Movies / Home Theatre

Goemon

By Chris Zimmerman
May 12, 2011 - 16:54

Ah Japan, does your zaniness know no bounds? Anyone familiar with Japanese cinema knows the visual wonder that usually accompanies the country’s films. At the same time, anyone familiar with the country’s movies would also know the slapstick humor and over-the-top concepts that can filter into the stories being told. Take for instance Goemon; an exquisitely film action piece that could very simply be summed up as Robin Hood with ninjas.

Goemon springs from the mind of Kazuaki Kiriya, better known for the film adaptation of Casshern. Kiriya took up triple duty on the film, having produced, written, and directed it. Anyone who’s seen Casshern will know what to expect here: action scenes set amidst gorgeous imagery and an over abundance of special effects. It’s a stale formula but it works.

The film is set in 1582 during the reign of Toyotomi Hideyoshi. The previous lord has just been murdered and the country is in a miserable state. To this end, a young thief named Goemon rises up against the warlord and decides to steal from the wealthy to better the lives of the poor. Before the events of the film unfold, we learn of Goemon’s grisly past, as well as how he met the legendary ninja Hattori Hanzo and was molded into a master thief. Things get dicey when he steals an item called Pandora’s Box, incurring Hideyoshi’s wrath.

As it so happens, the box is a valuable piece of evidence revealing Nobunaga’s murderer. Unfortunately, not knowing of the box’s value, Goemon tosses it away, whereby it is picked up by a young pick-pocket. As the value of the box’s contents is revealed, Goemon sets out to find it, encountering samurai in the process. Before long, the hunt is on, and Goemon and his posse of ragtag individuals set out to uncover the truth behind the conspiracy.

With a story founded on intrigue and mystery, one would expect Kiriya to focus on character development plot progression, but sadly the director opts instead to rely on the stylized action sequences and special effects that first brought him to the dance. From an entertainment aspect, Kiriya succeeds. Everything he does is polished and eye-popping. Ultimately though, the film lacks substance, and anyone going into this for more than pretty imagery will be disappointed.

It should also be noted that this is a rather brutal film, with buckets of blood being spilled and limbs being sliced off. To that end, it’s not recommended that young viewers watch the film.

The film arrives on DVD courtesy of Funimation and a surprisingly beefy assortment of bonus features. Two featurettes make up the core of these, one looking at the art direction of the film while another details the production side, focusing on acting and filming. Both are well done and worth watching for fans of the film. Rounding out the special features is a collection of trailers for the movie as well as upcoming releases.

For fans of action, special effects, or both, Goemon is euphoria. Its art design will tickle the senses but leave anyone expecting a serious story feeling cold and empty. If you’re in need of a good flick that will kill two hours Goemon will satisfy that craving. Just keep your expectations low and your eyes peeled and sit back, relax, and watch the heads fly.

B 

Last Updated: November 29, 2025 - 16:51