captainquark9

This is a great film that has been spoiled by poor sound editing. I get the impression that they had just invented stereo sound and were determined to show it off, but its use is so clumsy that it spoils the overall experience. For example, early in the film, Wellington and his wife are standing right next to each other, in the same frame, yet when one of them speaks, one hears the sound only in one ear, while the voice of the other comes in the other, as though they are on opposite sides of the ballroom. It is so unnatural that it detracts from the enjoyment of the film!

If you like lots of violence and swordplay, then this is not the film for you. This is a gentle, often humorous film about a go master with an interest in astronomy and mathematics who is appointed to revise the Japanese calendar. At the time, Japan used three different calendars, none of which were accurate. This is the tale of his efforts to create an accurate calendar that predicted eclipses, the seasons and other events of importance to everyday life, and his efforts to persuade the Emperor to accept his revisions and adopt the new system. There is also a gentle sub- plot of his relationship with the woman that was to become his wife. An utterly absorbing and entrancing movie!