Review of Sukiyaki Western Django (2007) by Matthew B — 06 Nov 2008

This movie was interesting. It was gorgeous, strange, confusing, and innovative all wrapped up in one unusual bundle. The costumes and setting were some of the most beautiful that I have seen in a long time, and the strange mixture of classic American Western with the lore of Japanese samurai worked oddly well together.

It is a weird day when I can truthfully say that one of my favorite Westerns has come from Japan. The story was convoluted and confusing at first, and it definitely deserves a second watching just so I know what is going on, but that doesn't make it a bad thing -- although, it was a bit too slow to start out with.

I like how Miike had his actors do the movie in English first -- it brought a feel of awkward authenticity to the film. It wouldn't have felt right if the characters spoke in Japanese. Ironically, the one part of this film that really bugged me was Quentin Tarantino's scenes.

It distracted me from the more interesting and more important main storyline. It also brought a feeling of sci-fi steampunk that was unnecessary. Overall, though, this was a wonderful film that won't get the audience that it deserves.

..but I can hope that it will become a cult classic.