Aragami

Madman Entertainment

R4 DVD

In a competition known as "The Duel Project," two directors (Tsutsumi and Kitamura) were given the challenge to shoot a movie involving a duel in one week. The films were to be shown at various film festivals and, the fans would vote on which one they liked more. The director that lost would have to shave his head, and act as an assistant to the winning director for his next movie. In addition, the film had to have no more than three actors in it, take place in one room only, and at least one of the actors had to die.

Ryuhei Kitamura (creator of Versus) was one of the directors, and Aragami was the result.

Aragami is a fascinating meditation on life, honor, and the nature of battle. While certainly the film includes a powerful and impressive climax and has great swordplay along the way, it is the brooding even philosophical mood that makes this a great experience. Aragami borrows from the Japanese legend of Musashi Miyamoto and tells the tale of a wounded samurai who takes refuge in a Buddhist temple dedicated to a wrathful deity. He finds his friend has died and that he has miraculously been healed of his wounds in a short time. While recuperating, he meets his host who over conversations and exotic libations, reveals himself to be not only the great warrior and master swordsman Musashi Miyamoto but a flesh eating goblin known as Aragami. Moreover he has fed the dead warrior’s liver to his friend to aid his quick recuperation!!

Aragami challenges the samurai to a duel and after a fascinating round of wit, conversation, philosophy and male bonding the battle begins.

This is startling film, beautifully photographed, evocative and moving. There is so much to like about this film, beautiful warriors fighting it out with honour and respect, the legend of the dying king (he who kills the king becomes the king) and fighting scenes to die for. I loved the ending but wished they had made the film longer and continued the battle with the next challenger !

Australian release includes Japanese Dolby 5.1, Japanese DTS 5.1, English Dolby 2.0 and a range of extras including:

Making of ARAGAMI
DUEL Press Conference
Festival Opening
PR Battle
DUEL Premiere
Video Message for Premiere
Original Trailer
Stills Gallery