The Floating Castle (2012)

The Final Siege

Based on the 2007 novel, Nobou no Shiro, by Ryo Wada who also wrote the screenplay for the film. Co-directed by Isshin Inudo and Shinji Higuchi (Shin Godzilla). The theme song, Zureteruhougai, is performed by Elephant Kashimashi. Initially slated for a 2011 release, a one-year delay ensued due to the devastation caused by the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami disaster. This film eventually garnered multiple awards at the 36th Japan Academy Prize.

This film feels very much like a taiga that has been condensed into a 2-hour grand production. Epic in every sense and meticulous in every detail. In spite of the slightly comedic undertone particularly pertaining to the characterization of the main lead, the narrative is quite dramatic and somewhat grim, for the most part.

What I Liked
- Production values: This is an expensively assembled film and it truly shows. The sets, filming locales, costumes, cast and sheer numbers of the extras are top notch.

- Technical execution: Cinematic visuals with attention to detail in the production design, costuming, art direction, cinematography, fight choreography in massive battle scenes and the list goes on.

- VFX component: This film utilises no small amount of visual effects, not only with CGI but also the use of "matte painting" that combines live-action with composite images of painted landscapes as the background. The end result is stunning.

- The amazing story which is a heavily romanticized account of the Sengoku period in the era of Toyotomi Hideyoshi's unification of feudal Japan.

- The performances of the cast, particularly the main lead, Nomura Mansai who won the outstanding actor award for his portrayal of Narita Nagachika. He is absolutely phenomenal where he draws upon his comedic roots from Kyogen stage acting to breathe life into this excellently written characterization.

Final Thoughts
A visual spectacle, riveting story and compelling acting. The Floating Castle is truly deserving of the numerous film honours awarded. Whether as a retelling of history or pure entertainment, the 140 minutes running time flew by easily and has been well worth the watch indeed.

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