Written by Linda
March 02, 2009
Sometimes we audiences find ourselves giggling nervously throughout a movie. Not full-on guffawing, because, after all, we're not sure if the director is trying to be serious or not.
Taboo (Gohatto) is a samurai love story. Except the twist is that the samurai are in love with each other.
The period is 1870s Kyoto, and the city's militia have two new recruits: Kano and Tashiro. Pretty much immediately, Tashiro, a handsome young goateed fellow, declares his love for the ridiculously pretty Kano (Ryuhei Matsuda). Kano has pouty little lips, porcelain skin, and a high ponytail-and-bangs combination that makes him look like an anime schoolgirl. His extremely feminine look (not even vague enough to be androgynous), soon has various samurai fighting each other for his affection and attentions, completely causing chaos within the ranks. He even has riled up the interest of the superiors, like Captain Hijikata (Beat Takeshi) who, while trying to regain control of the troops, wonders if he himself has fallen under the pretty-boy's spell.
Taboo sure looks great. With loving attention to costumes, setting, and lighting, each frame is gorgeous... not to mention all the young samurai are devastatingly good-looking. There is a great soundtrack by Japanese star Ryuichi Sakamoto (who also acted in director Nagisa Oshima's Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence).
But what was it that caused the audience to giggle? The story was simplistic, offering story-card narration on a black screen, with statements like "Those who wait are rewarded..." and "But then...". I think it was supposed to be a bit wry and amusing, but came across as more baffling. And Kano never comes across as more than a pretty face. He never returns the affections, but seems to be leading these men on for a purpose that remains a mystery.
Overall, Taboo ends up playing like a fable without a moral.
