The Lady Shogun and Her Men (DVD) (Normal Edition) (Japan Version) DVD Region 2

Enter two factors, both bringing to the Ooku the winds of change. First, straight-shooting yet humble samurai Mizuno Yunoshin (Kazunari Ninomiya) joins the Ooku, leaving his childhood sweetheart Onobu (Maki Horikita) to find another husband. His initiation comes with an exposition-filled introduction to his new life courtesy of longtime resident Sugishita (Sadao Abe), but as his integrity and skill with a sword propel his rise, he slowly learns of the corruption and decadence of the Ooku. The second factor is the sudden death of the Shogun and the appointment of a new one, the pragmatic and quietly radical Yoshimune (Kou Shibasaki). Eventually, Mizuno and Yoshimune do meet, forming a bond that could topple the inbred power structure of the Ooku. However, with the promise of their union comes an unfortunate price.

The Lady Shogun and Her Men is based on the first arc in Fumi Yoshinaga's award-winning manga Ooku: The Inner Chambers, and its slow, talky narrative is to be expected. Mizuno's introduction to the Ooku takes up a good portion of the film, and it would be impossible to understand the small details and subtle interactions in the Ooku without all that exposition. The alternate Japan presented is certainly interesting, from the ornate costumes given the male courtesans to the ritualized society of the Ooku to the consequences big and small of the world's gender reversal. Lady Shogun is immediately fascinating because of these details, though the credit is largely due to the concept and original story rather than the actors or direction. Director Kaneko rarely raises the film above television level. Cinematography (the film was shot on HD), lighting, music, action, the works - all of it seems appropriate for a primetime J-dorama rather than a feature film.

The static nature of the film extends to the acting. While the characters are required to be superbly mannered, the way the actors move and behave never seems to possess true emotion. Kazunari Ninomiya is likable enough, but he's too small and boyish to convince as the principled, honorable Mizuno. Tamaki Hiroshi and Kuranosuke Sasaki fare better as the conniving members of the Ooku, as their characters require less range. Presiding over everything in a glorified supporting role is Kou Shibasaki, who's commanding in gaze if not actual presence. Everyone and everything here feels confined, like the film never escapes the panels of the manga page, the word balloons and static poses dictating their action. Lady Shogun and Her Men is ultimately a lot less than it could be - though its overarcing story does maintain interest. Still, if it's the story and ideas you're after, the manga is presumably a whole lot better. Aren't they always.

by Kozo - LoveHKFilm.com