Review of Sukiyaki Western Django (2007) by Chris W — 30 Nov 2008

"Sukiyaki Western Django" is much like sukiyaki - an amazing mix of textures and flavors - some things that aren't much alone, but as a mixture it works and is completely satisfying. Miike's eye is amazing - this movie is at the same time balletic and bloody.

The characters are a curious blend of Japanese and old-school western, with the movie being a very obvious nod to spaghetti westerns (get it? spaghetti/sukiyaki??). Miike coaxes amazing performances from his actors (with the notable exception of a completely dischordant Tarantino who should stick to directing, at which he excels).

With the delicate balance between melodrama and subtlety that Japanese cinema seems to have patented, the characters in this movie compel you to watch. From the sinuous ethereal beauty of Yusuke Iseya (Yoshitsune - leader of the white gang) to the almost comical grunting and posturing of Koichi Sato as Kiyomori, chief of the red gang, to the quietly mysterious macho Gunman (Hideaki Ito), Miike's actors turn in quality work - especially considering they do it in English.

Visually, this movie is a masterpiece - even if it is a little heavy-handed in the War of the Roses references and the blatant symbolism of roses, eggs, snakes and feathers....from the vivid contrast of bright red blood on pure white snow to the inventive, fanciful costumes of the Genji and the Heike, this movie is a feast for the eyes.

It is not perfect, sometimes falling into a little too much homage, a little too little originality, but it is nonetheless an amazing piece of cinema. Miike is known as a controversial director, and a few disturbing scenes involving actress Yoshino Kimura (the beleaguered Shizuka) definitely live up to that reputation, with some scenes being a tad difficult to stomach.

But, all in all, this movie is a shimmering, voluptuous version of the less lyrical Italian spaghetti western and it deserves to be seen for its fierce beauty alone.