The truth is a double cutting edge weapon ! The tea ceremony is the basis for this unforgettable and meticulous well made movie . The ancestral customs of this ritual will carry to this honest and simple man without any experience in the political world to be designed as the loyal adviser of the King due his weird prophecy gifts . But this gift will be the cause of his future tragedy when he predicts dark tempests in the future for the kingdom if the supreme authorities decide to initiate the war for territory concerns . Watch this wonderful and unforgettable film who will let astonished from start to end . A real masterpiece of the japanese cinema .
Worst ever-seen transfer to DVD It's a tragedy that this masterpiece of film art and narrative was totally destroyed by the poor transfer to the DVD by Slingshot. I should have read Amazon's previous reviews about this DVD, and then I whould have not bought it. I orderd this DVD version because I admired the film when it was originally shown in a theater. Don't buy this DVD, period.
Yes, this transfer is as bad as you've heard. The film itself is remarkable and absorbing - one of those films that stays with you long after its over. Some people find it slow. I wouldn't want it to go any faster - and it could have been longer, as beautiful as it is.
Best of all is a crucial scene that will resonate deeply with anyone who has ever knowingly, wilfully visited destruction upon themselves by an application of uncompromising honesty - because to do any less would be a violation of their principles.
"Rikyu" leaves the question open as to whether such an act is stupid, noble, reckless, courageous, pointless or other. I suppose one's reaction to the film would depend on how one answers this question - or if one understands being powerless to do otherwise when put on the spot.
A Simple Art The story of Rikyu will unviel itself for you when you watch this movie. It is very similar to the Cha no yu itself, very simple and austere. This movie only cover a certain part of Rikyu's life, so all you folks that are "historians" don't be disapointed if the latter part of his life is not covered.
This is a samurai movie in the context that the tea cerimony greatly influenced the Samurai class, but don't expect flashing steel. I recomend this movie to anyone interested in the Way of Tea or Japanese culture!
Never trust Slingshot DVD again! After purchasing "Academy Award Winner, the frist 50 years" ( a "0" star DVD ) and this DVD ( "2" star ), I have lost my confidence with Slingshot (Triton) I will think twice with any DVD with this label. The film itself is a great one (4 stars).
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