- directed by Akira Kurosawa
In 16th century Japan a lowly thief is coerced into assuming the role of doppelgänger to a powerful and well respected warlord amidst a great civil war. Things become complicated for this kagemusha (shadow warrior) when his master is struck down and killed in the field and is expected to undertake the role and responsibility of the warlord full-time. The situation worsens when a newfound kagemusha discovers the ruse. Now the new warlord and his advisors must do all that they can to maintain the charade in hopes of staving off any attacks on their weak and vulnerable clan from increasingly suspicious warring parties.
Oh disappointment. How very disappointing this movie was. It had all the makings for a great film, but failed to live up to expectations. I had great hopes for this film, but even if I didn't I'm sure I'd still walk away from having seen this movie with a heavy heart. This was a definite case in style over substance. Everything was pretty much top-knotch, save for the actual story. It was sooo boring. Worst of all, it wasn't the least bit insightful or meaningful. It sorta just meandered about for an excruciating lenght of time. All the while I kept hoping for it to turn around, alas that didn't happen. :(
To be fair though, this wasn't the worst movie I've ever seen. But that's no way to go into a movie-going experience, with lowered expectations. You hope for something halfway entertaining and redeeming... especially from a film directed by such an accomplished artist. When you don't get that... it feel all the worse 'cause it seems like a betrayal. But oh well, they can't all be winners. And as I mentioned, not everything about this movie was a throw-away, it has loads of style. This film is a pure feast for the eyes and an interesting take on the pageantry of war.
5/10 This is a toss-up, even for Kurosawa fans. An interesting premise for a film, but not enough to carry the film the length at which it ran. The meat of the film is very thin... sorely lacking any true substance. But if you're looking for nothing more than some great eye candy, well look no further.
DS333, disillusioned.
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