Customer Reviews
Artistic, but often too cluttered with ideas. - By: DangermouseZilla, 24 Jan 2008 
A lot of people have commented (not just here) about the aspect ratio of this DVD, 4:3?!
It does seem a shame, unless it was done for artistic reasons...
...The film makes use of many `picture in picture' scenes, where you'll see a scene playing within a box in another scene. Maybe the 4:3 aspect ratio is to ensure that these were viewed with good fidelity to the original.
The subject of the film isn't an easy one to follow, but if you stick with it then it stands a good chance of charming you over. The 18 certificate is mainly a reaction to the nudity & sex in the film. The sex though, isn't explicit, & the nudity is done in a beautiful way & is in no way `sexualised'. The film has many surprises, & even though you know Ewan McGregor is in it, it still takes you back when such a familiar face (and voice) appears in a film which often feels far distanced from real life.
The `surprise' of Ewan McGregor is essential for this film - he brings with him an energy which lacks, up to his arrival. The chemistry between Jerome (McGregor) & Nagiko (Viv Wu) crackles on screen & if it weren't for this then the film would be lacklustre.
The film deals with interesting themes, such as the feeling of being an outsider when surrounded by a culture different to the one you were brought up in. It looks at the love of literature combined with physical pleasure. But the clever use of visuals sometimes takes away from the essence of the film so that you're left trying to watch several scenes at once & don't get the full effect of either - they're meant to complement, but they often cloud.
In a nutshell: This is a great film dogged with two many clever ideas. It felt disjointed for me, I never felt as absorbed as I could have been. The acting was great, the internet seems to have lots of sites which sensationalise the fact that you see Ewan McGregors penis a fair old bit, but the film manages this brilliantly & it always seems natural - you don't get shocked by McGregor's ol'fella. This is worth a watch, but it won't be a prized member of my DVD collection.
a calligraphy lesson - By: Tally Ho, 02 Apr 2007 
Highly aesthetic & cryptic film, my favourite Greenaway. To be felt rather than logicallly analysed, it is a matter of acquired taste.
Gorgeous film, terrible edition - By: Mg., 09 Aug 2005 
I didn't check the aspect ratio (4:3!) when I bought the DVD. I had it already on tape, & the copy kept the original ratio. How can anybody do such a stupid thing as cutting off the edges of a film that is alll about frames & pictorical composition? The film, originallly, is a masterpiece.
The Pillow Book - By: P. H., 01 Jul 2005 
Reallly touching story, deep & involved. You can keep watching it again & again & you will find bits you missed. Fine piece of directing.
Good if you want to see LOTS of Ewan - By: , 25 Mar 2004 The film is good but what makes it better is the amount of ewan you see
