Goemonby Sheena McNeilReviews may contain information that could be considered 'spoilers'. Readers should proceed at their own risk. Studio
Credits Grade: 6 Goemon is a shinobi-turned-thief. His destiny comes calling when the truth comes out about the current leader having murdered the beloved previous leader. Can the war-monger be stopped? How much will have to be sacrificed to do so?This movie is touted as having a Robin Hood feel, but I definitely got more Zorro than Robin Hood. The only thing he has in common with Robin Hood is being a thief and loving a woman above his station. His flashy antics and public face for the people, and then his need for vengeance, screams Zorro. Goemon is a flawed character, which is part of why we can love him. I especially like the glimpse we get into his past, guarding Lady Chacha. His friendships also help to shape him and the story. All of the characters are well defined, and their interactions really give depth to the story. There are some violent and disturbing scenes and murders that happen, including children and an infant being murdered. I do love that the crowd starts hurling rocks, but they would not have reached that far in reality; it's a good way to follow up what just happened before that. There are some CG elements to this movie: in particular, a big chase through the forest near the beginning and an epic battle at the end. The forest scene is pretty bad. There's too much CG combined with vastly over-exaggerated shinobi prowess. When they enter a big, grassy field, you would think the CG would go away, but no. The grass is CG too, and it's also horribly obvious. Brace yourself, sit through it; things get better. Much better. The rest of the CG blends in much better, and the final battle scene is pretty good. The eclipse is a nice touch, especially with all the talk of destiny. This movie was really good ... all the way to the very last scene. You think you're about to get your tragic-yet-happy ending with Goemon and Chacha reunited, even if briefly. Instead, Goemon gets within crawling distance and gives up. He gives up! Argh! I guess he doesn't really love Chacha after all. I mean, he just walked miles while mortally wounded to get back to her, and he gets so close ... and just rolls over and dies. I was literally screaming "You suck!" at my television! It's so frustrating to get that invested over the course of the story, to have an ending that decides it's better to comment on enjoying beauty from afar and death, thanks to the firefly imagery. I should also note that the whole Pandora's Box aspect is totally unnecessary and it kind of falls by the weigh-side. Is it worth watching? Yes; it's a pretty good movie. There are better films to add to your collection, though. Written: September 18, 2011
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