It gets off to a slow start, but builds into an elaborate melodramatic thriller. A bold combination of theatrical influence and cinematic aesthetic, with masterful framing and brilliant use of light, shadow, and color. The score is an unusual mix of traditional Japanese and jazz. It is an undeniably virtuoso work, but flawless though it may be, I admire and appreciate it more than I have any strong feeling for it.

I expected a huge mind-fuck, and instead received a surprisingly subtle and reserved film. It's quietly whacky and rebellious, mostly in the colours, the visuals, and the off-beat story. The revenge plot is all psychological instead of full of action, and Yukinojo is great simply by virtue of being the least manly warrior you'll ever see.

It's a nice little film with some clever cinematography and a cool story that comes full circle. That said, it never really captured my interest to the degree that a great film can. The first 30 minutes were brutal in comparison to the last parts in terms of pacing and story. Thought the best part of the film was the score, which was cleverly constructed and always interesting. Decent but nowhere near a tier 10.

657

It's very easy to appreciate the skill and artistry with which An Actor's Revenge was made. The plot is very cleverly constructed, bringing together its many characters in a neatly organized revenge scheme. It's made with a bold, unique style that calls upon countless theater influences, but also exploits the filmic medium to great effect. Yet though I admire it very much, on a gut level, it wasn't as easy to appreciate. It never fully hooked me emotionally. Impressive but not quite my thing.

The actor's voice is really annoying, although it suits the role. Other than that its a fantastic film.

haiku review: two deaths avenged / born under a lonely star / then fades into wheat

Ichikawa plays wonderfully with conventions, cliches and expectations. Even though An Actor's Revenge was made in 1963 (fucking 1963!), it's still one of the best-looking movies I've ever seen. The acting is excellent, especially Hasegawa. The movie is, perhaps, a little bit slow in parts.

Kon Ichikawa's melodrama can be summed up by looking at the title, but it's in the presentation that the film really soars. Beautiful use of color, bravura performances from all, especially Kazuo Hasegawa in a dual role as Yukinojo, the titular actor, a female impersonator who plays at effeminacy even off-stage, and as a wily thief who ultimately aids the actor's revenge. The stylization is breathtaking, but the emotional impact--especially the tragedy of Lady Namiji--is not blunted.

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# 649

A unique and captivating film. It's very theatrical with minimal sets and a strong focus on acting, but that doesn't prevent it from having a very strong artistic style. As you'd expect in such a film the acting is very good and the story is a nice take on the standard revenge tale. What gives this that extra edge is how rich the visuals are even with limited sets. Ichikawa manages to throw in randam splashes of life and energy into the visuals that coincide well with the action on screen.

Japanese director Kon Ichikawa has crafted his greatest achievement yet. Incredibly enjoyable and audacious. Has a very strong focus on acting, and it has a breathtaking, mind-controlling style buried richly in texture through its dark, daring golden heart. Has lots of splashes and strokes of depth too, along with a very unique plot and it features touching scenes once in a while. All in all, an all-time classic.

The visual flair is audacious, lively, and incredibly enjoyable to behold. The colors are vibrant, the staging absolutely exquisite. Masterful use of empty space. He exploits the widescreen scope in dazzling and unusual ways. He effortlessly tosses off one bold stylistic flourish after another as if to say, "there's plenty more where that came from!" The acting is top-notch across the board. The story is full of intrigue, suspense, romance, melodrama, and an astonishing playfulness and wit.

705

Peculiar. I thought some of the characters were a bit superfluous, but the cinematography is amazing and Ayako Wakao is as gorgeous as always.

Full of small and big wonders, fantastic film that succeeds in basically every department.