Onmyoji (2001)

50% of critics liked it
(14 reviews)
76% of users liked it
(1,542 ratings)

In a time when demons and ghosts threaten to bring total devastation to a powerful kingdom, betrayal from within the powerful ranks of the ruling emperor threatens to bring an entire civilization to its knees in this supernaturally charged martial arts epic from director Yojiro Takita. As dark… More In a time when demons and ghosts threaten to bring total devastation to a powerful kingdom, betrayal from within the powerful ranks of the ruling emperor threatens to bring an entire civilization to its knees in this supernaturally charged martial arts epic from director Yojiro Takita. As dark forces hold a suffocating grip on a once powerful kingdom during the Heian period, the emperor employs the help of the Onmyoji in keeping the malevolent spirits at bay. Though the coming birth of the emperor's heir offers a glimmer of hope for the kingdom's future, an intimate betrayal leaves the fate of the kingdom in the hands of Seimei (Mansai Nomura) -- the most powerful of the Onmyoji. As Seimei prepares to do battle with his former master Doson (Hiroyuki Sanada), the powers of lightness and dark come together for a battle that will determine the fate for generations to come. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 56 min.
Directed By: Yojiro Takita
Genres: Action & Adventure, Art House & International, Classics, Science Fiction & Fantasy

In Theaters: Jan 1, 2001 Wide
On DVD: Aug 12, 2003
Studio: Pioneer Entertainment

Critic Reviews

C.W. Nevius, San Francisco Chronicle
Certainly there are dueling wizards, torchlight swordfights and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon effects. But the moments of action are interspersed with lengthy plot developments that are hard to follow.
Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune
Rarely solemn or dull, and Takita holds its disparate parts together fairly well.
John Anderson, Newsday
Crazier than a rat in a can, but certainly fun.
Dave Kehr, New York Times
For Americans, accustomed to more polished effects and far more violent action, Onmyoji is bound to appear tame and a tiny bit precious.
Bob Campbell, Newark Star-Ledger
The tone is loose and jokey enough to stave off heaviness.
Kevin Thomas, Los Angeles Times
An epic tale of love, sacrifice and redemption that attains a Shakespearean aura of grandeur and nobility of spirit.
Michael W. Phillips, Jr., Goatdog's Movies
The worst foreign film I have ever seen in the theater.
Wade Major, Boxoffice Magazine
Should strike a strong chord among fans of Japanese period films, particularly those with a mythical, mystical bent like Ugetsu and Kwaidan.
Jeffrey M. Anderson, Combustible Celluloid
Goofy and campy and unabashedly old-fashioned, from the silent-era acting technique to the overwrought direction.
Daniel Eagan, Film Journal International
What's missing is conviction, a sense that these are real people instead of actors in ornate costumes stepping gingerly through antique sets.
Maitland McDonagh, TV Guide's Movie Guide
The quality of the CGI-heavy special effects is variable ... but the demon zombies and Doson's cackling familiar are crowd pleasers.
Hazel-Dawn Dumpert, L.A. Weekly
A ghostly and gorgeous tale.

Read all 12 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

Kylie B

A.K.A. The Yin Yang Master, which sounds a bit rubbish. However, my wish to see this did not lead in me being disappointed. The effects and acting aren't always great, but they more than get the job done. In places it is slow paced, but I found the storyline interesting enough to… More
A.K.A. The Yin Yang Master, which sounds a bit rubbish. However, my wish to see this did not lead in me being disappointed. The effects and acting aren't always great, but they more than get the job done. In places it is slow paced, but I found the storyline interesting enough to overcome that, and the sets and costumes were really rather special. For me, the highlight was the appearance of a hannya, for which the make up was actually rather good.