Review of Bunraku (2010) by Chris H — 06 Oct 2011

We've seen this comic book style approach done much better before with Sin City, but using that tried and tested style, having a great cast and featuring slick as fuck characters and action makes this film simply irresistable.

There is something minor lacking here that pulls it away from being a great film, but the action is brilliant, the sets and filmmaking approach elaborate and amazing, and the story rather good, even if it is only built around serving the action and cool mannerisms of the characters, which is no flaw.

I think Hartnett is generally underrated and this film really showcases just how much, as he was bloody cool as the lead. McKidd's Killer #2 was just genius and surely ranks among the best original film villains of late. Perlman is always great and seems to be playing more lead villain roles of late (Drive). Harrelson I love and this Gackt guy who plays Yoshi was excellent I felt.

If you don't mind a certain lightness to the plot and just want superb action, cool characters and a satisfying revenge plot, all draped in this comic book style approach that is too sparsely used in cinema, this is definitely for you. This deserves better critical acclaim.