Watch Yaji and Kita: The Midnight Pilgrims

Yaji and Kita: The Midnight Pilgrims is a quirky and colorful Japanese film that tells the story of two unlikely companions who embark on a strange and surreal journey across Japan. The film centers around two characters, Yaji (played by Tomoya Nagase) and Kita (played by Shichinosuke Nakamura), who are loosely based on real-life historical figures from Japan's Edo period. Yaji is a flamboyant and dandyish man with a penchant for kabuki theatre and poetry, while Kita is a gruff and no-nonsense ronin, or samurai without a master.

The film opens with Yaji and Kita living in poverty in a small village, where they are constantly harassed and humiliated by their fellow villagers. One day, Yaji receives a vision from a spirit who tells him to embark on a journey to a far-off land, where he will find love, happiness, and enlightenment. Kita initially dismisses Yaji's vision as nonsense, but eventually agrees to accompany him on his quest.

What follows is a bizarre and surreal road trip across Japan, as the duo encounters an array of odd and eccentric characters, from a singing transvestite to a group of elderly women who practice a strange, erotic dance. Along the way, Yaji and Kita are pursued by a ruthless gang of samurai who want to capture them for unknown reasons, leading to a series of violent and bloody showdowns.

What sets Yaji and Kita apart from other road trip movies is its unique blend of genres and styles. It combines elements of traditional Japanese theater (such as kabuki and Bunraku puppetry) with modern pop culture references, including nods to rock music and manga. The film is also notable for its use of bright primary colors and stylized sets and costumes, which give it a dreamlike and fantastical quality.

The performances by the two leads are particularly noteworthy. Tomoya Nagase is perfectly cast as the flamboyant and effeminate Yaji, bringing a sense of flamboyant theatricality to the role. Shichinosuke Nakamura, meanwhile, is equally impressive as the gruff and stoic Kita, providing a strong counterbalance to Yaji's more flamboyant performance.

One of the key themes of the film is the idea of journeying towards self-discovery and enlightenment. Yaji and Kita are both looking for something, whether it be love, happiness or a sense of purpose. Along their journey, they encounter a variety of characters who have already found what they are searching for, giving them glimpses of what they themselves are seeking.

Overall, Yaji and Kita: The Midnight Pilgrims is a unique and entertaining film that defies categorization. It is simultaneously a road trip movie, a kabuki performance, a samurai epic, and a surreal dream sequence. While it may not be to everyone's tastes, those who appreciate bizarre and offbeat cinema will find plenty to enjoy here.