Mishima: A Life In Four Chapters - 1985 - 8/10

Highly stylized film of the celebrated writer and patriot.
Childhood flashbacks mix with scenes of his final day, and failed coup.
Then there are scenes from several works: “The Temple Of The Golden Pavilion”, “Kyoko’s House” and “Runaway Horses”.
Familiarity with Mishima’s life and works is not essential as you will be spellbound by visuals.

Ken Ogata is a bit beefy for the role, but he is compelling and one soon forgets the physical disparity.
This is still something of a scandal in Japan.
I met director Paul Schrader one time and asked questions about this film. He is very proud of it.
I was in my teens when Mishima’s death made global headlines; I recall being quite shocked.