Customer Reviews

Tale of Genji [VHS]

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

 

 

This animated film, based pretty faithfully on the first one third of the classic novel The Tale of Genji by Lady Murasaki, is a beautiful and haunting representation of eleventh century Heian Japan, a pessimistic and Buddhist era during which the fictional character Genji Hotaru (The Shining Genji) seeks love and meaning. Many have accused it of lacking plot and energy, which may be accurate; however, that is not the point of the film or the twelve hundred page novel, which is highly atmospheric. The film might be slightly confusing for the viewer who has not read The Tale of Genji, but I don't believe that only those who have read the novel or researched Heian Japan will enjoy it. It is a quietly sad and beautiful story which gives the viewer visual insight into the peculiar lifestyle of the Heian Japanese individual, and he can experience the curiosities of polygamy, spirit posession, Buddhism/Shinto ceremony, and the cult of beauty. The audial aspects of this film are also very alluring; the combination of the unusual tones of the traditional Japanese instruments and the sounds of the characters' environment (swishing silk kimono, dripping oil lamps, the brushing of hair) is incredibly sensuous. True, it is very unhurried and focuses on details that many animated films would neglect; and not everyone would find this interesting. Still, while this film isn't at all an example of the popular sci-fi action anime which draws such a crowd, it is a poignantly gorgeous utilization of the techniques of Japanese animation artists which illustrates a few preciously mysterious and aesthetically moving moments during the golden era of Japan.

Genji's mother died when he was young, and he's been looking for her in all of his relationships with women ever since. And there are a *lot* of relationships: I had trouble at first figuring out who was sleeping with whom, and who was related to whom. The Tale of Genji is full of moving imagery and symbolism, but be prepared for a lot of beautiful, quiet, prolonged sequences where nothing much happens. There's even a Kubrick-esque dream sequence at the end; as confusing and anti-resolution as the end of 2001. :) The music is wonderful as well, and I've never said that about any other anime I've seen.

Not your everyday anime, Tale of Genji is beautifully drawn and quietly engaging. It isn't for the anime action fan. But if you enjoy great art and interesting characters in an historic Japanese setting, don't pass ths up.

Not your everyday anime, Tale of Genji is beautifully drawn and quietly engaging. It isn't for the anime action fan. But if you enjoy great art and interesting characters in an historic Japanese setting, don't pass ths up.

This animation movie was made in Japan and is subtitled. The story is void of any action and has a slow story line. It is an excerpt out of the famous ancient Japanese book by the same title by Murasaki Shikibu. The Tale of Genji tells of the non-fictional character Genji who is court prince in the times of Japan (c.1000 AD). Only recommended for animation or Japanese Historical enthusiasts. However, the animation is near perfect for realism and for those students of history it has a lot to offer about ancient Japanese Culture. END