Yamazakura

Beautiful, moving, wonderful direction and costuming. This film, set in the Edo period, really captures the hardship that all facets of society experienced throughout this turbulent time in Japanese history. A sweet romantic story balanced by the harsh and unjust cruelty that was metered out by corrupt authorities. A simple story on honor and justice. The director, Tetsuo Shinohara, shows a wonderful maturity in his direction, with pace and beauty moving the story along without wallowing in too much sentimentality. A beautiful balance of all the elements of film making; performances and direction, score, editing, script and art direction come together make this film a captivating experience. Rena Tanaka and Noriyuki Higashiyama are wonderfully poised and moving in their performances, both beautiful and completely look the part. I was so moved and completely drawn into this film. Beautiful ideas, beautiful images, moving score and above all, it comes together to tell a story that is a timeless classic.

This is a sweet, breath-taking little gem that all lovers of Japanese films will truly enjoy. I love the way Noe's reluctant humble character slowly draws us into her journey after running into noble Tezuka again. It than evolves into an emotional, mesmerizing, story that leads up to a compelling and beautiful conclusion.Based on a short story written by Shuhei Fujisawa (who also wrote the popular trilogy Twilight Samurai, The Hidden Blade, Love and Honor), the film depicts the uneasy life of Noe Isomura (Rena Tanaka) with the difficult family she has married into after her former husband passed away. Rena Tanaka perfects her character with such elegance and grace, the audience is sure to become immersed in the dream-like tone and background set by Mr. Shinohara. All the actors were simply amazing, falling into character w/ powerful performances! It will definitely leave you thirsty for more films like this *wink* THANK YOU JAPAN!!

Beautiful, moving, wonderful direction and costuming. This film, set in the Edo period, really captures the hardship that all facets of society experienced throughout this turbulent time in Japanese history. A sweet romantic story balanced by the harsh and unjust cruelty that was metered out by corrupt authorities. A simple story on honour and justice. The director, Tetsuo Shinohara, shows a wonderful maturity in his direction, with pace and beauty moving the story along without wallowing in too much sentimentality. A beautiful balance of all the elements of film making; performances and direction, score, editing, script and art direction come together make this film a captivating experience. Rena Tanaka and Noriyuki Higashiyama are wonderfully poised and moving in their performances, both beautiful and completely look the part. I was so moved and completely drawn into this film. Beautiful ideas, beautiful images, moving score and above all, it comes together to tell a story that is a timeless classic. Mesmerizing.

It's an ok film. It has its charm. The music, the scenery, and the calm serene theme. Some may not like it in comparison to other of Shuhei Fujisawa's work because this one leans heavier on the drama over the samurai. The main character is the young woman Noe and the story is about her life, her growth and revelation.

This may explain the pacing and the events as the fight scene did not occur in the end, but in the middle. It's definitely not a grand saga like The Twilight Samurai or Hidden Blade, but it is very well filmed, high quality, and very accurate setting and costumes.

6/10.

A typical samurai story, an unhappy heroine in love with a hero who broke the law to protect the people.

This movie focused a lot on the main characters with very little happening in the film, much like Yamada Youji's recent Jidaigeki (historical genre) films, but it lacked the magic that kept me interested throughout the movie.

I have also never encountered anyone who seemed as out of place in traditional Japanese costumes as Tanaka Rena. I personally think she's a cute person, but she never seems fit her role in movies. She completely lacked the oriental sexiness in kimono. Another problems was that she was supposed to be married, and had a much younger sister who's 16... but she herself didn't seem to be older than 16 (even in Asian standards). Tanaka Rena is 28 years old, but she seemed way too immature for this role.

The highlight of this film is Hitoto You's theme song "Shiori" in the very end. Very nice song perfect for this film's theme.