Review of Sukiyaki Western Django (2007) by Maxwell D — 20 Dec 2008
Leave it to Takashi Miike to make a western film out of Japan. It does sound weird and if you know Miike's previous works, you know this will fit right in his directing resume.The story isn't anything special, but it does fit nicely with the western theme.
Actually, you need to take the western theme and add some Japanese flavor to it. The first 30-40 minutes or so is a little bit of a letdown. It almost feels like you are watching some sort of Miike ..
. well ... soap opera. Visually it is entertaining, but you're sitting there wondering where this movie is going. Fortunately, the film redeems itself in the last 40 minutes with the final 20 delivering quite a shootout.
While we are on the subject of action, it is a little slow going in the first half, as it just hints that great stuff is on its way. The second half is where it all comes out. There is a ton of shooting with the inclusion of a gatling gun and even a sword by the Genji clan leader.
The acting doesn't seem all that good and that is because all the dialogue is in ENGLISH. I know there is a western theme to this picture, but Japanese dialogue from JAPANESE actors is still OK. This film is weird enough as it is.
What's wrong with adding Japanese dialogue? Even though the actors speak English, it really helps to have the English subtitles on because of the heavy accents. Out of all the actors, Hideaki Ito and Kaori Momoi are the only ones that are worth noting, with the latter being the better of the 2.
Quentin Tarantino should stay as a director. He is just too weird. Yes, even for a Miike film.If you can get over and put up with the English dialogue, Sukiyaki Western Django is a nice watch for Miike fans.
This review of Sukiyaki Western Django (2007) was written by Maxwell D on 20 Dec 2008.
Sukiyaki Western Django has generally received mixed reviews.
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