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Onmyoji (Special Edition) Actors: Mansai Nomura, Hideaki Ito, Hiroyuki Sanada Director: Yojiro Takita Number of Items: 1 Format: Color, Widescreen, Dolby Audience Rating: R (Restricted) Running Time: 176 minutes Studio: Geneon Entertainment Product Group: DVD Release Date: 2003-08-12 Buy from Amazon |
 "There are better Japanese movies out there"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.  "Demon and ghost-buster Seimei!"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.  "A great Movie for Most Anyone in General"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. |
