Cast: Ryuichi Sakamoto
Genre: Documentary, Music
Director: Neo Sora
In Cinemas: 29th March 2024
In a world where words often fail to capture the essence of profound emotions, Ryuichi Sakamoto | Opus emerges as a testament to the transcendent power of music. As the final opus of the legendary composer Ryuichi Sakamoto, this concert film transcends mere entertainment, offering a deeply intimate and profoundly moving experience. Set against the backdrop of Sakamoto’s battle with cancer, the film serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the enduring beauty of artistic expression. Through a carefully curated selection of twenty pieces spanning his illustrious career, Sakamoto invites viewers on a journey through time and emotion.
From the infectious rhythms of his Yellow Magic Orchestra days to the haunting melodies of his film scores, each composition serves as a chapter in Sakamoto’s life story, meticulously arranged by the maestro. Filmed in a space familiar to Sakamoto and surrounded by his closest collaborators, the concert exudes a sense of intimacy and authenticity rarely captured on screen. As Sakamoto sits at the piano, his fingers dancing delicately across the keys, one cannot help but be drawn into the depths of his musical universe. It is a world where joy and sorrow, hope and despair, collide in a symphony of emotion, leaving the audience spellbound from start to finish.
However, the most remarkable aspect of Ryuichi Sakamoto | Opus is its ability to transcend the visual medium and become a fully immersive experience. Rather than simply showcasing the stunning imagery surrounding the iconic composer, the film invites viewers to close their eyes and surrender to the power of sound. In doing so, it becomes more than just a concert film; it becomes a soul journey, a meditation on life, love, and the human condition. At the heart of it all is Sakamoto, his passion and love for the piano shining through with every note.
Despite the sombre undertones of his illness, a palpable sense of joy and gratitude permeates the film, reminding us of the transformative power of music to heal and uplift even in the darkest of times. In the end, Ryuichi Sakamoto | Opus is a fitting tribute to a musical genius whose legacy will continue to inspire and enchant for generations to come. It is a celebration of life, love, and the enduring beauty of artistic expression—a testament to the fact that even in our final moments, we can leave behind something genuinely magnificent.
Overall: 8/10
Movie Reviewer
