Goemon“Goemon” is the second (and at this time the latest) feature film by the smooth, fashionable and awesome director Kazuaki Kiriya. Kiriya would be most accurately described as the Japanese Michael Bay. He made his beginnings directing music videos (many of them being Hikaru Utada's - his ex wife's), and six years ago he leveled up to a full feature director with his adaptation of the science-fiction epic manga/anime “Casshern”. The only difference is Bay gets hundreds of millions for his films, Kiriya gets only millions. “Casshern” was made on a very tight budget of six million USD, but the final product looked tens of times more expensive, proving there is more to filmmaking than just money.
This time Kiriya dwells into the history books with his version of the story of Goemon Ishikawa. Goemon was just like Robin Hood, only cooler. A master thief who stole from the rich to give to the poor, fought against the corrupt government, but didn’t lose time on stupid love affairs like the cinematic Robin, and wasn’t gay like the real Robin. Technically, this is a historical film, but take that fact very, and I mean very lightly. Apart from the basic background story and real historical figures, I think pretty much everything else has been a little over-exaggerated for the sake of thrills. I’m fairly certain the real Goemon could not jump 100 feet in the air and climb flat walls like a spider. So please, suspend your disbelief. If you’re looking for historical accuracy, try the documentary section.
Fifteen years ago, the great Nobunaga Oda had been assassinated at Honnoji Temple, and Toyotomi Hideyoshi took over the governmental power. Goemon, the master thief, accidentally steals a seemingly empty small indigo box of utmost importance that a number of high profile figures are looking for. Alliances will be broken, old treacheries will be uncovered and new ones committed and friendships will be put to the test as events that will change the course of history are set in motion.
As I’ve mentioned, those even partly familiar with the Japanese history will be delighted at the number of figures that make their appearance. First and foremost, there’s Nobunaga who, believe it or not, is not a genma lord or a demon, but a good guy. Then there’s Mitsuhide Akechi, Mitsunari Ishida, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Kirigakure Saizo, Hattori Hanzo and Ieyasu Tokugawa, among others. Granted, except Goemon, they’re all just supporting characters, but still… I was especially happy to see the badass Nobunaga. They should make a huge epic about him.
Kiriya once again optet for putting live actors on CGI backgrounds, just like in “300”. Whereas “300” was more or less realistic in the depiction of landscapes, Kiriya throws such boundaries away and lets the imagination run freely. The result is a highly stylistic and extremely colorful, but beautiful cartoonish looking world. A real live-action anime, if you will. So are the laws of physics in “Goemon”. Gravity seems to have little effect on the Japanese, as they are all over the screen. Insane acrobatics, super-human reflexes and all sorts of weaponry, including but not limited to, swords and mini-guns makes the action totally un-realistic but extremely pleasing to the eye.
Yosuke Eguchi, although until now being primarily a TV actor, pulls a good performance as Goemon, making him a likeable hero. Hashinosuke Nakamura as Nobunaga was also superb, maybe the best performance in the film.
There are downsides, however. Compared to “Casshern”, “Goemon” was a letdown in certain areas. The characters, no matter how cool, are all less defined and fleshed out. That could be seen as a good or a bad thing, however. The biggest critique for “Casshern” was its long runtime (142 minutes) and intricate story with substantial character development that proved too much for many people. Truth to be told, “Goemon” doesn’t trail much behind in runtime clocking at 122 minutes, but still the difference is evident. It all depends on your mood, though. “Casshern” was a story about humanity and (im)morality, while “Goemon” is pretty much straightforward badassery carrying the most basic message of doing the right and honorable thing. Personally, I would’ve liked to see at least the main characters a little more developed.
The music composed by Akihiko Matsumoto, although being very epic and intriguing, left something to be desired. Shiru Sagisu did a better job on “Casshern”, his score being a masterpiece to be remembered, while it seems to me the “Goemon” score was somewhat misused. I mean, I'm listening to it standalone right now and there's awesome tunes in it I can't even remember being in the film. A particularly interesting piece plays during the lavish dance scene when Goemon is in a brothel (I presume). Also, later battle themes feature some heavy metal cues, too. The ending theme by Violet UK called "ROSA" also seems to have attracted a lot of attention.
“Goemon” is a film for more casual viewers, made so that you can just sit back and enjoy a beautifully presented epic tale. It didn’t top “Casshern” in my book, but it is one hell of a ride. Kazuaki Kiriya is fast becoming a director to keep an eye on. Highly recommended! If you're still unconvinced, check the trailer and see if it fires up your enthusiasm.
Rating: 8/10
- review by Ventilation Shaft
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