Review of Sakuran (2006) by Yasmine L — 29 Apr 2010
Artistically wise, this movie was nothing short of a color explosion - bright and vivid, the costumes never ceased to disappoint, and the Japanese, Edo-period interiors were enough to die for. Script wise, the movie could have been dealt with better.
Sakuran is Ninagawa Mika's directorial debut, and where she is mostly know for her equally vivid photographs, she has delivered that same charismatic and almost neon-colored scheme to the big screen. However, the movie seems to go on as a art fest more than an actual story.
It has potential, but looking back on it, the beautiful cinematography was distracting from the film. It actually outshone the script. If this film had been silent, and more geared towards a video-photography style sort of thing, I would have enjoyed it for that fact. In actuality, I felt the movie focused more on the visual than the non-visual, and I am a sucker for beauty, but I felt that more attention should have been paid on the story.
And I have to let you all know: this IS NOT a 'geisha flick', as the consensus says. These are oiran, a type of courtesan. Geisha are entertainers. There IS a difference. Plus, the soundtrack is FAR from annoying.
Do I like this film? Yes, but mostly because it is a pretty movie. It could have been better.
This review of Sakuran (2006) was written by Yasmine L on 29 Apr 2010.
Sakuran has generally received positive reviews.
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