Sabu (DVD, 2004)

If you are familiar with Takashi Miike then when you think of his movies it probably conjurs up images of violence and the surreal - this movie is so totally apart from that it is almost as if you find yourself waiting for 'the catch'.

Both Tatsuya Fujiwara (as Eiji, the wrongfully accused) and Satoshi Tsumabuki (as Sabu, Eiji's best friend) portray their characters perfectly - Fujiwara in particular playing a character quite far from that of Battle Royale's Shuya Nanahara (as he is probably best known for in the West).

This is a very beautifully shot film, focusing on the importance of friendship and trust. Avid fans of the sort of horror genre that Miike's films usually slot into may not find it to their taste, but it definitely has something to offer. Fans of Tatsuya Fujiwara will not be dissapointed, as even though the film is called SABU, Eiji appears more to be the lead character, and fans of Satoshi Tsumabuki will find his character charming and caring as Eiji's brother-like friend.

I personally treasure my copy of this DVD, not only for the movie itself, but for the extra features - including a full length 'Making Of' and interviews with the cast and director. A must have for any self-respecting fan of not only the Japanese film industry, but also movies in general.

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This is apparently Miike's first jidaigeki film and out of character with the majority of his work. He should stick to something other than jidaigeki because SABU is a poor example of period Japanese film in comparison with the work of other directors. The set is so dark that it is hard to see what is going on at times. Tsumabuki's Sabu character, supposedly so gently loyal to his friend Eiji, is scripted / directed as if he is mildly mentally retarded. Maybe that is the intent from a director who loves to make violent films.

The female characters, who are quite important to the story, are visually indistinguishable from one another and thus make the story hard to follow. There is no character development for any of the women. By contrast a lot of film time is spent on prison violence - likely the director's interest.

I would not buy this dvd as a good example of jidaigeki. However, I gave it an "average" rating because this dvd is collectible for Miike fans and fans of the two main actors. The US version of the dvd is more desirable than other versions because of the bonus features. The interviews and behind the scenes footage are English subtitled, a rarity for most Japanese films.

Director: Takashi Miike
Writers: Hiroshi Takeyama (screenplay), Shugoro Yamamoto (novel)
Release Date: 14 May 2002 (Japan) more
Genre: Action / Drama more
Tagline: Other People Don't Matter
Plot: Takashi Miike (Full Metal Yakuza, The Black Society Trilogy), one of the most prolific directors.
Plot Keywords: Jidai Geki / Based On Novel