Rating of
4/4
Kagemusha review
Daniel Corleone - wrote on 03/02/13
It is difficult to find a director of this magnitude who encompasses slight humor (not much here though), action, drama, spectacular direction and humanistic thought processes about life. "The shadow of a man can never desert that man." This the line that would start the movie's plot, and would have an immense effect of an entire clan. Slow build-up for good character development but the powerful tragic conclusion was worth the journey. The era is 1573. Rumors circulate that Lord Shingen was assassinated. Nobukado aids the thief in impersonating his brother. Elegantly scored and meticulously directed from the details of the sunset, colorful psychedelic dream sequence and number of men in the armies. Cinematography was like a huge canvass and costumes just majestic to look at. Screenplay was impressive with lines: "Often I wanted yo be myself and be free." - Nobukado, "War is everywhere. Unless somebody unifies the nation and reigns over us, we will see more rivers of blood and more mountains of the dead. " - Sire Shingen. A film that may not be for everyone, its thematic's of having your own identity, decisions, loyalty, war tactics and reformation. Kagemusha is what Red Cliff could have been, engaging, meaningful, visually stunning and an epic in all facets of film-making. It may not be one of the popular films from the director, but it is just a great picture that can be viewed again and again for its inner messages.
