Paul Schrader’s visually stunning, collage-like portrait of the acclaimed Japanese author and playwright Yukio Mishima (played by Ken Ogata) investigates the inner turmoil and contradictions of a man who attempted the impossible task of finding harmony among self, art, and society. With its rich cinematography by John Bailey, exquisite sets and costumes by Eiko Ishioka, and unforgettable, highly influential score by Philip Glass, Mishima: A Life in Four Chapters is a tribute to its subject and a bold, investigative work of art in its own right.

A fictional account of the life of Yukio Mishima, combining dramatizations of three of his novels and a depiction of the events of November 25th, 1970, the last day of Mishima’s life, when he famously committed public seppuku.

Reviews
"Mishima is a rather glorious project, in these days of pragmatic commercialism and rank cynicism in the movie industry. Although a sensationalized version of his life might have had potential at the box office (and although Schrader, author of Taxi Driver and director of American Gigolo, would have been quite capable of directing it), this is much more ambitious and intellectual film." – Roger Ebert