Review of Mishima: A Life in Four Chapters (1985) by Stella D — 09 Aug 2009

A very ambitious biopic on the life of celebrated writer yukio mishima. the film weaves episodes from 3 of his works with events from his life in stylized segments. mishima subscribed to the ancient bushido code and sought to reconcile his art and life in a search for 'purity' he felt lacking in postwar japan.

the bright elaborate setpieces are so artificial as to be a little alienating but really drive home mishima's death obsession, culminating in his very public ritual suicide. a strange tale artistically told and well played by ken ogata; beautiful score by philip glass and kronos quartet.