust anymore.
It was always bound to be a shitshow by design. But it's better for the Emperors to have the nobles fighting via sending hot daughters to get into his bed than they warring around.