Product Details

• Region: All Regions
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B000YIBR8W
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #144,158 in Movies & TV (See Bestsellers in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

If ever a film could sashay, it would be Sakuran. Helmed by first-time director Ninagawa Mika, Sakuran is a gorgeously luscious period film set in the Edo period courtesan district of Yoshiwara. Ninagawa brings her photographer's eye to the big screen, and the result is a film bursting with vibrant energy, unabashed sexuality, and an exuberant passion for life. Straying from convention, the film features a pop rock soundtrack from Shiina Ringo and an almost over-the-top beauty with its flamboyant kimonos and theatrically vibrant palette. Drawing from Anno Moyoco's original manga, Ninagawa vividly paints the life and times of the courtesan in all its colors - laughter and tears, excitements and banalities, simple dreams and complex emotions. In showing both the reveled and the reviled, the film stays refreshingly free of sweeping statements about prostitution, and instead lets the characters speak for themselves. Tsuchiya Anna of Kamikaze Girls stars as the film's feisty heroine, and she brings to the role a brash attitude and bold sex appeal that cinema sees too little of. Alongside Tsuchiya is an illustrious supporting cast including Kimura Yoshino (Nezu no Ban), Ando Masanobu (Big Bang Love, Juvenile A), Narimiya Hiroki (Last Quarter), Kanno Miho (Dolls), and Shiina Kippei (Shinobi). Brought to the brothels as a child, rebellious Kiyoha (Tsuchiya Anne) stands out even as a young girl, repeatedly talking back, challenging authority, and running away. Her brazen streak stays with her as she grows up to be a sassy straight-talking courtesan with a quick temper and a natural knack for her job. Taking her first patron at the age of 17, she hurls forward without looking back, as she fends off rivalries and rises to the top status of oiran. From the men who come in and out of her life - first love Sojiro..

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars In your face, Rob Marshall!, October 2, 2008

By	Alluvial (Massachusetts, USA) - See all my reviews

The production staff of Memoirs of a Geisha claimed that they used Chinese actresses for the leads because there were no suitable Japanese women for the roles.

This movie is unique in that it was almost entirely produced by women. The music, the cinematography, the direction, the acting -- all women. It's an in-your-face, straight up live action rendition of a manga by the same name.

Anna Tsuchiya shines as Kiyoha, and the movie beautifully blends traditional Japanese imagery, architecture, and fashion with modern colors and patterns. They accentuate the exotic and intriguing nature of the old pleasure quarters of Edo Era Japan.

It is both a wonderful cultural glimpse at Japan and eye candy at the same time. A treat, to be sure!

0 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Anna Tsuchiya is a Goddess in a fish bowl, November 16, 2007

By	Fishy (Fairyland) - See all my reviews

I'm a huge fan of Anna Tsuchiya. After watching Kamikaze Girls long time ago, I was hooked on this beautiful woman. She's young, talented, and very sexy in every sense of the word. Her music is incredible and moves my soul. However, after Kamikaze Girls, I got ahold of her music career(and lots of it) with many singles and albums. It then hit me, "I want more of her acting!" I already had Kamikaze Girls, plus the anna3 DVD which is basically a look at Anna the person. I looked up one of her recent titles called Sakuran. After buying it and watching it, I realized that Anna has scored once again.

Sakuran is a world full of beauty, but dirty on the inside. It takes place in a courtesan district of Yoshiwara, during the Edo period. Colors are vivid in this movie, to reflect on the story. Vibrant colors to express the passion and sexuality of the women, which works VERY well. As you know, Anna fits well in this movie because of it's sexuality. She's full of sex appeal, and plays a very striking character named Kiyoha.

She begins as a rebellious and rude little girl, growing up in the middle of this passionate enviornment. Hating it at first, she hopes to escape from it all. Eventually, to prove herself she grows to become a sassy and gorgeous courtesan herself! BTW, she's 17 by this time and boy she's the best looking 17 year old anyone has ever seen ^_^

To not spoil much, pretty soon she starts to go through love and the never ending battle to be free. Goldfish are symbolic throughout the whole movie, and always used as a transition. As long as these concubines(the goldfish) remain inside the district(bowl) they will remain beautiful forever. But outside of it, they will perish.

This movie is modern, beautiful, easy on the eyes, passionate, and very stimulating. Anna Tsuchiya carried the film big time, and it's definately for Anna fans. The Goldfish are adorible too BTW ^o^I'm a sucker for fantails.If you loved Kamikaze Girls, you'll adore Sakuran. It's a complex story, in a sleezy world.

Note: Sakuran is also a manga! Watch out for that too!