I noticed that IMDb indicates that "Chikujô seyo!" is two hours long. However, the DVD I just watched was only about one. Is IMDb mistaken? I don't think so. I truly think the version I just saw was a HEAVILY edited version and if you lived in Japan you might find the DVDs are for the long version. The reason I suspect the two versions is that while i liked the film, it seemed a bit rushed and a few plot elements seem a bit underdeveloped. For example, the strange old lady with the powder was a cool character but who she was, why she was and all was certainly vague.
The film is an interesting fantasy. An old professor believes that back during the age of Japanese castles that there was one in his town--but there is little evidence to support it other than one statue that could have adorned the top. However, in a bizarre twist he gets his answer when three dead samurai return from hundreds of years past--and they have returned to build this castle! Oddly, instead of questioning it, the locals think it's a grand project and begin building one, albeit out of cardboard. It's all quite strange but also enjoyable--particularly if you love Japanese films or history. I would love to see the same sort of idea brought to a Western film---and couple see the same story essentially working in a European or American or African or South American setting. Clever--but I just wish it was longer. why are red outfits digitized? |
