Plantiana
Yawn. Poorly Filmed Snooze Fest.
RipDelight
This is a tender, generous movie that likes its characters and presents them as real people, full of flaws and strengths.
Rexanne
It’s sentimental, ridiculously long and only occasionally funny
lyricsonflight
You know, I'm really not into symbolic movies. I don't have much patience for artsy fartsy symbolisms. Although not an action junkie, rarely do I like movies without a tight concise plot and realism. But this movie had me. I thought it wondered a bit in the beginning, but by the quarter way through I was engaged. I couldn't see where it was going but I was curious. And by the middle, I was nearly in tears. And I don't even know why. The story didn't even really make sense. I think it was the overall tone of its subtle poetry. However, some special effects are a bit cheesy.I still don't get the story--all the metaphors, twisted plot lines and etc. But who cares? I was deeply affected. The music is phenomenal. If you have some patience, check it out.
DropURpantz
This was a wonderful movie, but a bit slow in parts. The beginning tricks you to believe that its a normal movie yet the second half picks up and captivates you till the credits roll. In all honesty I wouldn't recommend this movie to anyone expecting a lot of linear plot action. This movie is for your imagination and that is half the beauty of it. I liked this movie but i recommend watching it with a friend so you have someone to discuss it with when its over, as it can be very confusing in many (if not all) parts.I give this movie an 8, although it could have been better. Watch it and see for yourself what I mean...
Laurence Benjamin
For the record, I gave this film a "10". It's one of my favorite films. Then again, it's not for everyone. If you're looking for a linear film that spells everything out and leaves nothing to the imagination, pass this one up. I've read criticisms that it's too disorienting and "stream of consciousness". I'm shocked at this criticism, because that's precisely what makes this film a work of art. I've seen Mystery Of Rampo half a dozen times and everytime I see it, I discover something new. There are so many metaphors and so many layers of meaning and interpretation. On one level, Shizuko is trapped by in a world that is "unreal" while Rampo is trapped in a world that is "real". And their love breaks the chains that bind them as the line between the real and the unreal disappears. All the actors are brilliant. There are no one-dimensional good or bad main characters. Michiko Hada and Naoto Tokenaka show a full range of subtle, conflicting emotions; fear, heroism, intimacy, callousness, attachment, detachment, resignation, and hope.Michiko is hauntingly beautiful, almost other-worldly, and perfect for the part. And the difference between Naoto's character in Mystery and Shall We Dance show what an excellent actor he is. The visual metaphors, such as the increasingly elaborate doors, are brilliant. And the soundtrack is one of my favorite. It creates a magical space that envelopes the audience. While this film is incredibly beautiful and stylish, the story goes much deeper, leaving the audience to wonder over it long after the film is over.
Lucifer-9
Many professional critics have trashed this movie as being overly complicated and sickeningly swirling. I say they can't see the forest for the trees. I can imagine literary critics complaining about Finnegan's Wake saying, "All those made up words were annoying". Rampo is a rich sumptuous film which is powerful precisely because it is non-linear. Like a dream from which one is not quite sure one has awakened this film captures the fluid multiplicity of reality. I say leave the dumbed down linear narratives to the suburban megaplex viewers. This is film making not only on a higher level. This film has created a level which brings up viewers to new heights and which beckons future film makers.
