Finally got around to seeing 13 Assassins—couldn’t face any of the new film releases this week—and I can’t tell you how soothing it is. It’s a reverent throwback to the great 1950s-’60s Japanese samurai films, and it’s done in neutral shades of gray and white and tan and black. Other than the copious blood spray, of course, which stands out beautifully red against the muted palette. Oh, it’s lovely, lovely!
And Takeshi Miike, that guy can direct. Nothing so relaxing as going to a movie and seeing in the first couple of shots that you’re in good hands, no need to keep tensing up over the fumbling and foozling of some unskilled bastard with the cinematic sensibility of a stoat. No, you can just sit back and let it roll through you like a pleasant dream.
May 30th, 2011 | Comments (17)
