A Japanese "Dave"

Rating: Null/10 (3 January 2001)

Let's put aside the technical brilliance of this film. (Of course, there's no way to understate the magnificence of every battle, scenic shot or other picture, and they are back-to-back throughout the movie...but we're putting them aside.)
The STORY, which seems to be the subject of the most criticism in these reviews, is anything but subtle. Its premise parallels the American movie "Dave," where an impersonator is hired to play the role of the President after the real one suffers from a stroke. This kind of humor mixed with traditional Japanese filmmaking and storytelling produces a sort of dry irony throughout the movie. Although the film takes itself very seriously, it is easy to laugh at the implausibility of the situations depicted.
Summary: see it.