i never heard of mishima before i watch this film and although part of it be a little tedious and i still find myself draw to watch it when it be repeat on the box . at the beginning of the film and we be tell about a celebrated japanese writer behaves like a lunatic and commits seppuku in public . a the film progress you be gently induct into twisted logic of mishima mind . the stage of his life be be present in four chapter . each chapter itself be a blend of two contrast narrative and the first continue the story with scene from mishima life and appear in black and white . the second narrative be an adaptation of scene from a novel and these be stag like a play and film in vivid colour . there be a different novel stag in each chapter . between each chapter and the narrative return to the present and a mishima proceeds towards his eventual ritual suicide . this mean that the drama and tension be maintain until the end . i suspect that many people will find this film to be bore pretentious and art house . i respect that and this be not a film for people who want action and a strong story line . if on the other hand you be the kind of person who relish the opportunity to penetrate the mind a bizarre man while watch his life story tell in collage of beautiful picture set to music by philip glass and you will love it . i love it .