Taboo / Gohatto
Widely known as the greatest living Japanese director as well as one of the film world's pre-eminent hierophantes of transgression, Nagisa Oshima returned in 1999 from a yearlong gap with Gohatto, a film worthy of his reputation. Like the most of Oshima's films, Taboo is visually hypnotic and beautifully filmed. In this thrilling drama Japan's strict samurai code is threatened by the emotional whirlwinds of passion and desire. Quiet and nearly plaintive, the movie gently recreates the epoch with unimpeachable detail. It looks fantastic, and the characters come to life with real drama and humour. This intriguingly beautiful film is a fascinatingly ambiguous exploration of the uncontrollable force of sexuality in a highly oppressive military environment.
Summary
Sex & Swordsmanship
is not something most people do without a thought
Taboo
Plot
Set during Japan's Shogun era, this film looks at life in a samurai compound where young warriors are trained in swordfighting. A number of interpersonal conflicts are brewing in the training room, all centering around a handsome young samurai named Sozaburo Kano. He is a very skilled swordsman, but it is his appearance that makes many of the others in the (strictly male) group, both students and superiors, attracted to him, creating tension within the group of people vying for Kano's attention.
The school's stern master can choose to intervene, or to let Kano decide his own path.
Cast
Director and writer:
(Hint: hover on image for cast info, images are also clickable)
Actors:
Posters
Curious facts
Did you know that...
The movie is based on the novellas "Maegami No Sozaburo" and "Sanjogawara Ranjin" from "Shinsengumi Keppuroku" by one of the most popular japanese historical writer Ryotaro Shiba ((1923-1996)).
The novell in its turn is based on historical events during late shogunate period.
Who were Shinsengumi?
The Shinsengumi were a special police force of the late shogunate period (between 1853 and 1867, during which Japan ended its isolationist foreign policy and modernized from a feudal shogunate to the Meiji government).
So, the most of characters are real-life historical persons (maybe except Sozaburo Kano and Hyozo Tashiro).
Actually Shinsengumi's outfit was patterned blue. Outfit used in the movie was designed by Emi Wada, who also created costumes for the Akira Kurosawa film "Ran" (1985, Won Oscar in nomination Best Costume Design), Zhang Yimou films "Hero" (2002) and "House of Flying Daggers" (2004).
Outfit based on nazist designs was developed especially to show a parallel between Shinsengumi and Hitlerites, who also struggled with homosexuality in their ranks.
Gion is a district of Kyoto where Shinsengumi's quarter were located.
It was originally developed in the middle ages, in front of Yasaka Shrine. The district was built to accommodate the needs of travelers and visitors to the shrine. It eventually evolved to become one of the most exclusive and well-known geisha districts in all of Japan.
What is Ikedaya Incident?
The Ikedaya Jiken, also known as the Ikedaya Affair or Ikedaya Incident, was a famous armed encounter between the shishi (anti-shogunate political activists) from Choshu Domain (now Yamaguchi Prefecture) and the Shinsengumi, the bakufu's special police force on July 8, 1864 at the Ikedaya ryokan (type of japanese hotel) in Kyoto, Japan.
How old was Kano Sozaburo?
According to the movie Kano Sozaburo 17-18 years old. Actor performed this role (Ryuhei Matsuda) was only 15. It was his first role in cinema. Although his father is famous actor Yusaku Matsuda.Which creatures was Inoue talking about to Kano?
Tanuki is the Japanese word for raccoon dog. They have been part of Japanese folklore since ancient times. The legendary tanuki is reputed to be mischievous and jolly, a master of disguise and shapeshifting, but somewhat gullible and absent-minded.
Kappa ("river-child"), alternately called Gatarou ("river-boy") or Kawako ("river-child"), are legendary creatures; a type of water sprite found in Japanese folklore. However they are also considered to be a part of cryptozoology, due to apparent sightings. In Shintoism they are considered to be one of many suijin (literally "water-deity").
Review Links
Midnight Eye review: Gohatto (1999)
After a stroke in 1995 looked set to put an end to more...1 point
BFI | Sight & Sound | Film of the Month: Gohatto (1999)
With a shower of white cherry blossom, director Na more...1 point
[KFCC] Gohatto Review
Secondly the movie focuses on the subject of homos more...0 points
BBC - BBC Four Cinema - Gohatto
Film notes and cast details on this Japanese drama more...0 points
Close-Up Film Reviews-G
Gohatto begins with a samurai training session (wh more...0 points
Gohatto trailers, interviews and backstage
Taboo | Gohatto DVDs & OST
![Gohatto (Taboo) [ NON-USA FORMAT, PAL, Reg.2 Import - Great Britain ]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/413WWP2D47L._SL75_.jpg)
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richgerman
Asian movies are fantastic... very entertaining... 5stars, favorite. Posted July 29, 2008 |
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minpin808
Another great lens! Please keep them coming. Posted July 23, 2008 |
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garywgoldstein
looks very interesting, I like Asian movies and anime too! Posted July 18, 2008 |
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britney-smith
Great lens ! i rate you 5 stars! Posted May 09, 2008 |
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American-Dream
Hi asiacue, Posted April 02, 2008 |
