Masahiro Shinoda's Under the Blossoming Cherry Trees is based on a novel by Ango Sakaguchi and starts in modern day Japan in a large park with many people festively dancing, singing and enjoying themselves with some beautiful shots through blossoming cherry trees. What appears to be a child's voice narrates us back to ancient Japan where, we are told, these very same trees with blossoms falling like snow, held spiritual properties that sometimes brought madness and evil mystic elements. We are introduced to some well-defined characters - a sexually manipulative, abducted new wife, simple and lust induced criminal husband and a historic pageant of tragedy, irony and some supernatural dramaturgical twists utilizing magnificent cinematography. This is an amazing film for many reasons. We strongly recommend! !.  out of       

Gary W. Tooze