Mishima: A Life in Four Chapters Details

This is an astonishing account by Paul Schrader of the life and works of Yukio Mishima, the Japanese literary icon who committed seppuku (ritual suicide) on 25 November 1970. Audaciously cutting between the events of that day, monochrome flashbacks and stylised excerpts from Mishima's writings, Schrader produces a film of exemplary control and penetrating insight — a feat made all the more impressive by the fact that Mishima's widow forbade any explicit reference to her late husband's sexuality and controversial politics. Exquisitely designed by Eiko Ishioka, the scenes from Temple of the Golden Pavilion, Kyoko's House and Runaway Horses are not only mesmerisingly beautiful, but also shed as much light on the workings of Mishima's mind as any of his actions. Truly unique.

A fantasist recreating himself in his own image to perfection; a narcissist building his puny body into a muscled... read more on Time Out