Artistic, mysterious, erotic, deeply romantic, exciting....I've run out of adjectives for this compelling portrait of modern love.
"Tale of Rampo" was based in Japan shortly before World War Two and enjoyed huge audiences in Asian and European film theaters. Yet, its first run in the USA disappointed critics and audiences, who became puzzled and even annoyed by so many twists and turns in the plot.
Since then, "Tale of Rampo" has enjoyed more and more favorable word of mouth from a growing number of those who love avant-garde films. Many, like me, may have had to watch it more than once on DVD's or at art theaters before they could completely figure out what was happening. Yet, they mostly agree that the reward was worth the effort.
Like many first-time viewers, Rampo (Naoto Takenaka, actor), the intelligent but indecisive narrator, seemed surprised and even shocked by the tale as he wrote it down, and with good reason. For example, Rampo's deranged antagonist, as portrayed so boldly and brilliantly by Mikijiro Hira, went completely into orbit.
Most viewers, however, must have immediately appreciated the inspired graphics, brilliant cinematography, and lush musical score.
Above all, nearly every scene is dominated by the glowing and compelling spirit of the romantic lead, shown so convincingly by the lovely Michiko Hada. She floats along elegantly but mysteriously until the end, when she finally explains that she was "simply hoping to be in the dream of someone she loves."
That clinched it for me. I likewise hope to see her in one of my dreams...soon.
"Tale of Rampo" was based in Japan shortly before World War Two and enjoyed huge audiences in Asian and European film theaters. Yet, its first run in the USA disappointed critics and audiences, who became puzzled and even annoyed by so many twists and turns in the plot.
Since then, "Tale of Rampo" has enjoyed more and more favorable word of mouth from a growing number of those who love avant-garde films. Many, like me, may have had to watch it more than once on DVD's or at art theaters before they could completely figure out what was happening. Yet, they mostly agree that the reward was worth the effort.
Like many first-time viewers, Rampo (Naoto Takenaka, actor), the intelligent but indecisive narrator, seemed surprised and even shocked by the tale as he wrote it down, and with good reason. For example, Rampo's deranged antagonist, as portrayed so boldly and brilliantly by Mikijiro Hira, went completely into orbit.
Most viewers, however, must have immediately appreciated the inspired graphics, brilliant cinematography, and lush musical score.
Above all, nearly every scene is dominated by the glowing and compelling spirit of the romantic lead, shown so convincingly by the lovely Michiko Hada. She floats along elegantly but mysteriously until the end, when she finally explains that she was "simply hoping to be in the dream of someone she loves."
That clinched it for me. I likewise hope to see her in one of my dreams...soon.