OLAF21

Although not the most graphic of movies about Samuraïs, I think Jarmush has succeeded in what was apparently his goal: capturing the spirit of the Samuraï, the real meaning of the word. Transposed in our wold, the ways can be revived by a few details, a few traits. Interpretation is grand, Whittaker being as subtle and poignant an actor as ever, in fact maybe even more than ever! His natural nonchalance here makes for a total control of his world, a total integration of all elements in his grasp of reality. He has reached perfect focus, and just follows the code. The Fx are scarce, all for the best, since the movie gains credibility from it. We have small bulletwounds, muffled gunshots from the silencers, it's a realistic Samuraï movie. Although some might find there are moments of stillness that are not needed, or unwelcome touches of humor (which, unlike many in the "hip" audience around me, I failed to see, seeing them instead as indications on the thought process of the characters), I think the pace is perfectly in accordance with the topic, and that here form matches essence: the rhythm we see is the rhythm he lives by. This is simply a great movie, artistically and philosophically conveying the sense of life for a man who follows the Ways.

I have to say this movie is bad, it has basically no plot, no continuity, no acting and most of all no directing. Once we have cleared this, I saw it about ten times! Which goes to say it has something. First, it has a sculptural Jane Fonda in a space bikini, a sight no man can withhold and ignore. Then, it has a terribly "vieux" look, which renders it just unmissable for anyone who loves a lavalamp to represent space. Yes, there is that, and much more. Tongue-in-cheek inuendos ("she blew up the orgasmachine", a terrible torture apparel...), senseless scenes and young actors long since gone, this movie is an utter failing that must be seen and enjoyed. Talk about the magic of movies!