Rikyu

Rating:
Summary: Teshigahara Triumphant Return
Review: The low rating I gave was for the DVD, which is miserable. The aspect ratio is ignored and, sadly, no attempt is made to remaster the VHS print. The story is magnificently told by Teshigahara - a central episode in Japanese cultural history, when two forces sought to influence the future of Japanese aesthetics. Hideyoshi, who was more or less Japan's Lord Protector, disputed his master Rikyu in matters of taste. Rikyu advocated subtlety (the term "jimi"), while Hideyoshi, the flagrant extrovert, pushed for ostentatiousness ("hade"). Since Rikyu was a mere monk and would not back down from his views on matters of taste (making Hideyoshi appear ridiculous with his solid-gold tea-ceremony chambers), who eventually won the debate was another demonstration of Hideyoshi's relentless "hade." If you look at modern Japan, the two forces are still at odds. A splendid film, poorly served by this DVD. I have a VHS copy I purchased in Japan from Shochiku Video for about $30, letterboxed (with no subtitles). You need to know a great deal about Japanese history to follow everything, as an earlier viewer pointed out. Don't let it daunt you, though. An added attraction is the music of the Japanese modernist composer Toru Takemitsu, who wrote music for Woman in the Dunes as well.

Rating:
Summary: Teshigahara Triumphant Return
Review: The low rating I gave was for the DVD, which is miserable. The aspect ratio is ignored and, sadly, no attempt is made to remaster the VHS print. The story is magnificently told by Teshigahara - a central episode in Japanese cultural history, when two forces sought to influence the future of Japanese aesthetics. Hideyoshi, who was more or less Japan's Lord Protector, disputed his master Rikyu in matters of taste. Rikyu advocated subtlety (the term "jimi"), while Hideyoshi, the flagrant extrovert, pushed for ostentatiousness ("hade"). Since Rikyu was a mere monk and would not back down from his views on matters of taste (making Hideyoshi appear ridiculous with his solid-gold tea-ceremony chambers), who eventually won the debate was another demonstration of Hideyoshi's relentless "hade." If you look at modern Japan, the two forces are still at odds. A splendid film, poorly served by this DVD. I have a VHS copy I purchased in Japan from Shochiku Video for about $30, letterboxed (with no subtitles). You need to know a great deal about Japanese history to follow everything, as an earlier viewer pointed out. Don't let it daunt you, though. An added attraction is the music of the Japanese modernist composer Toru Takemitsu, who wrote music for Woman in the Dunes as well.

Rating:
Summary: A Simple Art
Review: 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!

Rating:
Summary: The truth is a double cutting edge weapon !
Review: 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 .


Rating:
Summary: Very poor DVD quality
Review: Two stars refer to DVD quality. It is a very good film but DVD quality is not.

The DVD quality is exactly the same as previous LD which is very poor. The studio just copied the whole things including English subtitle ( not removable ) from LD to this new DVD. The picture quality is so fuzzy, dark and grainy that you can hardly see much of this great film. The DVD quality of "Woman in the Dunes" from the same director is much nicer. This movie deserves a better DVD transfer.