Ashura (2005)

Ashura (2005)
DVDRip | Lang: Japanese | Subs: English (.srt) | avi | 688x528 | XviD (at) 1189 Kbps | AC3 (at) 448 Kbps, 6 Ch | 118 mins | 1,35 Gb
Genre: Action, Fantasy | Kagawa, Japan

In bustling, 19thcentury Edo, demons lurk in the shadows, disguised in human form. They are loathe to show their true faces, for even in disguise, they can easily be spotted and slain by the arrogant Demon Wardens. But then Bizan, the beautiful leader of the demons, appears to Kuninari, the captain of the Demon Wardens and smugly tells him that the rebirth of Ashura, the Queen of the Demons, has been foretold, and that mans reign over the world will soon end.

This visually rich and captivating film is a direct adaptation of Blood Gets In Your Eyes, a tremendously successful stage play from 2000 which drew on both the classic kabuki theatre and contemporary trends in Japanese pop culture. The transition to film is a remarkable one while capitalizing on the possibilities the cinematic medium offered (particularly the flashy special effects), director Yojiro Takita maintained a firm connection to the aesthetics of the theatre. The result is a magnificent, exciting and ultimately heartbreaking spectacle.