Shijûshichinin no shikaku

Beautifully shot, wonderful costumes, exceptional poetic imagery and majestic array of classically trained posturing women. However this film is amazingly obtuse, generally slow, incredibly dull minimalist payoff, improbable impregnation, and a couple of instances of Evil Dead style blood spray that seem very out of place. The political intrigue is neat, but that does not justify the pace or the ending, or the fact that many of the seemingly incidental plot spurs remain unresolved. I can appreciate that this is an attempt to recapture the classic style and posturing of the old Japanese & Chinese stage play forms and historical yarns like The Tale of Genji. Unfortunately, while beautiful, the film lacks the depth and loaded nuances of the classic form, and a superficial take on classical theater is far too shallow to really herald as a masterpiece. A good film to watch for visual form, but not a good example of story depth.

Kon Ichikawa's adaptation of the extremely popular "Chushingura" is good, but probably not a great intro for western audiences. It very much assumes that the viewer is familiar with the story and starts it in flight with very little explanation. That reservation aside, it's a great adaptation that has many stylistic call backs to chanbara cinema of the 60's without feeling old fashioned.

Unlike other versions of this story that I have seen (and I've seen at least 3 or 4 others), this one begins well AFTER much of the plot has passed and so much explanatory exposition occurs in the first 20 minutes of the film. Then, when the film flashes back 20 months, it STILL goes back to AFTER the important events have occurred (when an official tried to kill one of the Shogun's trusted men). So is the 1994 version of "The 47 Ronin"--a completely non-sequential version of the story is told.

The 47 Ronin is a classic Japanese story, and I assume that practically every adult in the country is very familiar with the story. So, for a Japanese audience, this version of the story would probably work great. However, for those NOT familiar with the story, it's very confusing and told in a very roundabout manner and is quite confusing. Because there must be about a dozen other versions out there, I say try them first. Though, try also to avoid the recent Keanu Reeves version simply because it's pretty stupid.

This is an excellence film having received multiple awards across the globe. The depth of story and detail in this version sets it above the many that have come before. Ichikawa illuminates and brings to life the ancient culture of samurai and Japan of the period. This could not be possible without the outstanding performances of the many talented actors. Ken Takakura's performance is ledge nary, his ability to bring a true persona of a chamberlain who driven by honor and duty to avenge the name and credit of his retainer and his entire clan is awesome. This is a film to savor and enjoy with the eye pleasing cinematography and truly engaging acting on all levels.

Plot : Two Feudal Lords have a dispute inside the Shogun's Castle (drawing of swords is prohibited!). In response, one of these clans is immediately abolished and the head is ordered to commit suicide. The poor investigation and prompt response leaves the clan-less Samurai disappointed, and bow to seek revenge for their master's wrongful death against the other involved Clan head..

Review : Another reviewer said that it isn't for anyone that doesn't already know the story.. and I agree completely.

The story is hard to follow from the start, as the most important events happen off screen and the narrative builds from that! I felt the film demands too much piecing-together from the audience!! Thankfully, this popular story has been done too many times. And I can highly recommend the much better (1978) "The Fall of Ako Castle" (with Toshiro Mifune) for first time viewers. Sadly, I also found the pacing, structure and other important story-telling details to hinder my enjoyment.. even after I realized what I was watching.