RespawningCouch Podcast: Episode 24: Random Mini Review and Soundtrack in Films

This week: Jack and Nick review a bunch of films: Spirited Away, Lost in Translation, Batman Begins, The Man From Nowhere, Violent Cop and True Romance. Then they discuss the impact of soundtrack in film, loosely.

Cure Review

The Man From Nowhere Review 

Hana-bi Review

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Zatōichi (座頭市) Review

Zatōichi (座頭市）

Director Takeshi Kitano has directed some of Japan’s best cinema, with his award winning Hana-bi being one of my favourite films of all time. His manner of directing is one that includes strong violence, drama and dark humour. He also has tended to stay with the Yakuza/ gangster genre of cinema, but has recently out-stretched to drama and comedy, which he was originally infamous for (stand-up comedy). However, here he attempts to retell the ‘Legend of Zatōichi’ which has been continuously portrayed in films, books and television. Though along way away from his ‘comfort zone’, this attempt at a period piece still sees his notorious use of violence and dark humour. The result is a film that is bloody and entertaining. 

The plot follows Zatōichi (Takeshi Kitano), a blind masseur who secretly wields the way of the samurai, and the sword too. Following a traditional ‘samurai genre’ structure and theme, Zatōichi uses his swordsman skills to the defence of local townspeople who are caught up in the local Yakuza war. Meanwhile, two siblings pose as geishas seeking revenge for the massacre of their family, who are the same Yakuza causing the local disarray. The two stories eventually converge, leading to a pulsating showdown with a high and bloody body count. Overall it’s a solid plot that is easily accessible by western audiences, but has no originality.

The acting is a mixed bunch. Kitano’s performance offers nothing memorable or engrossing. Instead he remains the quiet, yet brutal individual who we have seen in most of his films, which probably suits the character. Another famous face from Japanese cinema is Tadanobu Asano. He plays a hired rōnin for one of the Yakuza bosses, and though playing a ‘bad-ass’, falls short of his usual performances. The tragic nature of his character; unemployed, dying wife, never comes through in his acting. The one who stands out is Gadarukanaru Taka playing Shinkichi, the comedy relief of the picture. Providing much of the jokes, his character is well developed and offers a break from the serious dialogue, heavy action and blank characters. 

The cinematography and fight choreography are both well done, and complement each other well. However the CGI’s cheap production values really hinders the scenes and the overall film. Bad CGI has been implemented instead of practical effects; blood splatter, sword impalement etc, which really takes the audience out of the experience. The Japanese have never been able to master computer graphics, which is astonishing with their technological feats in animation and gaming. However, the sound is fantastic. With the plot focusing on a blind samurai, Kitano has clearly focused on the sound and tuneful aspect of his picture. Everything seems to have been amplified, transforming simple fights scenes into epic battles. Various scenes of peasants and workers ploughing fields and hammering nails, create a melodic beat to the picture. Even the last scene, which seems out of place, is a large tap-dancing show with the various surviving members of the supporting cast and numerous extras. 

Overall, Zatoichi isn’t Takeshi Kitano’s best, yet remains entertaining. The samurai genre of Japanese cinema has been over-saturated due to its historical and cultural implications, and Zatōichi offers nothing new to this. However, what it does offer is an enjoyable, brutal and competently acted take on the famous legend. 


7/10 

In light of the events transpiring in Japan, I would like to make the following links visible: 

Please Donate: 

UK: http://www.redcross.org.uk/Donate-Now/Make-a-single-donation/Japan-Tsunami-Appeal

US: https://american.redcross.org/site/Donation2 idb=0&5052.donation=form1&df_id=5052

Or: https://www.paypal-donations.com/pp-charity/web.us/campaign.jsp?cid=-12

Personal Favourites: Hana-bi

Hana-bi 

Many will recognise Takeshi Kitano as the teacher from 2000’s Battle Royale (another great film). However his skills in the director’s chair have failed to be appreciated overseas. Hana-bi follows the tragic story of police detective Nishi, played by Kitano himself. He has suffered the recent loss of his infant daughter and cares for his wife, Miyuki, who has Leukaemia. He owes money to the local Yakuza, and is burdened with guilt for causing his friend’s crippling accident, which results in Nishi’s retirement. Takeshi Kitano’s ability to portray the complexities and frailties of Nishi is astonishing. The sudden shifts from his emotionless and quiet exterior, to a brutal, hard-boiled individual are breathtaking and shocking. 

From a director’s point of view, Hana-bi is very minimalist but expressive. Dialogue takes a back seat, with there being a greater emphasis on visual story-telling. The romantic relationship between Nishi and his wife, has a ‘silent film’ quality, with the two rarely engaging in discussion. However, it is through their physical, almost child-like, interactions that we really get a sense of their love. The use of expansive shots of the Japanese landscape interspersed with Kitano’s personal artwork create a sense of lyrical ‘poetry’. Furthermore, Joe Hisaishi’s score complements the cinematography superbly, putting real emotion into each scene. 

Hana-bi is a subtle yet powerfully moving film. Takeshi Kitano proves that there is more to Japanese cinema than samurai and cutesy animated creatures. Brilliantly acted and magnificently directed, a true gem. 

Check out my other 'Personal Favourites' in the Features section.