I have seen this movie twice now. I thought I would give it another chance and, besides, I couldn't remember why I had given it such a poor rating.
Visually and musically, there is much to like about this movie. The photography is beautifully lit and stunning throughout. The musical score is original and gorgeous.
My issue is with the story, which, as a gay man, I found painful to sit through. The youngest samurai, Kano, is such a beauty that he is highly desired by his more experienced peers and teachers. If only his personality were as winning. His expression never changes, so it is impossible to guess where his head is at any given time. He is totally passive when making love and never seems to show any affection except when he spars with the man whom everyone suspects is his lover. Then, though clearly a better swordsman, Kano allows himself to be defeated, which only serves to cause the shogun master to believe that his suspicions were correct.
This film does its best to refute the mythology that has sprung up--at least in the US--concerning the supposed acceptance of homosexuality within the samurai cult. Kano's alleged gayness only causes his peers to view him with suspicion, if not disdain. If not for his skill with the blade and willingness to use it, he would have no stature at all. The plot thickens when his alleged lovers begin turning up dead. Were they killed out of jealousy? Or was it something more sinister? I won't spoil it for you. I will just say that if you're looking for a beautifully-produced Japanese gay love story, you'd do well to keep looking. Taboo will leave you with a splitting headache (pun intended).
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