|
|||||||||||||||
You’ve got to love or at least respect the early films. Limited technology, special effects, and often resources were all contributors to the hardships of making movies. On the other hand, visuals weren’t normally the central focus; instead, the people and their general plight had to make or break the film. I think that’s what makes the classic movie era so endearing. How else could we explain the ridiculous number of remakes of old movies; recycling good ideas from the past doesn’t sound so bad. The American movie industry wasn’t the only place in the world brining the drama on screen. Japan had also moved into the framework of movies and has since spearheaded some of the most creative and interesting styles and themes in movie history. We see one such idea shine through in the film Bushido: The Cruel Code of the Samurai. Through some incredible ingenuity, the makers of Bushido sought to create a great drama with some unique features. Here they decided to cast one lead to play several different roles and appear as different people. The result is quite stunning for the time. The use of make-up and transition from era to era makes it almost seem that each person is a different actor. The main members of the Iikura family are followed through history and are portrayed by the talents of Kinnosuke Nakamura. The movie begins in modern times with Susumu and his fiancé Kyoko. Kyoko’s suicide attempt causes Susumu to reminisce on the twisted history of his family. The memories become a dramatic tale across several generations. Susumu is engulfed in a legacy of treachery and loyalty that has led to the death and shame of many that came before him. In the end, Susumu must decide whether to continue his ancestors’ cruel legacy or move passed it all. Despite the title and samurai connections, this film is in no way an action movie. With as little as one battle sequence and duel, the film’s violence rests more in simple suggestions and a few acts of seppuku. With a sharper focus on “loyalty” above all else, Bushido becomes much more of an inside look at a unique part of Japanese culture. We rarely like to look at honorability being a glass half empty situation. It is no mystery that lords in any time frame had the ability to abuse their power. The cultural significance that this film reveals about Japanese rulers and their people is nothing short of eye opening. Meaningless games, a cruel lack of sympathy, and intentional conspiracy are all plots laid about by these rulers in Bushido. In truth, the code followed by the servants of those in power is unquestionable loyalty no matter the disposition of that power. The fates of samurai at the time were often directly connected to manner in which their lord conducted himself. Those warriors unfortunate enough to displease an ill tempered lord were much more likely to commit seppuku. Others might have been denied the opportunity all together if the lord’s wrath bent more towards instilling shame. The travel through a family’s history can be quite an interesting endeavor. When laying it out in film, it can be a tricky business making sure the transitions are accurate and sensible. Bushido commits to smooth era changes by ending a segment of the story with the birth of the next generation. If your one that doesn’t like frequent changes in characters and story, you may want to avoid this film. Each generation change brings with it a completely new story and characters. While the overall theme remains the same, the movie is really made up of seven smaller stories connected by the Iikura family and their loyalties. This by no means takes away from the film, but I can see where some people would tire from the constant change in characters and setting. My personal view is positive. I think the timing works well enough to where each segment doesn’t feel rushed; all the while they remain short enough to where you don’t feel as though you’re sitting through a two hour movie. Dramatization is classic style full on with emotional outbursts, quick head jerking and cringing, and of course the slow stiff movements to build suspense. Watching acting like this now might seem somewhat humorous, but I like those simple acts of facial expression and body language that can convey what a scene is about without actually having to show anything. In modern film, special effects and directors seemingly endless need for showing as much gore as possible usually overshadows or completely cripples a performer’s abilities during a scene. While watching Bushido, you my find yourself grinning, but in the back of your mind, the drama portrayed by the cast tells you much more than what you see. In my book, this is what true drama is about. I have to say that for a movie nearly a half century old its appearance is sharper than ever. The DVD release brings a sharp picture that removes the grit and gives a stunning black and white presentation. The audio in the film falls flat on a few accounts. Conversations end up sounding like a muttering contest at some points, but the subtitles stay true so it is easy to distinguish what is going on regardless if the sound in on par or not. The DVD cover also warns of violence and sticks it with an 18+ rating. Don’t let this mislead you into thinking there are blood, guts, and dismemberment throughout. In actuality, the film is rather blood and guts free. Most of the violence in movie is suggested. While these suggestive themes warrant a more mature audience, 18+ is a little high. We’re also treated to a few special features. I am not used to their inclusion on older foreign films; however, I welcome the content when it is included. Most of the extras give additional information and insight into the movie. Watching all of the special features and the film a second time might just change how you view certain scenes. Bushido: The Cruel Code of the Samurai comes highly charged with the drama that makes classic cinema fun to watch. While maybe not the action movie some expect, Bushido makes leaps and bounds in other areas. If you’ve got a taste for older movies or seek a peak into another cultural, pick up Bushido and see for yourself the twisted lives of loyal servants. -James-
|
|||||||||||||||
