Revenge of a Kabuki Actor

The box proclaims “One of the most visually exciting films ever made.” I would say that’s an understatement.  The visual flair and panache with which Ichikawa presents this film is audacious, lively, and incredibly enjoyable to behold. I am dying to see this movie on DVD (fortunately the VHS was letterboxed, at least). The colors are vibrant, the staging absolutely exquisite. Ichikawa demonstrates a masterful use of empty space, particularly black space. He exploits the widescreen scope in dazzling and unusual ways. He effortlessly tosses off one bold stylistic flourish after another as if to say, “There’s plenty more where that came from!” The acting is top-notch across the board. The story is full of intrigue, suspense, romance, melodrama, and an astonishing playfulness and wit. Ichikawa thumbs his nose at tradition at every turn and satirizes well-worn Japanese cinema conventions gleefully. And the score is just as daring and exciting as the film’s visuals. It’s all over the place… from traditional Japanese folk music, to string-heavy Hollywood schmaltz, to lounge music, to off-kilter free jazz.  A celebration of both theater and cinema.  Rating: 10

IMDb