MovieChat Forums > Mishima: A Life in Four Chapters (1985) Discussion > Completely stunning

Completely stunning

posted 6 years ago by Nostromo (242)
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What a stunning film. A real experience. One of those you almost let wash over you like a dream. John Bailey's photography is absolutely mesmerizing and it has to be one of the most jaw droppingly beautiful films I've ever seen. Fantasy and fiction merge with the real life of Mishima and play out within the stories written by him. What a concept. The film explores Mishima's state of mind, his grasp of how art and reality converge, his patriotism and loyalty to the Japanese state and sexuality. It also has that nihilistic / self destruction theme that is often prevalent in Schrader / Scorsese projects.

Total art. 10/10

[–] looper007 (1158) 6 years ago

Top 10 of the best films made in the 80's imo, just amazing that Schrader even got this project made to be honest. I love that mixes Mishima real life with his work's too and flows so perfectly. Bailey's Photography suits the film to the ground, and the set design is just stunning. Also it has one of the greatest and most beautiful soundtracks ever done by Philip Glass. Got the Criterion Collection release of this and it's still as stunning ever. I think it's Schrader's greatest film.

[–] Nostromo (242) 6 years ago

Can't argue with any of that. It's near perfect. It slotted straight into my top 50 films of all time.