Mishima: A Life in Four Chapters
Director: Paul Schrader
Year Released: 1985
Rating: 3.5
To tackle the life of Yukio Mishima in the first place isn't easy, so Schrader deserves a lot of credit - the writer was not simply one of the most important artists of the last century, but unquestionably elaborate and contradictory from a psychological standpoint, committing suicide (while in perfect health) to protest his shame for the (then) current state of Japan. The decision to film Mishima's last day on earth (as a part of this 'collage-film') is an intriguing one - it shows exactly how quirky his was, driving to his demise in a tiny car, giving a well-planned speech to a group who could care less (he seems less heroic and mighty and more self-righteous but strangely admirable). Though there are some slow stretches - everything is cautiously paced - it is a must-see work for fans of literature and/or Japanese culture.
