Directed by Neo Sora, Ryuichi Sakamoto‘s last performance, a concert film featuring just him and his piano playing for the last time before passing away.

While usually knowing as little as possible can be an advantage with film, for Ryuichi Sakamoto: Opus it’s probably best to be aware beforehand that this is not a documentary in any traditional sense. It does the ultimate justice to the late, incomparable Sakamoto by simply letting him play. That’s not to say it’s purely a concert film, because the experience of watching this wonderful man practice his craft tells you a lot about what he was going through and his state of mind facing the end of his life.

Particularly because the direction from Sakamoto’s son, Neo Sora, is endlessly thoughtful and compassionate. The effort that he puts into portraying the bittersweet, intimate nature to the film is impressive and at times, heart-breaking. Every choice that Sora makes has something to say, the way that the camera moves, the editing, the framing, it’s all adding a commentary to Sakamoto’s performance. He gives the audience a moving view of Sakamoto’s mindset, watching how he changes through the different pieces.

It’s a huge variety of emotion because watching Sakamoto work in itself is a wonderful experience, the music is serene and soothing but at the same time, watching it after his passing adds a deep sadness. Although when he arrives at playing one of his most famous pieces, ‘Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence’, seeing the joy he has for it and how much he clearly still loves to play it forty years later, is a genuinely special moment.

Ryuichi Sakamoto: Opus is the perfect tribute to an artist and his craft, Neo Sora gives fans a fond farewell to the incredible master that was his late father, Ryuichi Sakamoto. It’s sublimely intimate, moving and gracefully raw. Sakomoto’s music is forever beautiful, and the entire film is a touching, bittersweet experience.

Verdict: ✯✯✯✯✯ | 10/10

Reviewed as part of London Film Festival 2023