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gackt_army2008-05-29 02:15 pm
karadin.livejournal.com) wrote in gackt_army2008-05-29 02:15 pm
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Gackt as Uesugi Kenshin - Fuurin Kazan Documentary DVD
A Review:
This DVD allows you to see the taiga drama Fuurin Kazan in production, through the eyes of one of it's stars, Gackt, an introduction reveals why the producers wanted Gackt, a young musician for the role of one of Japan's most revered historic figures, Uesugi Kenshin, known as The Dragon of Echigo.
One of my favorite parts has to be the interview with Ogata Ken, Gackt's co-star, who reveals his off-screen connection and friendship with Gackt, and how this affected their on screen performances.
Of particular interest to me are Gackt's thoughts on why historic dramas are relevant, and how events of the past influence modern Japan. Portraying Uesugi - known for his sense of justice - has changed Gackt's view of himself (or perhaps it is better said, reaffirmed) what he wants to accomplish in his life.
This DVD allows you to see the taiga drama Fuurin Kazan in production, through the eyes of one of it's stars, Gackt, an introduction reveals why the producers wanted Gackt, a young musician for the role of one of Japan's most revered historic figures, Uesugi Kenshin, known as The Dragon of Echigo.
One of my favorite parts has to be the interview with Ogata Ken, Gackt's co-star, who reveals his off-screen connection and friendship with Gackt, and how this affected their on screen performances.
Of particular interest to me are Gackt's thoughts on why historic dramas are relevant, and how events of the past influence modern Japan. Portraying Uesugi - known for his sense of justice - has changed Gackt's view of himself (or perhaps it is better said, reaffirmed) what he wants to accomplish in his life.
There are scenes of the Rizen Temple, a Buddhist monastery where Kenshin spent his formative years, (from the ages of 7 to 14, after which he took leadership of the Nagao clan) as well as an interview with the scriptwriter Sumio Omori on what he found fascinating about Kenshin's character.
Actor Tikuma Nishioka, who had a substantial supporting role, also gives his feelings on Gackt's performance. Director Kazuhiko Shimizu highlights some of the difficulties shooting the battle scenes, and one of the most famous encounters in Japanese history, the battle between Kenshin and his great rival Takeda Shingen - and how Gackt fought (no pun intended) to do his own stunts on horseback, to lend to the believability of the scenes.
We see Gackt in training, which is always intense, and he speaks for a bit on why he became a musician, and his goals as an artist, which I enjoy, as he becomes quite excited and expressive about it.
There is a nice insert of Gackt portraying Kenshin in the annual Kenshin Festival in Niigata, which included a parade and a battle display in the local arena, in full armor on horseback. Stay tuned for the end credits, which include Gackt on set, his farewell to the crew.
This DVD is a must for any fan, as Gackt clearly expresses his philosophy on what it means to be a musician and an actor. (The DVD has English, Korean and Chinese subtitles)
I do wish Gackt had not worn black sunglasses for most of the interviews! The staged inserts - which feature him visiting historic sites, or greeting children add a bit of flavor.
I would have liked to see more on the production itself, the costume decisions, and the elaborate stages and perhaps more historical background, but that is best suited to a documentary on Fuurin Kazan as a whole. The best scenes are of Gackt in casual settings, there aren't enough of these. It would have been nice to get the insights of Uchino Massaki and Ichikawa Kamejiro, who played Kansuke Yamamoto and Takeda Shingen respectively, who had glowing things to say about Gackt in print and video interviews.
3 1/2 out of 4 stars.
Actor Tikuma Nishioka, who had a substantial supporting role, also gives his feelings on Gackt's performance. Director Kazuhiko Shimizu highlights some of the difficulties shooting the battle scenes, and one of the most famous encounters in Japanese history, the battle between Kenshin and his great rival Takeda Shingen - and how Gackt fought (no pun intended) to do his own stunts on horseback, to lend to the believability of the scenes.
We see Gackt in training, which is always intense, and he speaks for a bit on why he became a musician, and his goals as an artist, which I enjoy, as he becomes quite excited and expressive about it.
There is a nice insert of Gackt portraying Kenshin in the annual Kenshin Festival in Niigata, which included a parade and a battle display in the local arena, in full armor on horseback. Stay tuned for the end credits, which include Gackt on set, his farewell to the crew.
This DVD is a must for any fan, as Gackt clearly expresses his philosophy on what it means to be a musician and an actor. (The DVD has English, Korean and Chinese subtitles)
I do wish Gackt had not worn black sunglasses for most of the interviews! The staged inserts - which feature him visiting historic sites, or greeting children add a bit of flavor.
I would have liked to see more on the production itself, the costume decisions, and the elaborate stages and perhaps more historical background, but that is best suited to a documentary on Fuurin Kazan as a whole. The best scenes are of Gackt in casual settings, there aren't enough of these. It would have been nice to get the insights of Uchino Massaki and Ichikawa Kamejiro, who played Kansuke Yamamoto and Takeda Shingen respectively, who had glowing things to say about Gackt in print and video interviews.
3 1/2 out of 4 stars.
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