A bit of a let-down. In spite of above-average visuals and serviceable acting, Enjo is much more conventional and less bold than any Ichikawa I'd seen yet. The main problem with the film is that it doesn't really succeed at putting us inside the head of Mizoguchi, even though the movie is entirely about him, his struggles, his tribulations, and his eventual mental breakdown. The film has its bright spots, but on the whole I'm disappointed.

Raizô Ichikawa plays Mizoguchi very well, but much is lost in the transition from page to screen. Without the benefit of voice-over narration, we lose all the internal monologue that is crucial to understanding the character. We're left with a series of events that often feel disconnected and unmotivated. However, the cinematography is terrific. The music selection is compelling as well. The film has a distinct oddness that appeals to me, but some more explanation would have been welcome.