There are some really good things in this East-meets-West film, but I have to admit that I am in the minority here, and I didn't think the movie was completely satisfying. I'm not saying it's a bad movie, because the movie does shine in some key areas. The whole package has a good visual look to it, capturing post-war Japan extremely well; this is certainly not a cheap-looking film. And the idea of the movie - a westerner finding his way into a side of Japanese society traditionally closed to foreigners - is certainly intriguing, and does lead to some very interesting moments. Western viewers who are interested in Japanese culture will certainly get a lot of insight.
But as good as the movie gets at time, there are some things that hold it back from being a really great movie. For starters, there is the pacing. While I am glad that the movie was not extremely fast-paced - which would be inappropriate for a serious-minded movie like this - all the same I have to admit that it was a bit slow at times. A little tightening here and there would have worked wonders. The biggest problem, however, is with its characters. I don't think the movie got into the heads of its main characters enough, particularly with the Jared Leto character. We learn practically nothing about his past, why he decides to join the yakuza, and what is going on in his head. He is such a bland character, it's hard to care about him one way or another.
I admit that I am glad that I saw this movie, since there is some really good stuff here and there. All the same, I don't think the movie is as good as it could have been. Yes, see the movie, but don't get your expectations too high, or you might be very disappointed.
But as good as the movie gets at time, there are some things that hold it back from being a really great movie. For starters, there is the pacing. While I am glad that the movie was not extremely fast-paced - which would be inappropriate for a serious-minded movie like this - all the same I have to admit that it was a bit slow at times. A little tightening here and there would have worked wonders. The biggest problem, however, is with its characters. I don't think the movie got into the heads of its main characters enough, particularly with the Jared Leto character. We learn practically nothing about his past, why he decides to join the yakuza, and what is going on in his head. He is such a bland character, it's hard to care about him one way or another.
I admit that I am glad that I saw this movie, since there is some really good stuff here and there. All the same, I don't think the movie is as good as it could have been. Yes, see the movie, but don't get your expectations too high, or you might be very disappointed.