Sukiyaki Western Django: Viewer Comments

First and foremost, this is a western. It is set in Japan and stars an all Japanese cast, save for one lone American cameo. I'll keep it under wraps for the few that don't want to know or haven't run across it. But it's a cool and appropriate cameo. Without saying too much about the story, it's basically about a lone rider who comes into town to help the locals when two warring gangs overrun the town looking for rumored treasure.

The all Japanese cast speaks in almost entirely English throughout the entire film. Once you get used to it you can make out what they're saying. But some will struggle at first. Since most are not native speakers, it sounds as if they learned their lines phonetically, without any knowledge of English. It makes for some odd cadences and pauses. To be honest, I kind of enjoyed it. It seemed like a fun and interesting idea. It just adds to the genre-bending of the whole film.

While the film is a western, it successfully balances the fine line between serious western and stylish action/comedy. Some may feel uneasy because it never settles into one or the other. Some very serious and heavy moments can be immediately followed by one of the over-the-top characters doing some schtick. Personally, I thought it flowed well and maintained the balance. Some reviewers have called it confused. In my opinion, I enjoy movies that refuse to be defined and just be what they should.

As well as being a western on its face, Django also has many elements of the old Kurosawa samurai flicks (one is even referred to in the film). The original film series "Django" is also homaged numerous times.

The action is slick and well paced--very stylish and creative in some areas, comedic in others, and once in a while just downright rough and tumble. Those looking for an all-out Asian action flick may be a little disappointed by the film's pace. It is paced like a spaghetti western: deliberate and dramatic. When the action comes, it is explosive and will not disappoint. But the scenes in-between aren't just vehicles to take us to the next gunfight. There is a narrative, there is character development, there are backstories and conflicts that are born and resolved.

"Django" is a very complete and entertaining film. The spoken language and genre-bending will challenge some viewers while alienating others altogether. But for those interested in the genre who don't mind something a little different, "Django" is a solid pick.