Although it may be confusing for those unfamiliar with his work, this study of controversial Japanese novelist, playwright and right-wing activist Yukio Mishima is a boldly drawn and fascinating piece of film-making by Paul Schrader (Blue Collar, American Gigolo, Patty Hearst). Mishima's increasing obsession with militarism, Samurai ethics and the glory of the Emperor led to 25 November 1970 when he committed ritual suicide. Intercutting between Mishima's last day, scenes from his childhood and episodes from the novels, Schrader's film adopts a variety of stunning visual styles, accompanied by a highly dramatic Philip Glass score. Notorious for his depiction of the sleazy side of life, the director is surprisingly restrained here, and there are some strong performances, particularly from Ken Ogata as the adult Mishima and Toshiyuki Nagashima as the Mishima figure in the Runaway Horses sequence.


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