Mishima: A Life in Four Chapters (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]

The success of this film is derived from Paul Schrader’s concept for the film and his hiring of his production designer, Eiko Ishioka, a Japanese female artist. The four chapters are presented in a simple setting with ingenious design while telling Mishima’s personal history and development into a Nobel price winning author and martyr for his political beliefs.This blu ray is a new restored 4K digital transfer of the director’s cut. As usual Criterion Collection also included a wealth of commentaries, interviews, a 1985 documentary about Mishima and a booklet.A very best blu ray package if you are interested in the person and subject matters.

This is exactly the kind of movie that would never receive funding today and get within hailing distance of production. This movie was my 'gateway drug' into the dark and fascinating world of Yukio Mishima which is one of those things where, as the saying goes, "If you know, you know."This film is basically a collection of several short films woven together. One is the story of Mishima himself, from childhood up to the morning of his last day. The other shorts are taken from four of his novels, including my personal favorite, 'Runaway Horses'.For the biographical portions of the film, which are mostly in black-and-white, Roy Scheider's narration is excellent as well. All in all, this movie is a beautiful introduction to Yukio Mishima as well as an artistic triumph for Paul Schrader.

Mishima is a complicated figure in literary and Japanese history, but this film manages to capture the complexity of the man without seeming like it either loves or hates him. Great cinematography and the reenactments of Mishima's stories are wonderful. Music is fantastic as well.

This is an excellent movie made by one of Scorsese's assistants on Taxi Driver. Combining factual detail with highly stylized excerpts from Mishima's writing, the movie seeks to explain the enigma of this well-known Japanese author. Mishima was a prolific writer, an actor, ran his own private military academy, and in his early forties attempted to bring back the emperor and Bushido to Japanese society. Anyone familiar with the Mishima story knows things ended badly, with Mishima committing traditional Japanese sepuku. The music by Philip Glass adds great dramatic enhancement!

In my opinion this is one of the greatest films ever made, So beautifully shot and composed. An incredible true story that brings goosebumps even after repeated viewings, The extras include a documentary about Mishima that is excellent. Even after seeing this movie and all the extras, reading Mishima’s books and researching him online, I am still puzzled by the man and his myth. Watch this film!!! It will blow you away!

Beautiful film.

At no fault of the seller, the package arrived damaged and so was the product. Thankfully I was able to get a replacement, and now have a perfect copy for my collection.

Christmas gift for my boyfriend he was so happy when he opened it. Super excited to watch this one!