Masterless

Masterless from 2015 is a thought-provoking, genre-bending film, intertwining elements of drama, spirituality and fantasy, with a pinch of eastern philosophies. The film is directed by Craig Shimahara, an artist-cum-filmmaker known for merging unique narratives with visually stunning settings. The movie features an ensemble cast, starring Adam LaVorgna, Kaho Minami, and Yutaka Takeuchi, each bringing a distinct cultural and dramatic essence to the narrative.

The film's protagonist, Kane Madison (played by Adam LaVorgna), is an architect and estranged husband living in Los Angeles. He's a man brimming with dreams and aspirations yet bogged down by the grind of his occupation, struggling to find a balance between his personal life and professional aspirations. The character of Kane Madison becomes instrumental in highlighting the problems often faced by modern, ambitious individuals—loneliness, stress, personal dissatisfaction and a looming existential crisis. LaVorgna plays his character with a naturalistic grace, subtly embodying Madison's struggles and inner turmoil.

Through a clever narrative technique, the film presents two parallel universes. One that portrays Madison's reality, and the other takes place within the unseen spirit world of samurai warriors, known as 'Ronin'. Madison's personal conflicts and struggles are essentially doubled, shared by an aimless Ronin (played by Yutaka Takeuchi) in the alternate world. The Ronin's journey mirrors Madison's life, representing a metaphorical interpretation of Madison's ongoing spiritual battle. The visually striking mise-en-scène of the spirit world, with its atmospheric cinematography and pristine execution of costume design, adds another layer to the film's multifaceted narrative.

Further enhancing the film's narrative depth is the character of Midori (played by Kaho Minami). Midori's arrival affects both the protagonist and the Ronin, igniting a ripple effect of events that make Madison question the essence of his existence and the path he's chosen to tread. Midori’s character, as depicted by Minami, brings a ray of hope, wisdom, and a sense of serenity, providing Madison with a different perspective on life and struggle.

Masterless successfully merges the philosophical reflections of Eastern spiritual traditions with elements of Western drama and fantasy. It's a cinematic exploration of multiculturalism, and it brings a fresh perspective to the spiritual saga by combining spirituality with the modern, daily life of a professional individual in a metropolis. It encourages viewers to question their own spiritual existence amid the hustle and bustle of today's fast-paced life.

The film’s philosophical approach doesn’t shy away from engaging the audience in thought-provoking dialogue and scenarios. It explores themes such as existentialism, mortality, courage, and the idea of a 'master'. These themes, coupled with the film's strong performances, create an engaging piece of work that combines dramatic tension, spiritual introspection, and psychological exploration.

On a technical level, the film displays high production values. The cinematography beautifully contrasts the two worlds - the hyper-real tech environment of Los Angeles and the ethereal Samurai world. The stark, monochrome visuals of the Samurai world, juxtaposed with the saturated, high-contrast hues of the LA scenes, amplify the rift between the two planes of existence. The film's musical score adds another layer to the atmosphere, alternating between intense, sweeping orchestral pieces and more subtle, contemplative melodies reflective of the film's blend of drama and spiritual introspection.

Moreover, the film does not forget its cultural roots, paying homage to traditional Japanese samurai cinema. Despite its contemporary setting and UFO narrative, it maintains the authenticity and reverence of its historical counterparts, and through its western protagonist, it subtly unravels the universal theme of transcultural experience.

Overall, Masterless is a film that offers more than just entertainment. It attempts to delve deep into the human psyche, playing out the eternal battle of good versus evil happening within one's self. From its unconventional narrative to its thought-provoking themes and strong performances, Masterless offers a fresh take on spiritual cinema that’s both mesmerising and profound, asking its viewers to question their spiritual conflicts and the existential riddles of modern life.