SAKURAN (2007)
Label: 88 Films
Region Code: A,B
Rating: Unrated
Duration: 111 Minutes
Audio: Japanese 2.0 Stereo, 5.1 Surround with Optional English Subtitles
Video: 1080p HD Widescreen (1.85:1)
Director: Mika Ninagawa
Cast: Anna Tsuchiya, Kippei Shîna, Yoshino Kimura, Hiroki Narimiya, Miho Kanno, Masatoshi Nagase, Masanobu Andô, Minami, Kyôko Koizumi, Sabu
Sakuran (2007) is directed by Mika Ninagawa (Helter Skelter) and is based on a popular manga by Moyoco Anno. It is set during the Ancient Edo period in the Yoshiwara red-light district, and tells the tale of a young girl named Kiyoha (Anna Tsuchiya, Kamikaze Girls) who is sold to a brothel at a young age to be trained as a courtesan, however her rebellious spirit and stunning beauty provoke jealous rivalries with the other geisha and her mentor, but she preservers and rises to the rank of a top mistress, achieving success and the mastery of her craft, but at what price? She feels hollow and empty and craves freedom and love, and when the opportunity arises to have both, with Sōjirō (Hiroki Narimiya), can she muster the courage to defy societal norms to make her dreams come true?
Honestly this is almost formulaic in regard to other geisha films of its type, but what sets it apart is the opulent visuals which are rich and deeply saturated with vivid eye-searing candy-colors imagery that leap of the screen, the bold use of color nearly overwhelms the story, it's a period set film but is infused with a post-modern style that is truly breathtaking, but because of the contemporary soundtrack and modern cinematic style detracts from the period setting buy-in, but it's so stylish, well-acted and cool that I don't think you'll be disappointed by this sex-worker looking to escape the confines of her station melodrama.
Audio/Video: The Sakuran Blu-ray from 88 Films looks stunning, the source is immaculate, colors are vibrant and glossy, the candy-colored image just pops beautifully, with warm skin tones and the terrific texture and detail evident throughout. Audio comes by way of Japanese 2.0 stereo and a newly created 5.1 surround, both tracks are clean and well-balanced, the sharper moments and quieter passage fare well, as does the score by J-Pop sensation Shiina Ringo.
Disc extras on the 88 Films release include a new Audio Commentary by Josh Slater-Williams, a 23-min Newly Filmed Introduction by Amber T, 3-min Stills Gallery, 3-min of Teaser Trailers, and the 2-min Theatrical Trailer.
The single-disc release arrives in a clear keepcase with a Reversible Wrap with both the original and newly commissioned artwork by Luke Insect, a removable Obo Strip, plus a 24-page Illustrated Booklet with writing on the film by Jasper Sharp.
Special Features:
- Audio Commentary by Josh Slater-Williams
- Brand New Filmed Introduction by Amber T. (22:59)
- Stills Gallery (2:53)
- Teaser Trailers (2:35)
- Theatrical Trailer (2:27)
- 24 Page Illustrated Booklet with Essay by Jasper Sharp
- Original and Newly Commissioned Artwork by Luke Insect
Buy it!
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