Rating: 
Summary: Winsome, Enchanting
Review: Even upon multiple viewings, this movie never fails to delight. Anyone who enjoys Japanese film, especially of an historical, magical bent, cannot help but like these characters---a court magician who feels no need to compete and is almost cranky when enjoined to take a stand against a fellow omiyogi who is power-hungry and villianous to boot. The enjoiner is a rather minor court noble, who is pure of heart, yet not particularly brave until he is called upon to be a guardian of the city. Add to this various court ladies who are either magical, cursed, or immortal (and even a pair of doomed, star-crossed lovers) and we have quite a pleasing mixture.
It is beautifully photographed, scored (especially the flute and celestial music), and costumed; therefore, taking all of the above into account, I was forgiving of some less than spectacular special effects.
I particularly like the dance sequence which brings one character to life, at the willing sacrifice of another. Since the dancer, Seimei is a renowned Noh dancer---no wonder he was so impressive.
I look forward to the lift in spirits that this movie has always given me and I will watch it often.
Rating: 
Summary: A great Movie for Most Anyone in General
Review: I first stumbled across information about this movie while researching the religious background behind the art of Onmyo (Onmyodo). Having previously read several of Abe no Seimei's stories, I was excited to see that this movie came out in the U.S. Taking place in the Heian era, this movie follows the story of the onmyoji Abe no Seimei and court noble Minamoto no Hiromasa. It is a tale of court intrigue and relationships between characters. The reason it interested me is that there was a large focus on Onmyodo as well, going into the background of this tradition; the spells, curses, divination, talismans and chanting. I was also pleasantly surprised to see some of the traditional tales of Abe no Seimei adapted into the movie.The only complaint that I have with the DVD release is that the sound quality could have been better. I noticed that toward the end of the later DVD chapters, the sound sync started getting a little behind the video. Like with many Japanese movies, the emphasis is not on action. This is opposite of a good portion of American films. Some might find that it is a slow-paced movie and that the acting and special effects are "not up to par" with American movies. However, this movie is very much colored with rich culture, as well as deep character relationships and emotions. I think that anyone with an interest in Japanese court culture or magico-religious beliefs would enjoy this movie immensely. It is also a great movie for most anyone in general, unless you get queasy at the site of blood. There isn't a large amount of blood, but there is a scene or two that probably aren't for the weak-stomached.
Rating:
Summary: Cool flick
Review: I have no idea what these people are complaining about. This movie is exactly what it was meant to be. Saying this is campy is like saying Excalibur was campy. It's a fantasy movie. I thought the wire acting was a little old-school and the butterfly woman was goofy but it was a pretty good movie through and through. I would only recommend buying it to true lovers of fantasy and Japanese movies but most other could rent it and enjoy it.
Rating: 
Summary: There are better Japanese movies out there
Review: I picked up this movie based on reviews I had read, and I came in with somewhat good expectations. Unfortunately I was sorely disappointed. Though the costuming is great, and the theory behind the story is interesting, the exceedingly slow pacing reduces the movie to what is quite frankly an excruciating experience. I actually fell asleep 2/3 of the way through because of the pacing. Needless to say I'm putting my copy up on ebay shortly, and I recommend renting this or borrowing from a friend before you buy one yourself.
Rating:
Summary: Great learning
Review: In order to appreciate this movie, you have to know that the whole Onmyoji story is not just written by someone for this
time. It is based on a true story(!) in 8th Century Japan.
The charactors and stories are from the one of the oldest records written in Japanese. Those guys were existed then, doing those miracles in daily life.
It is so interesting to learn about Japanese beliefs and religious activities in old times, which lead us to understand what the bases of them today.
Also, you should know that the main actor is a "prince" of "NOH Dance" which is one of the most ancient art forms in Japan.
This is why his movment is not at all like other actors but with a special NOH technique.
Overall, this is really a great Japanese movie. Should be more introduced to foreign countries since it represents depth and difference of their culture.
Rating:
Summary: Great learning
Review: In order to appreciate this movie, you have to know that the whole Onmyoji story is not just written by someone for this
time. It is based on a true story(!) in 8th Century Japan.
The charactors and stories are from the one of the oldest records written in Japanese. Those guys were existed then, doing those miracles in daily life.
It is so interesting to learn about Japanese beliefs and religious activities in old times, which lead us to understand what the bases of them today.
Also, you should know that the main actor is a "prince" of "NOH Dance" which is one of the most ancient art forms in Japan.
This is why his movment is not at all like other actors but with a special NOH technique.
Overall, this is really a great Japanese movie. Should be more introduced to foreign countries since it represents depth and difference of their culture.
Rating:
Summary: well that was certainly interesting
Review: Onmmyoji is a terrific little Japanse film. First, if you don't like Japanese fantasy then you won't enjoy it but if you're willing to just relax and go with it, the movie is a lot of fun.
You have a court appointed wizard who'se job is to protect the emperor and his family. Where did he come from and how old is he really are not known. You have a good hearted but bumbling Watson like buddy and you have a the wizard's assistant who is not human and functions as a witches cat or a living magic wand. Oh and you have a villain who has a huge beef, destroys property and kills a lot of hapless extras and a of course you have a bounty of lovely ladies.
By the end of the movie I learned that if you are brave but stupid it's really good to have a wizard for a best friend becuase he's there to repeatedly save you and attempt to educate you.
Villains take a good ten minutes to laugh about their evil plans so you should take your shot while they're occupied.
Wizards never answer direct questions so don't even try asking.
If you're going to fall in love find a woman who has nothing to do with the emperor and move fast becuase she might be dead before the final reel.
Onmyoji is a popcorn and beer movie. It's highly amusing without scads of graphic violence, sex or hidden agendas. Give it a look see.
Rating:
Summary: There are better Japanese movies out there
Review: Onmyoji is a fair film which really deserves 3 1/2 stars but is not quite a four. The plot takes place during the Japanese Heian period, where demons and ghosts can envoke havoc on the living. The havoc in Onmoyoji ranges from slight to down right scary when two Onmoyoji are pitted against each other for control of the imperial city. This battle is brought on by Doson, an Onmoyoji, who wishes to take control of the city anyway he can. He starts by using slight manipulation and treachery before he turns to an all out onslaught of evil spirits to do his bidding. Seimei, another Onmoyoji, is recruited by Hiromasa to battle theses disturbances of the ghostly invaders. Together they unravel a plot of betrayal and trechary, and it's ultimately the combined powers of both which is needed to try and save the day. The plot and idea of Onmyoji was an exceptional one. The political intrigue element adds a lot of intelligence to the story and makes the characters plights interesting. Also, the friendship between Seimei and Hiromasa adds a Sherlock Holmes type element to the story which is easy to appreciate. There are also plenty of interesting characters including a demi-god who hangs out with Seimei and can turn into a butterfly, and a guardian of a tomb who can suck in, and spit out evil spirtis as a favor to Seimei. Seimei and Doson also use lots of magical tricks throughout the movie which gives ample opprotunity to use CGI effects. (some of the best I've seen in a Japanese production) After all that praise why only 3 1/2 stars? Mainly because Omnyoji fails to seize opportunities to add more action to the movie. Especially towards the end, when the city is being taken over by ghostly foes. More action would have hit the spot. Overall though, Onmyoji is worth a watch. The cinematograhpy, costuming, and special effects will probabally be enough to hold your attention. You will probabally have to watch it twice to take in the whole story, due to the complicated-ness of the plot, but you'll notice things the second time around that you may have brushed off the first time. Seimei is nothing else if not deliberate. (You'll see what I mean) Note: This film is not like the Vampire Hunting movies in Hong Kong Cinema. It's not particularly scary, and the battle with the spirits is minimal. This is more of a Japanese fantasy with mystery and intrigue. Keep that in mind while viewing it.
Rating: 
Summary: Demon and ghost-buster Seimei!
Review: Onmyoji is a fair film which really deserves 3 1/2 stars but is not quite a four. The plot takes place during the Japanese Heian period, where demons and ghosts can envoke havoc on the living. The havoc in Onmoyoji ranges from slight to down right scary when two Onmoyoji are pitted against each other for control of the imperial city. This battle is brought on by Doson, an Onmoyoji, who wishes to take control of the city anyway he can. He starts by using slight manipulation and treachery before he turns to an all out onslaught of evil spirits to do his bidding. Seimei, another Onmoyoji, is recruited by Hiromasa to battle theses disturbances of the ghostly invaders. Together they unravel a plot of betrayal and trechary, and it's ultimately the combined powers of both which is needed to try and save the day. The plot and idea of Onmyoji was an exceptional one. The political intrigue element adds a lot of intelligence to the story and makes the characters plights interesting. Also, the friendship between Seimei and Hiromasa adds a Sherlock Holmes type element to the story which is easy to appreciate. There are also plenty of interesting characters including a demi-god who hangs out with Seimei and can turn into a butterfly, and a guardian of a tomb who can suck in, and spit out evil spirtis as a favor to Seimei. Seimei and Doson also use lots of magical tricks throughout the movie which gives ample opprotunity to use CGI effects. (some of the best I've seen in a Japanese production) After all that praise why only 3 1/2 stars? Mainly because Omnyoji fails to seize opportunities to add more action to the movie. Especially towards the end, when the city is being taken over by ghostly foes. More action would have hit the spot. Overall though, Onmyoji is worth a watch. The cinematograhpy, costuming, and special effects will probabally be enough to hold your attention. You will probabally have to watch it twice to take in the whole story, due to the complicated-ness of the plot, but you'll notice things the second time around that you may have brushed off the first time. Seimei is nothing else if not deliberate. (You'll see what I mean) Note: This film is not like the Vampire Hunting movies in Hong Kong Cinema. It's not particularly scary, and the battle with the spirits is minimal. This is more of a Japanese fantasy with mystery and intrigue. Keep that in mind while viewing it.
Rating:
Summary: A wonderful fairy tale
Review: Onmyoji is an awesome movie if you go at it in the way of a fairy tale. The plot is great, there is also a lot of storylines to follow to keep the audience busy. The special effects aren't great, but the battle between good and evil is enough to keep you interested.
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