The name Takashi Miike immediately conjures images at once contemplative and profoundly disturbing. In international hits such as "Audition," "Ichi the Killer" and the "Dead or Alive" trilogy, the Japanese native pushed the limits of onscreen violence and sadism. While his main claim to fame (at least in the US) has been in the realm of cinematic horror and uber-violence, his resume contains an eclectic mix of genres including comedy ("Zebraman"), mainstream action ("The Agitator") and provocative drama ("Guys from Paradise"). In "Sabu," a film lensed in 2002 for the 40th anniversary of Nagoya television, the director is firmly planted in drama and exhibits a surprising depth of emotion and storytelling technique.

"Sabu" is a 19th Century period film based on the popular novel by Shugoro Yamamoto. It revolves around life-long friends Sabu (Satoshi Tsumabuki) and Eiji (Tatsuya Fujiwara from "Battle Royale") who mature during the complicated period of the Tokugawa Era. As children the two bond over the difficult, structured existence of life in an orphanage. Young adulthood doesn't bring them any more freedom as their meager station dictates a life as artisans at a craft house. When Eiji is accused of a crime he did not commit, he is sent to the Ishikawa Island workhouse. His loyal friend Sabu maintains his innocence, even when his elders threaten to ostracize him from the community. The main drama alternates between Eiji's harsh experiences on the island and his friend Sabu's search for the truth back at home. Life is made more complicated by the two women in their lives; childhood friend Nobuko and draftsman's daughter Osue. Both of whom vie for the affections of the imprisoned Eiji and their devotion may hold the secret to his undoing.

Though titled after the more emotional of the two friends, the film's main protagonist is Eiji and revolves around his slow transformation into adulthood. His complex relationships with his captors on the island and various alliances (and enemies) forged there provide the emotional crux of the story. It is a difficult and sometimes frustrating odyssey, often dictated by a culture steeped in tradition and honor. Hiroshi Takeyama's sprawling screenplay does a fairly good job juggling the various conflicts, though title character of Sabu feels a bit under developed. It is to Takeyama's credit, however, that the character of Eiji (often a sullen and disagreeable martyr) remains a sympathetic protagonist throughout the journey.

Miike does a commendable job with his young cast. Fujiwara is especially good in the difficult part of the martyr/hero. Though good in "Battle Royale" which, admittedly, did not ask much from him as an actor, here he shows surprising range as the embittered captive. The female cast is also very strong, especially the beautiful Tomoko Tabata who provides a quiet strength to her role as the long-suffering Nobuko. Miike, as in his meditative "Audition," allows the actors to play out their scenes in long, unencumbered takes. A refreshing change from the quickly paced, "cut-or-you'll-lose-the-audience" style of editing in America. The beautiful cinematography by Hideo Yamamoto was reportedly the result of high definition digital video. His imagery and composition are so striking, it's nearly impossible to detect its DV (or television) origins.

This Artsmagic DVD is a technically superior release in every aspect. The anamorphic widescreen picture presentation is crisp and clear with vivid colors and surprising texture. The Dolby digital sound is also quite good with an elaborate mix strong in bass, one that far exceeds any American television production. The supplements are many and include two informative interviews with the director (if you're a Miike fan, it's worth a rental just to hear his thoughts on the filmmaking process). There are also a series of interviews with the main cast, extensive cast and crew biographies/filmographies, artwork and two trailers. In addition Artsmagic includes a few Miike film trailers in the mix as well.

"Sabu" shows a surprising range for cult director Miike and proves that he's capable of strong storytelling in just about any genre he chooses. While not for die-hard fans of new wave Japanese horror, this is a bold, thoughtful drama that stands up to any American theatrical film.

UK site: http://www.artsmagic.co.uk/sabu

US site: http://www.artsmagicdvd.com/sabu