This film is a work of art, with some technical shortcomings. Striking cinematography and a unique view of WWII

Rating: Null/10 (5 January 1999)

My expectations for this movie were admittedly high, given the cast, director and associated hype, and overall I was not disappointed. The striking cinematography is evident throughout the movie, and the personal viewpoint of WWII's US-Japan machinations through the eyes of key characters is unique and effective. Combine this with spectacularly realistic battle/fight scenes and a long film appears to be much shorter. Only real downside to me was the often unintelligible dialogue of certain narrative, and a lack of overall cohesion to the movie which denied the audience a real sense of direction or something to pick up and hold on to for the duration. I think this film will be revered more in retrospect as a true work of art.