MISHIMA: A LIFE IN FOUR CHAPTERS

CRITERION WE LOVE YOU

By CARRIGAN DENNY-BROWN

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Based on the life of Japanese author Yukio Mishima, Mishima is an episodic, stylized reconnoiter of his life-struggle to harmonize art and society, beauty and violence. Written and directed by Paul Schrader (Taxi Driver), the 1985 film has never had an official release in Japan due to the controversy surrounding the man himself. On November 25, 1970, at 45 years old, Mishima staged a ritual suicide in the style of the Samurai (seppuku). The film starts and ends on that fateful day, but also revels in flashbacks and stunning theatrical scenes from three of his many novels. Original music from Phillip Glass follows the different visual styles, and it becomes increasingly difficult to discern the artist's life from his work—which is exactly the point. The unconventional biopic paints a portrait in three (well, four) dimensions, to elucidate and eclipse, to thoroughly explore the great themes of existence. Gorgeous.

CRITERION COLLECTION

RATED | R

RELEASE DATE | 7.1.08

PRICE | $34.99