Taboo: Amazon.ca: Takeshi Kitano, Ry�hei Matsuda, Shinji Takeda, Tadanobu Asano, Y�ichi Sai, Jiro Sakagami, K�ji Matoba, Masa Tommies, Masat� Ibu, Zakoba Katsura, Tomorowo Taguchi, Chikako Aoyama, Nagisa �shima, Eiko Oshima, Ichir� Yamamoto, Jean Labadie, Jeremy Thomas, Kazuo Shimizu, Ryotaro Shiba: DVD

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Customer Reviews

12 Reviews

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

Average Customer Review

4.2 out of 5 stars (12 customer reviews)

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3.0 out of 5 stars Shocking Swordplay, May 26 2003

By

Chon-ny "Your Sensei's Sensei" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Taboo (DVD)

Feudal Japan--Leaders of the Shinsengumi militia, an indpendent "bad cop" faction on the government's side, watch as their two newest recruits face off in a Kendo match--a wooden sword battle during a time when swordmasters received the highest regard, the samurai period. Bearded Tashiro faces off against Sozaburo Kano, who everyone can see is easily the better swordsman. But to the surprise of many, except a few insightful higher-ups, Kano loses. Beat Takeshi's Hijikata character (one of many real Japanese personalities--the Shinsengumi stories alone could entertain you for hours) and Isami Kondo immediately understand, what is going on. The viewer doesn't, but soon will. A thoughtful, judgemental look at Sozaburo, with his boyish face and demeanor, long, smooth hair, and feminine almond-shaped eyes--got it yet?--reveals all. He lost because he may be "involved" with Tashiro, who may not be the only one with "leanings" toward Sozaburo.

It's an interesting revelation to those of us only familiar with the tough samurais of Kurosawa films or the Zatoichi blind swordsman-type TV series; that these men of the sword were also men of a different type of sword. The practice isn't uncommon in history. Gladiators (yes, those during Russell Crowe's Maximus character's time) were also prone to have homosexual leanings, as did many senators. But director Nagisa Oshima does a masterful job of the consequences of a workplace relationship in the context of samurai Japan, and a homosexual relationship at that.

Not to say that the practice is widely accepted. Hijikata even orders a sergeant to take Sozaburo to a brothel to see if he can be turned around; Sozaburo misinterprets the sergeant's friendliness. Internal strife develops as other samurais join the chase for Sozaburo; rumor gives birth to tension that ends in murders, a difficult thing to have in an organization involved in a war. This is particularly of concern to Hijikata, who serves as the narrative voice in many parts of the movie, although Sozaburo remains the protagonist.

Oshima has a flair for creating then sustaining moods, be it soft, dark and suspenseful, or symbolically poignant. The swordfights are excellent, as they should be, being that this is a samurai film. Blood and gore levels are kept a reasonably tame level for this sort of film. This film would be best viewed with some sort of knowledge of the time period; perhaps get some simple reading done, or even watch a few episodes of the Rurouni Kenshin anime series, which deals heavily with the Shinsengumi, Ishin Shishi and the Meiji restoration of this time (search for "Samurai X" then watch the Trust and Betrayal movies).

This is a four-star film that gets three for revealing an aspect of the samurai that many hardcore fans may not be comfortable with. It may taint your ideal of the samurai, but Oshima allows us to accept this slowly, through a beautifully--both in image and in flow--worked film. Highly recommended for viewing, and possibly recommended for your own library.

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5.0 out of 5 stars Taboo is gratifying & pleasing, May 16 2003

By

ALBERT KNOWLES (Melbourne Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Taboo (DVD)

Have always like Japanese films, not all of course, but quite a few. In addition the culture, history & society of that land is of endless fascination. Must admit also to a liking for the traditional costumes (would be good fun to be a samurai warrior for a short time, but no head cutting please) & of course many of the men that well fill such costumes. To bring an end to the digression, will now talk about the film Taboo. It is a beautiful film. Magnificent settings, good dialogue, interesting story, well told. There are many scenes that will remember for a long time, one is when the older samurai takes our hero to the parlor to be introduced to the pleasures of the feminine sex. Kano takes the hand of the older samurai in such a sweet way, particularly considering how well that those same hands so easily cut off heads. Would I recommend Taboo, you bet you little bippy I would, don't miss it!!!

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5.0 out of 5 stars Passionate Complexity Among Men..., Jan 10 2003

By

Kim Anehall "www.cinematica.org" (Chicago, IL USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)

This review is from: Taboo (DVD)

The young and handsome samurai Kano is courted by some other samurai that dwell within the same walls. This is observed by the elder samurai to be a not too uncommon phenomenon among the samurai, but it is something that is well concealed by them. However, it seems like the attention that Kano is attracting is too obvious, which the elders try to prevent and reverse through the use of women. Meanwhile, there is a struggle brewing among those who have mutual feelings for Kano and this is running in a disastrous direction. Taboo is a film that portrays homosexuality in a male dominating society where men carry themselves with an outmost social confidence providing for terrific film experience.

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Most recent customer reviews

2.0 out of 5 stars CHERRIES and stuff .........
Hopelessly foolish tale of a Samurai 'boytoy' savored and flavored by all within reach ..... minimal acting skills with lots of Swordplay [the real stuff, not between the sheets]... Read more

Published on Mar 31 2003

5.0 out of 5 stars Sharp, Crisp, Refreshing
Japanese films have quickly become my favourite genre. I knew I had to rent Taboo. The acting is amazing, very believeable. Read more

Published on Dec 18 2002 by Peter Nelson