I just watched the movie for the third (or so) time); all I know about the man comes from the movie and the commentary on it. I find the story fascinating, and quite frankly surprised he isn't better known in the states. I know the movie has yet to be officially released in Japan, due to controversy over the man himself. Has anyone here seen the movie? Does anyone here know anything about Mishima himself, or read any of his work?
Hobbes Posted by Foust (Member # 3043) on :
I've read The Sailor Who Fell from Grace With the Sea, and it was pretty crazy. A sailor falls in love with a town woman, and abandons the sea for her. The woman's son idolizes the man as sailor; when the sailor settles down, the son settles into seething contempt for this betrayal. Unfortunately for the man, the son is part of a gang calling themselves "objectivists" (no relation to Rand, at least none that I picked up) and they decide to make a violent sacrifice.
I'd definitely love to see this movie and read more of his work.
Posted by Hobbes (Member # 433) on :
I thought it was a very good, very powerful movie. I originally stumbled onto it because the music was composed by Philip Glass, a personal favorite; but the story, directing, acting, and cinematography are all first rate. It's definitely a movie I continue to think about months after first viewing which is normally good sign.
I assume you read it in English, how was the translation? Did you find the language clumsy, or something lacking from the story in terms of cultural translation?
Hobbes Posted by Foust (Member # 3043) on :
I read it in translation, yes, and it did feel a little clunky. There's no real way to tell if that was the result of the translation or not, though, and I think we're all used to Japanese imports feeling a little "off."
As for cultural translation, I was reading the story through the eyes of the French philosopher Georges Bataille, so I can't speak to any of the Japanese culture in it.
Posted by Foust (Member # 3043) on :
How about broadening this out to a discussion of Japanese novels in general? Kobo Abe, the Murakami guys, etc.
Posted by BlackBlade (Member # 8376) on :
I read The Sound of Waves in high school, where we discussed Mishima's life as much as we discussed the book. I remember liking the plot, especially as it
spoilers* ends happy, rather than depressing as many Asian stories are want to do.
I was also happy to see the emphasis on Japanese culture and custom in post WWII Japan, as it is a very intriguing period in Japan's history.
edit: Typed this as I was heading out the door, I promise a translation later today.
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