watchman
Seiji Maruyamas sanitized docu-drama, retelling the Japanese conduct of the Russo-Japanese War of 1904-1905, which culminated with Japans stunning naval victory in the Tsushima Strait.
Tsushimas significance is practically mythic, amounting to a national symbol. From a director who has shown reverence for military values, you might expect a painstakingly conscientious propaganda film. Thats what you get here, complete with diagrams and explanatory narration.
The emphasis is about equal between historic personalities and epic battles, both depicted with detachment and restraint, both almost bloodless by the standards of today. Confrontations are dignified, carnage is comparatively decorous.
Toshiro Mifune and a debonair Tatsuya N...