BootDigest Such a frustrating disappointment

WillSushyMedia This movie was so-so. It had it's moments, but wasn't the greatest.

StyleSk8r At first rather annoying in its heavy emphasis on reenactments, this movie ultimately proves fascinating, simply because the complicated, highly dramatic tale it tells still almost defies belief.

Matylda Swan It is a whirlwind of delight --- attractive actors, stunning couture, spectacular sets and outrageous parties.

EVOL666 With BLACK ROSE MANSION, I was kinda hoping for a strong 60s era pinku film, maybe something like BLIND BEAST or even MANJI or something of the sort - unfortunately - I got nothing like that. Though a relatively watchable films style-wise - the subject matter is pretty much the same thing that I've seen in tons of other 60s/70s era Japanese films - minus the "fun stuff" that makes pinku films so enjoyable.Ryuko (played by female impersonator Akihiro Miwa) is a hit at a private men's club at Black Rose Mansion. Ryuko's songs and manner entice pretty much all men that come into contact with her, causing inexplicable feelings of obsession. Ryuko's ex-lovers begin showing up and causing problems, until the owner of the mansion professes his love for her and agrees to take care of her. When the owner's son comes home after a long hiatus, he also falls for Ryuko, causing problems between father and son...BLACK ROSE MANSION is basically another Japanese film of obsessive love, mixed with a bit of a "prodigal son" tale, and some kabuki-style elements. The use of a female impersonator for a woman's role is interesting but somewhat distracting. There are no sleaze elements for us pinku lovers out there - so if you grab this one thinking it'll be a typical pinku entry - forget it. The storyline is decent, but is the same subject-matter that I've seen in dozens of better films. If you want better films about similar themes, try the above-mentioned BLIND BEAST, MANJI, or perhaps EMPIRE OF THE SENSES and skip this one...6/10

bbbandbbb2003 Shochiku stylized melodrama, with Kabuki influence in that the female lead is played by a female impersonator. The unspoken irony is that this object of male desire and obsession is played by a man with a very male face, height, hands. His studied precision at mimicking traditional Japanese female characteristics makes the response of the male characters seem appropriately pathetic. Fukasaku's studied use of visual metaphor has a distancing effect. An odd, but fascinating film. Don't watch it for the plot. Watch it for the complex point of view and the lead's tour de force performance. It doesn't belong to the same category as the John Waters' films. There's no mockery here, self or other.

skullgame I hate to disagree with the first review, but I think this is a pretty good film. While it doesn't hold up to the first film in the series (Black Lizard), this is an impressive sequel. If only Black Lizard were available on DVD, the 2 films would make great bookends to the story. Kinji Fukasaku (of Battle Royale fame) has a writing style that many can't follow easily & has a tendency to be abrasive to some, but this film stands high in my book in the psychedelic 60's film genre. Also, not much is made of the fact that the leading lady is actually a leading man, which disturbs some, but in my opinion only enhances the camp factor. A Fun, weird caper from a time & place that no longer exists.

marymorrissey this film is pretty lame. I don't know whether the factoid that the leading lady is played by a man comes out or not in the plot but in the film it's pretty obvious although...for all I know I could be wrong but, I don't think so. anyway this is one of those Japanese films made with a lot of trying hard to do something but the filmmaker doesn't really know what he's doing. I am supposed to write 10 lines HM well don't rent the movie unless it's in a bunch of 3 from Norfolk's and you can send it right back without any loss to your viewing pleasure.oh I need more lines I see. I deleted some cause I was cagily trashing some other director and I have no idea who. . . it was anyway. . . oh well go see "So Close" what else could I tell ya. is this enough lines?