Kokuho

Sprawling, impeccably designed epic almost provides enough visual stimulation to be able to admire and let it wash over you; the cinematography and staging (not to mention the makeup and set design) are truly remarkable at times and a feast for the eyes. Unfortunately as a narrative, it is a little too convoluted and choppy; especially with the significance of inheritance and succession unclear and unfocussed, it becomes difficult to properly invest in some of the well-performed melodrama – this may be a rare case where 3 hours was just not enough time to tell a story this complicated and rich; hopefully an extended director’s cut is kicking around somewhere!