Karisuma

This is one of the strangest, complex films I've ever seen. When you read the synopsis, you'll probably realise that the writer and director, Kiyoshi Kurosawa, is working on many different levels, and you'll equally stay involved with the story due to the outstanding visuals. Kurosawa's camera work is typically brilliant, allowing the viewer to escape into the mysterious rural Japanese landscape.

Part philosophical drama, part social study, part ecological investigation, part surrealistic, Kafkaesque black comedy, Kurosawa has clearly crafted a film that demands repeated viewings. My first viewing was focused on the ecological themes present throughout the film; the whole idea of man's control over nature, without realising that nature doesn't reason. It just is. Applying Spinozan logic, nature is the infinite essence of the universe and doesn't need controlling. Nature doesn't act out of emotion and reason; it is perfect and simply is. There's just so much more thematic material open to interpretation so it's hard to place one specific genre to the film, but Kurosawa skillfully builds up disturbing dramatic moments with his trademark perfect camera work, boasting stellar cinematography of the Japanese landscape.

The film might not be my favourite, but 'Charisma' is certainly up there as one of Kurosawa's best films. If you're interested in strange but nonetheless interesting examinations of reality, then be sure to check this one out.

I started watching this film without knowing much about it... and after the final frame.. I can honestly say I still do not know much about it. I've read some of the other comments about this movie from other viewers and each made some interesting comments and observations.

There were surreal elements as well as a very peculiar (and original) premise for a plotline but there's no need for me to re-summarize what's already been said. The pace was too slow IMO and several times I thought it was about to end when another 5 or 10 minutes were tacked on. There were a few shocks and surprises along the way but the sheer length of the movie and it's ambiguous ending renders it hard for me to recommend.

As someone else stated, it does make you think and that is probably what all good films hope to achieve. One would just hope for a clearer thoughtscape to ponder on.

Although Charisma was not my favourite movie at the Rotterdam filmfestival, I liked this new movie from Kurosawa Kiyoshi, because of it's neutral message. It shows various sides of the same story without ever judging. It's up to the viewer to decide what he/she gets out of it. At the same it's never really clear what the plot's about. There are some opinions (battle, nature vs man), but i believe there were several. And again, the viewer can pick up what moved him/her watching this film. To me that is a true accomplishment.

Another fascinatingly enigmatic film by this unique filmmaker that is bound to enthral and confound in equal measure! A contemplative, profoundly philosophical work that, perhaps, suggests there are indeed more ways to skin the proverbial cat! Detective, Goro Yabuike's (Koji Yakusho) fateful decision to not kill the armed, note-brandishing terrorist proves existentially calamitous! His earnest wish to help both the victim and perpetrator echoes cryptically throughout the dazzling film until its uncommonly powerful conclusion. Kiyoshi Kurosawa's immaculate screenplay is a heady, thought provoking delight, his matchless filmmaking is consistently assured, ably complemented by a no less refined, undeniably soulful performance by the vastly talented, Koji Yakusho. The thoughtful philosopher cop Goro undertaking his seemingly implausible task of having to "Restore the Rules of the World" frequently provides film fans with a wealth of intriguing surrealistic interludes, at times, for me, 'Charisma' occasionally recalled the early, more avant garde experimentation of Fassbinder.

Charisma was my favorite movie at the Toronto Film Festival. The only film I've ever seen that pondered whether a tree was evil, exceptional, or just another tree. And also wonders about man's attempts to control the natural order.