Review of Sukiyaki Western Django (2007) by Steven M — 19 Feb 2009

Spaghettini Western Spago is hands down one of the most unique films you will ever see. Who would've thought to blend the ornery characters and gunfights of the American old West with the samurai dramatics of feudal Japan? Only Takashi Miike, the orneriest bastard this side of Matsushima Bay. Who cares if the Japanese actors, called upon to deliver their brilliantly cliche Western dialogue in English, are way in over their heads? The accents are so heavy, you need subtitles anyway. ...Besides, is there even a Japanese translation for "lily liver"?

Teriyaki Chicken Iago is for Miike fans most of all. But, make it past the initial culture shock (eased by an odd prologue starring Quentin Tarantino), and open-minded Western fans, Jidaigeki fans, and plain old movie fans alike should enjoy Django Reinhardt Django as well.