Chushingura
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Movie Reviews of Chushingura
Movie Review: Beautiful but Lengthy
Summary: 4 Stars
First off, I really enjoyed this film. Years ago, I'd heard references to its tale and always wanted to see it. Now that I have, I am not disappointed. The tale of the loyal 47 retainers is a classic. However, the film moves very slowly. And justly so. The first hour alone (the film's approx 3.5 hrs long) is just to set up the actual problem. This is a story that takes time to tell. It's complicated and it's deeply rooted in Japanese culture. The viewer needs time to comprehend the situation. If you're looking for an action film, look elsewhere. Even when the 47 go into action, the fights are over quickly.
The cast is strong. If you're a fan of Japanese cinema, you'll appreciate some of the recognizable names and faces. Plus, you can't go wrong with Toshiro Mifune. Visually, the film is lovely to look at. The music is quite good, as well.
So, I would recommend this film, but only to the right viewer.
Movie Review: Transfer Really Showing It's Age
Summary: 4 Stars
For a 2001 release, this was a pretty good effort. In 2010 with 40+ inch HDTVs widely available, it's damn near unwatchable. Image should consider transferring this to blu-ray or re-releasing the DVD with a fresh 16:9 anamorphic transfer with player generated subtitles. This version is a 4:3 transfer, with a hard matte of the 16:9 picture. There are only 288 lines of interlaced video out of an available 480. Scaled up to 1080p it looks awful. The remainder of the space is taken up with borders and burned in subtitles. Back in 2001, this was probably done for superior font clarity and readability. If Image isn't interested in doing the work they should sell the rights to someone who would be willing to undertake a preservation project like Criterion.Movie Review: Samurai Code in Jeopardy...
Summary: 4 Stars
Corruption and the samurai code converge in a collision when an old man who favors greed and lust crosses the road with a young noble samurai. The collision triggers a chain of events that causes the young noble samurai to violate the laws of the Shogunate, which affects many lives. The issue of injustice remains unresolved after the unlawful event. However, for some life is insignificant when injustice remains. This epic story reveals that humans do know what is right from wrong, but fear and desire seem to influence each and everyone's choice.Movie Review: great movie...bad dvd
Summary: 4 Stars
This is one of the best movies about samurais anywhere and provides a masterful telling of the 47 ronin story. It is a shame that the dvd picture quality does not do the movie justice. The movie deserves a good print and this is not it. You'd think for the price Image Entertainment would do better.Movie Review: Inagaki's "Chushingura"
Summary: 3 Stars
"Chushingura" may be Inagaki Hiroshi's best film. It is certainly his most widely known outside Japan. The film is also quite beautiful to see. Yet I cannot help but feel that this often told story needs something more than another straight foward retelling.