‘Ryuichi Sakamoto | Opus’ Review – A Melodic Journey Of Farewell And Legacy

Learning of Ryuichi Sakamoto’s passing filled me with deep sorrow. His battle with illness began in 2014 when he was diagnosed with throat cancer, temporarily halting his creative endeavors. However, there was a flicker of hope in 2017 when he entered remission and returned to composing music, a poignant journey beautifully captured in the documentary Ryuichi Sakamoto: Coda by Stephen Nomura Schible. Witnessing his resurgence brought immense joy to many, myself included, as it seemed he had triumphed over cancer.

Yet, unfortunately, in 2021, Sakamoto faced another bout of cancer, and in 2023, he departed from this world. Despite this, his final musical performance endures through Ryuichi Sakamoto | Opus, a concerto directed by his son, Neo Sora. This poignant tribute immortalizes his musical legacy, serving as a timeless reminder of his extraordinary talent and creativity.

In attempting to capture the ineffable essence of OPUS, one finds themselves grappling with the very fabric of human emotion. The film, a testament to Ryuichi Sakamoto’s indomitable spirit, unfolds as a profound symphony of sight and sound, leaving an indelible imprint on the soul. Within the monochromatic canvas, director Neo Sora masterfully orchestrates a visual ballet, where silence speaks volumes and every frame resonates with raw emotion. Through the lens, we are drawn inexorably closer to the heart of Sakamoto’s final performance, where each keystroke upon the Yamaha grand piano becomes a poignant brushstroke upon the canvas of existence.

In Sora’s meticulous attention to detail, we find ourselves enraptured by the intimate nuances of Sakamoto’s being. His signature eyeglasses, akin to windows to the soul, reveal depths of wisdom and vulnerability. His hands, once nimble and deft, now carry the weight of a lifetime’s journey, yet still dance with a grace that defies the passage of time. And there, amidst the stark beauty, lies Sakamoto himself, enveloped in the folds of a jacket that seems to echo the resilience and strength that defined his artistic legacy.

As the camera lingers, capturing every whispered note and every fleeting expression, we are invited into a sacred space where music transcends mere melody, becoming a vessel for the human experience. In this exquisite mosaic of imagery and sound, Sakamoto’s final performance emerges not as a swan song, but as a testament to the enduring power of art to illuminate the darkness and elevate the human spirit.

In the symphony of his career’s twilight, Ryuichi Sakamoto, adorned with the weight of his years, delivers a transcendent opus that traverses the breadth of his musical journey. Within the hallowed halls of OPUS, each composition serves as a luminous constellation, bearing witness to the celestial dance of his soul. As the notes cascade like crystalline tears, we are drawn into a realm where time becomes an ephemeral wisp, and the melodies intertwine with the very fabric of existence. Through the prism of his artistry, Sakamoto invites us on a pilgrimage through the labyrinth of his emotions, from the haunting strains of “Lack of Love” to the majestic echoes of “The Last Emperor” and “The Wuthering Heights.”

Yet, it is in the tender embrace of “Aqua” that we find solace, as the music ebbs and flows like gentle waves upon the shores of our consciousness. Each chord, each crescendo, becomes a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, a defiant hymn against the encroaching shadows of mortality. And then, as the final notes of “Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence” reverberate through the hallowed space, we are left breathless, suspended in the aether between memory and eternity. In that moment, Sakamoto’s frailty becomes his strength, his vulnerability a testament to the immutable power of his art.

For Sakamoto, the act of creation transcends mere mortality; it is a sacred pact with the universe, a gesture of defiance against the ravages of time. In his selflessness, he bequeaths to us a legacy that transcends the confines of earthly existence, a lyrical elegy that will echo through the annals of history. As we bear witness to this sublime spectacle, we are reminded that in the tapestry of life, it is the threads of love and beauty that endure. And so, as the curtain falls on this final performance, we are left with the immutable truth that Ryuichi Sakamoto’s legacy will forever be enshrined in the ethereal realms of music, a beacon of light amidst the encroaching shadows of oblivion.

The cinematography of OPUS envelops the viewer in a mesmerizing interplay of light and shadow, echoing the contrasting hues of piano keys. Through masterful use of lighting, particularly in a breathtaking shot towards the film’s climax, the boundaries between Ryuichi Sakamoto and his instrument blur into obscurity. This visual motif, coupled with impeccable sound design, creates an intimate experience that transcends mere spectatorship.

The meticulous placement of microphones captures every nuanced breath and movement, forging a palpable connection between performer and audience. From the delicate rustle of sheet music to the resonant depression of the piano pedal, every sound is imbued with a profound sense of intimacy. Watching OPUS is not merely a passive viewing experience; it is a visceral journey into the heart and soul of Sakamoto’s final performance. To fully appreciate its depth and beauty, it is imperative to witness it on the best screen you can find, with the most pristine sound system you have available.

As the haunting melody of Opus fills the room during the end credits, a wave of emotions washes over me. Each piece showcased in the film has been a poignant journey, culminating in this moment of reflection. On screen, Ryuichi Sakamoto’s performance is a poignant blend of beauty and melancholy, serving as the poignant conclusion to a chapter of musical genius. In this final act, Neo Sora masterfully pays homage to his father’s legacy, inviting newcomers to immerse themselves in Sakamoto’s unparalleled brilliance. It’s a tribute that speaks to the enduring impact of his music, stirring a profound mix of admiration and wistfulness among viewers.

As the credits gracefully unfurl, an undeniable longing emerges to pay homage to the maestro whose last enchanting performance has etched itself deeply into our souls. Rest peacefully, Ryuichi Sakamoto, for your melodies shall resonate through the corridors of eternity. Ryuichi Sakamoto | Opus stands as a poignant ode and farewell, a heartfelt adieu conveyed in the language of his artistry. Each viewing moved me to tears, immersed in the profound beauty woven into these compositions. They are not merely stunning, but a testament to the mastery of a craft and the legacy of a legend.

Ryuichi Sakamoto | Opus is currently playing in select theaters courtesy of Janus Films. For a full list of theaters, please click here. 

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OyhTmH92Ljc]