BeUnequaled Magazine
Five years ago Kazuaki Kiriya an acclaimed Japanese fashion photographer and music video director made his debut feature, the visually stunning and hugely ambitious sci-fi epic, Casshern. With all the qualities and the originality of his first movie, Casshern was slated for having a story which was overly stretched in places. As a result Goemon’s story is far simpler tale which allows the Kiriya’s visual flair and flamboyant action to captivate the viewers.
The movie is loosely based on the life of Ishikawa Goemon a legendary ninja warrior from the 16th century and Kiriya’s story is set within 1582. The ruler of Japan Oda Nobunaga has been brutally murdered and the country is left in a state of political chaos. Goemon (Yosuke Eguchi) whose loyalties lay with Nobunaga has risen as a hero figure that steals from the rich and gives to the poor. His latest haul is a small wooden box which he believes to be worthless however soon realizes that this box much like Pandora ’s box has dangerous consequences once opened.
Naturally this box attracts the interests of legendary swordsman Matahachi as well as legendary ninja Hattori Hanzo. As if it doesn’t spell trouble enough, Goemon’s former friend and current rival Saizo is also after the cursed object.
So the story sets its self up for some dazzling scenes, you’ll see Goemon soar into the sky, plunge down cliffs , run through roof tops, leap from tree to tree and decimate dozens of opponents in most of the battle scenes. Visually this film is outstanding, the direction of the action scenes are intuitive yet stylized in a manga like fashion. The costumes are dazzling and the set designs are so artistic it makes almost every still from the movie look beautiful. The movie isn’t perfect however, I did have problems the pace of the story, the movie does slow its pacing down between the action scenes, it does allow for the actors to perform but ultimately the movie stretches just before the final act.
Overall Goemon could quite easily have been a by-the-numbers swords and Ninjas affair, but the stylistic flair of Kirya breathes new life in to what is an age old formula. It’s mighty impressive that Kiriya has been able to make this movie for the Hollywood equivalent of spare change and is definitely one talent to watch.
Here's a trailer, by the way the sound track is very good indeed.
