Atlas of id (Jungian)

Sets itself apart from others in the crime thriller genre by concentrating on pathos instead of procedurals or criminal pathology. The film experiments with sound, not as a stylized gimmick, instead it's used to give us a sense of realism and connection, which is the theme of the film.

Bela Tarr is a gifted director; fatalistic characters, grimey and drenched locals, and exquisite black & white cinematography. With his long tracking shots he allows his characters to move uninterrupted through their worlds; making them and their environments cohesive and believable. These are now his trademarks. He loves his characters; his creations. Even in the film's final moments, in the bar, Bela wants us to look closely and remember these characters, their faces, no matter how insignificant.

Yukio Mishima, a famous Japanese author and poet obsessed with living in complete synchronicity with his writings and traditionalist philosophies. Told in four parts connecting his early life (in black and white), 3 of his novels (in enhanced color using stylized theatrical sets), and his last stand (in normal color). Everything in his life and work is done in concern to his own libido. As a young boy he exploits his disability, a crippling stutter, to attract sympathy from the opposite sex. As young man he develops a desire for physical perfection and its destruction, through fetishized masochism. The former of which he uses to gain adoration from men, taken on in a more politically philosophical form in his own private army "to fight for the emperor", adorned in fetishistic Franco fascist attire. His army is more of a fantasy fulfillment, I believe, than a political cause. He relishes the thought of a group of young men who would die on his command. In the end, reality and art merge inextricably.

Considered one of the greatest Spanish language films of all time. A masterpiece about innocence and youth. One of my favorite films.