Review of Tokyo Drifter (1966) by David K — 03 Nov 2004

[b]Cinema Paradiso: Theatrical Cut [/b](Tornatore, 1989).

The cinematography is beautiful, and it definitely has its share of touching moments throughout. Unfortunately, the entire film isn't able to be as engaging as the childhood section, and there are parts throughout the teenage and older years that drag a bit. I thought the final segment of the film had some parts that especially felt dragged out. In fact, the final scene was incredibly moving at first but then it just seemed to go on and on, and it really sucked the emotionally punch out of it. My only other quibble with the film would be that it was a little heavy on sentiment at times. Otherwise, this was a very moving and beautiful film.

[b]Rating: [/b]***.

[b]Lady Snowblood [/b].

This revenge film was simply brilliant. It is so obvious that it was [u]the[/u] major inspiration for [i]Kill Bill[/i], but Tarantino was not able to improve upon the source material this time. [i]Lady Snowblood [/i]blows [i]Kill Bill [/i]out of the water.

[b]Rating: [/b]***.

[b].

The Shop on Main Street.

[/b]This Holocaust film is consistently engaging, well shot, and even occassionally humerous. But I can't help but feel rather dissapointed by it. The film's score works for the most part, but at times it feels intrusive and out of place. I also felt that the main character's final action was a bit ridiculous and over-the-top.

[b]Rating: [/b]***.

[b]Tokyo Drifter.

[/b]This film is aesthetically brilliant and one of the most unique films I've seen. This was my first experience with Sezuki, but it will certainly not be my last. My only problem with the film is that the story loses focus at some point in the middle and becomes a bit confusing.

[b]Rating: [/b]***1/2.