What a beautiful movie!

one of my absolute favorites!

The best films of this genre always show a path and provide a takeaway for being a better person.

The film never slows down or bores, plunging from one harrowing sequence to the next.

I know I'm not the smartest, but I found this a very confusing story, something about a writer whose story is not printed but then it comes true in real life. The writer then goes to the main woman of the story to investigate.The main redeeming quality of this film, for me, was the visuals, which were very good and sometimes very different. Almost all of the Chinese-made movies I have seen have great color to them, and this is no exception. I was so captivated by the intriguing visuals, I didn't especially care if I couldn't follow the non-sensible and slow-moving storyline.

Artistic, mysterious, erotic, deeply romantic, exciting....I've run out of adjectives for this compelling portrait of modern love."Tale of Rampo" was based in Japan shortly before World War Two and enjoyed huge audiences in Asian and European film theaters. Yet, its first run in the USA disappointed critics and audiences, who became puzzled and even annoyed by so many twists and turns in the plot.Since then, "Tale of Rampo" has enjoyed more and more favorable word of mouth from a growing number of those who love avant-garde films. Many, like me, may have had to watch it more than once on DVD's or at art theaters before they could completely figure out what was happening. Yet, they mostly agree that the reward was worth the effort.Like many first-time viewers, Rampo (Naoto Takenaka, actor), the intelligent but indecisive narrator, seemed surprised and even shocked by the tale as he wrote it down, and with good reason. For example, Rampo's deranged antagonist, as portrayed so boldly and brilliantly by Mikijiro Hira, went completely into orbit.Most viewers, however, must have immediately appreciated the inspired graphics, brilliant cinematography, and lush musical score.Above all, nearly every scene is dominated by the glowing and compelling spirit of the romantic lead, shown so convincingly by the lovely Michiko Hada. She floats along elegantly but mysteriously until the end, when she finally explains that she was "simply hoping to be in the dream of someone she loves." That clinched it for me. I likewise hope to see her in one of my dreams...soon.

One of the most thought-provoking, elegant, and creative films ever made. Those who fail to come to grips with its complexity will be disillusioned by it, and they will be tempted to dismiss it as dense and pretentious. I urge them to view it again and dig deeper. If they persevere, they will find an exquisite film, rich in meaning and subtle in temper. A fantastical tale that speaks directly to man's need for self-expression in a world grown callous and intolerant. This is a deeply satisfying film - a psychological mystery that provides greater riches each time it is viewed. The soundtrack is gloriously evocative and perfectly suited to the film.

This film is one of best and least linear that I have seen. It abandons any coherent plot about half way in (don't be fooled by the beginning into thinking it's a normal movie), but this doesn't mean that it is badly made. On the contrary, this is one of those rare films where the director's arty pretension actually pans out. A must see if you are interested in costuming or Japanese styles.