To call the film Pistol Opera a masterpiece would be an understatement. Director Seijun Suzuki (at the ripe old age of just about 80), who hasn't directed a film in nearly 10 years, has created a vision so unique and so inventive, you're guaranteed to have never seen anything like it before. I've never seen any of Seijun's previous films, although right now I'm wishing I had.

Pistol Opera is a surreal, dreamlike vision that tells the story of Killer # 3 aka "Stray Cat". Killer #3 wants nothing more than to be #1, of an elite group of assassins. Along the way she encounters many who try to thwart her plans including Teacher (a wheelchair bound fellow in a green sweat suit) and Painless Surgeon (a man straight out of the Wild West, who feels no pain, literally). With no one to trust, Stray Cat comes into contact with Hanada from time to time (the former #3), who acts as her counselor, yet he has ulterior motives for his actions as well. From what i've been reading, Pistol Opera is a remake/update of a '67 film by Suzuki entitled Branded To Kill. Update yes, but at the same time polar opposite, as Branded to Kill was shot scope and stark B&W, Pistol Opera is full frame (1.33:1) and full of vibrant colors that just leap off the screen.

The wonder that is Pistol Opera goes way beyond the simple story at hand. It's the brilliant execution wonderfully choreographed by Suzuki that is the real standout here. This is guaranteed to be like no other film you have ever laid eyes on. If I had to compare in style similarities only, I'd call to your attention early films by Mario Bava, Argento's 3 strip technicolor wonder Suspiria, or Jodorowsky's Santa Sangre for starters.

Pistol Opera is 2 hours of deliberately placed celluloid hitting you over the head frame after frame, and it's evident that nothing was left to chance. There are no mistakes here folks, everything on the screen has its place, and the timing is near perfect. Each and every frame of this film is an oil painting to hang on your wall. Visually brilliant? Yes. However, Pistol Opera is not a silly action movie, and at the same time, not an easy film to watch. While the story progresses in near theatrical style, with exageratted expressions and poses, the story also jumps between flash forwards, flashbacks and dreamlike sequences with no apologies or explanations from the director (might I add that none are needed). It's also worth mentioning that Pistol Opera is ocassionaly highlighted with some subtle yet effective CGI effects that only stand to enhance the visual impact even more.

Special mention also goes out to the soundtrack which was simply put, fucking brilliant. With shifts in style from 60's spy movie kitsch to Kabuki Theatre, to classic Japanese Samurai films, it's all represented here and is a real treat for the ears. The sound effects and sound editing were also mind boggling, as the sound seems to take on an identity of its own as the film progresses.

I found myself so engrossed in this film that I zoned out completely only to re-emerge into the real world from scattered sounds in the theatre, such as a dropped glass bottle, or a cell phone that seemed to ring endlessly; arrrggghhhh!!! With such an unattentive crowd, the general consensus seemed to be that of "what the hell was that"? This calls to mind the immortal words that have haunted me for close to a year now of a once brilliant man. The words of a man who has been an inspiration to me (as well as others) for quite some time. The words this man once said to me in confidence; "I wish that film had better viewers", kudos to you Mr. Elliot as never have truer words ever been spoken!

Festival Favorite? Uh, yeah, I think we have a winner. When the lights came on and the credits started to roll, I felt like I could have sat there for another 2 hours and watched it all over again. Pistol Opera is a near perfect film and a unique cinema experience. See this movie now.

Thumbs up.