Luis I
It’s a truly unique film, with production design, story structure, and camera work standing out as definite highlights. The film blends elements of the titular character’s theatrical work with scenes from his real life, creating a fascinating experience that immerses us in his psyche. We gain insight into the character both through depictions of actual events and through the plays he wrote, making for a layered and introspective narrative.
The theatrical scenes are especially striking, featuring rich and imaginative set designs that are beautifully captured through effective cinematography. Philip Glass’s score further enhances the film’s artistic and emotional atmosphere, perfectly complementing its visual storytelling. The directorial vision is spot-on, and the performances are equally strong, bringing depth to the characters.
Some viewers might struggle to fully engage with the narrative structure, themes, or characters. The language barrier and the film’s unconventional, non-linear storytelling could alienate certain audiences. However, it’s still worth watching for its exceptional visuals and the distinct ambiance it creates.
Rated 4/5 Stars •
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
02/06/25
Full Review
Jens B
Honor, masculinity, love, desire, pain, loneliness, beauty, longing, tradition, submission, dominance, poetry, sexuality – and again and again, the yearning for death. Few authors are as polarizing as Mishima. And few films have ever so brilliantly penetrated both the life AND the work of an artist as this one. Pen and sword become one.
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
09/20/24
Full Review
Cam H
Incredible ! This movie blew me away. The shots are out of this world. You should respect films like this
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
05/31/24
Full Review
Alec B
It's a triumph for Schrader, using a unconventional narrative for exploring the life and work of such an unconventional man works wonderfully. The highly stylized retelling of Mishima's novels are a kind of avant-garde theatre and this is perfect use of a Philip Glass score.
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
12/13/23
Full Review
Rebekah P
Yes, his politics were crap, but the man could write. My first book by Mishima was Forbidden Colors, which I loved. He's one of my favorite problematic dead writer guys. And this movie was STUN. NING. Gorgeous, well-acted, well-directed, with just gorgeous music. My wife and I left our little indie nerd theater practically swooning over this movie. We both hate biopics. But this one. Good gods.
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
03/22/23
Full Review
dave s
While it's not essential to do some pre-reading about the life of Japanese author/playwright Yukio Mishima (Ken Ogata) before watching Paul Schrader's Mishima: A Life in Four Chapters, it would probably help in fully understanding the mindset of the iconic and revered figure. Schrader's complex biopic covers Mishima's life from the time of his early youth until his dramatic death some forty years later at a Tokyo military base, mixing fact with the author's fiction and continually jumping back in forth in time. It's a challenging and rewarding film filled with beautiful sets, insightful dialogue, a strong performance from Ogata, and a unique structure. It is a borderline avant-garde film that somehow never manages to let its technique distract from its message and remains a memorable viewing experience almost forty years after its release.
Rated 4.5/5 Stars •
Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars
03/30/23
Full Review
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