Review of Bunraku (2010) by Victoria G — 17 Jan 2019
Most reviews say this movie is visually striking but cliche in plot and lackluster in the character development. I agree with the first two points, though that is not necessarily a bad thing. The final one, though, is wrong, and anyone who says this movie doesn't develop its characters seems to require character development to whack them upside the head in order to see it.
The character development in this movie is like strokes of a paintbrush by a master artist: so natural, you almost miss it. It's in the way the characters move, the way they speak, the way Alexandra crushes nuts to get on #2's nerves and the way it physically pains him to hear it.
The way the Drifter always breathes in the smoke of others' cigars but never lights his own. The way the Bartender and Alexandra have matching tattoos. The way Yoshi battles with upholding his family's honor, even at the expense of his family.
The way Nicola practically begs for something to hold his attention for more than a mere few moments. The fear in the Drifters eyes and movements when faced with heights. The way Yoshi takes more wasabi after some is shoved in his face.
The way #2 twinges in fear when Nicola used his axe to chop firewood, and the way Nicola chops the firewood despite having hundreds who could do it for him. It is in the way the Bartender shows so much hope and joy at sticking it to the man.
Each stroke works with all of the others to paint each characters canvas. Sure, the plot is simple, but a movie doesn't have to be groundbreaking to be great. This movie deserves so much more than the critics gave it, and it deserves to be given a chance to shine in the spotlight, not in the dark corner it was thrown.
This review of Bunraku (2010) was written by Victoria G on 17 January 2019.
Bunraku has generally received mixed reviews.
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