The film lacks any depiction of non-heteronormative identities or same-sex intimacy. Romantic arcs are strictly limited to traditional heterosexual love triangles.

Female characters like Kano and O’Ryo act as vital emotional catalysts. However, their agency remains largely reactive and tied to their relationships with male protagonists.

The cast is ethnically homogeneous, reflecting the historical setting of Japan. While this avoids whitewashing, it does not actively engage with diverse racial identities.

The narrative explores situational ethics where personal loyalty supersedes official law. It critiques established authority by focusing on individuals navigating rigid social hierarchies.

The film uses physical or sensory limitations as a framework for specialized agency. The protagonist's navigation of the world disrupts conventional expectations of physical power.