21 November 2020

Gonza the Spearman (Japan, 1986)

The tragic story of Gonza, a handsome ladies man, set in the Tokagawa Period, a time in which appearences are very important. Gonza competes with Bannojo for the honor to perform the tea ceremony to celebrate the birth of an heir to the lord of their clan. To see the sacred tea scrolls Gonza promises to marry the daughter of the family which possesses them, even though he is unofficially engaged to another. When studying the scrolls with Osai, the mother of the house, Bannajo sneaks into the house and steals their obis and runs through the town proclaiming the two as adulterers.

With Gonza the Spearman, director Masahiro Shinodo (Double Suicide, Ballad of Orin) made yet another classic Edo-period film. He has a knack for telling stories which doesn't always revolve around sword fighting, though he doesn't shy away from showing the bloodshed. Gonza the Spearman is a great story where deceit and lies gets in the way of better judgement. It's a beautifully shot film and I was constantly reminded of the outstanding cinematography, especially the soft and warm lighting. Shinodo rarely moves the camera and the many, many static shots feels like a lovingly homage to Yasujiro Ozu. 


Genre: Drama

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