Movie spotlight
The Mikado
Jonathan Miller set his well-known production of The Mikado, staged for the English National Opera, in a British seaside resort of the 1920s. The result, complete with a chorus of gentlemen of Japan as cartoon-like British peers, emphatically underscores the Englishness of the satire. The occasional non sequiturs, like a bunch of gentry dressed for Ascot and singing in Japanese, are loonily fun, and no more absurd than the fantasyland Japan that Gilbert and Sullivan invented. The time frame, though, seems little more than an excuse for a smart black-and-white production design.
Insights
Plot Summary
Set in the fictional Japanese town of Titipu, this Gilbert and Sullivan operetta satirizes Victorian England through its absurd laws and characters. When the Emperor's son, Nanki-Poo, disguised as a minstrel, falls for the ward of the Lord High Executioner, Ko-Ko, a series of comedic misunderstandings and social commentary ensues. The story culminates in a clever resolution that highlights the arbitrary nature of authority and the triumph of love and wit.
Critical Reception
The 1987 film adaptation of 'The Mikado' was generally well-received, praised for its faithful rendition of Gilbert and Sullivan's classic operetta and its visual style. Critics often lauded the production's humor and the performances of its cast, while some noted its traditional approach to the material.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its faithful and charming adaptation of a beloved Gilbert and Sullivan work.
Noted for its witty lyrics, memorable melodies, and satirical commentary.
Appreciated for strong vocal performances and a visually engaging production.
Google audience: Audience reviews for this production are not readily available in a consolidated format, but generally, Gilbert and Sullivan's works are beloved for their humor and musicality.
Fun Fact
This particular film adaptation of 'The Mikado' was filmed at the BBC studios and was part of a series of Gilbert and Sullivan operettas produced by the BBC in the 1980s.
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