Ryuichi Sakamoto and David Bowie and David Bowie and Ryuichi Sakamoto in Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence, Nagisa Oshima, 1983.
More than just a wartime parable, really just one of the most existentially unsettling films, or works of art period, ever made; I think its utter unflinching uncomfortableness is a reason why it's not more acknowledged. I am very glad of Criterion's new presentation of it and hope to write a bit more extensively on it soon.
With the exception of EMPIRE OF PASSION (or IN THE REALM OF PASSION per the DVD I have), I am sadly way too Oshima-ignorant. But not for long, IN THE REALM OF THE SENSES is in the mail ($23.49 at Amazon right now — actually, there are a few Criterion Blu Rays at decent prices right now) and I so look forward to this one, of which I have witnessed a few scenes courtesy of a friend. I also must delve into the recent Eclipse OUTLAW SIXTIES set sooner than later. Thanks for the reminder.
Also one of the great Sakamoto scores, which seems to have influenced Joe Hisaishi greatly.
Also very looking forward to finally seeing this one.
Never seen this movie. Interviewed Sakamoto once a few years back, though. A thoroughly fascinating dude.
Bowie is whispering in Sakamoto’s ear that one day they’ll both get to appear in Mark Romanek music videos.
Having never seen this, but I am looking forward to checking it out when it does arrive…or until B&N has another 50% off sale, cos $40 a pop in Canada is ridiculous.