I love cellos. And I am fascinated by the business/rituals of death. I would like to think that this had sort of a Japanese Six Feet Under (in its best moments) vibe to it, but it doesn’t sound like it did that for you.

You are a modest man Kennedy. Asian cinema is a specialty of yours, so don’t be saying that I am ‘probably in tune with Japanese culture outside of Kurosawa than you are.’ Ain’t true. But your prediction could be a good one. I will try somehow to squeeze this in over the weekend.

The other thing is a cultural barrier. There are certain assumptions about Japanese culture that play heavily in this film that might not be ringingly obvious to every Western viewer. There’s also the strange sense of humor in the film. Some reviewers I’ve read thought it was great, but I kind of hated it. It’s of a piece with some of the humor I’ve seen in other Japanese films though so maybe it’s just me.

Finally, I think the Japanese just treat drama differently than we Americans do for better or for worse.

If I were a gambling man (and I am) I’d go out on a limb and predict that you’ll like it. You’re probably better in tune with Japanese cinema outside of Kurosawa than I am.

It seems the critics are divided on this film, with masterpiece proclamations alternating with cries of manipulation. Your own rating, despite some ‘quality acknowledgements’ is clearly in the latter camp. I haven’t seen this film yet, and I’m not sure if I’ll be able to work it in with commitments to view UP, DRAG ME TO HELL and PRESSURE COOKER, but we’ll see how things go. I do know of course that it’s Best Foreign Film Oscar was a major shock, even with the bizarre record of voting by that committee. Most were certain WALTZ WITH BASHIR and THE CLASS (both of which I had my own personal issues with) would prevail, and even those who did exceedingly well with their Oscar pools, missed the call on this one.

I love classical music, and I fear this affection may prejudice my judgement, but I think Craig brings out some serious prospective problems, like for example this one:

“but it is marred by ham handed voiceover, exaggerated sentimentality, odd jags of black humor and sappy montages that would feel at home in a CD commercial for “The World’s Most Relaxing Classical Music…”

but still you beautifully relate this:

“The concept of encoffinment with its ritualized discretion is kind of fascinating to Western eyes and it provides an interesting and metaphorically rich background to Daigo’s conflict…..”

Sounds like this one can go either way, but I just have a hunch that you may well have called this right. The proof will be in the pudding of course.