Featuring new films by Takashi Miike, Sion Sono and Kiyoshi Kurosawa; this festival is shaping up to be one of the most exciting events on the Japanese cinema calender. The premiere of Miike's Big Bang Love, Juvenile A is easily the most eagerly awaited screening. These movies will be shown as a part of the Japan Cuts-Festival of New Japanese Films presentation. This section of the festival runs from July 5th - 15th. Sion Sono will also be making a guest appearance at the festival. For those of you luck enough to attend I hope you enjoy the festival and look forward to hearing reports on these new movies.
Official Festival Site
Japan Cuts
Wednesday 13 June 2007
Tuesday 12 June 2007
The New Wave
映画監督 FILM DIRECTORS
RHUHEI KITAMURA
This exciting director first caught my attention with his cult hit Versus. His style is influenced strongly from western cinema and in particular the work of Sam Rami. Versus was a low budget project which quickly gained wide acclaim on the internet catapulting it into cult status. On the back of this success Kitamura was given the opportunity to direct Azumi. The film was adapted from the graphically violent Manga novel. His high energy and stylized brand of filmaking was just what Azumi needed to transfer it successfully from the page to the big screen. The movie did well in Japan and satisfied fans of the original Manga series.
His next feature was Sky High, another Manga adaptation in 2003. However Kitamura's greatest honour was still to come, directing the next installment of Japan's much loved Godzilla. In 2004 Godzilla: Final Wars was released and was well received by Japanese audiences. He is currently working on his next movie Bandage which is due for release in 2008.My personal favorites from Kitamura are Versus [2000] and Azumi [2003]. I look forward to seeing more of his work!
SHINYA TSUKAMOTO
Tsukamoto is one of Japan's most talented and versatile directors. He also writes and acts in many of his films aswell as starring in some of the best films to come from Japan over the past two decades. He made his first huge impact with Tetsuo - The Iron Man [1989]
an intensely surreal story of a man who's body is being transformed into scrap metal! This Cronenberg-esque style continued in Tetsuo 2 - Body Hammer [1991]
which confirmed Tsukamoto's status as a master of extreme cinema. His successes continued with a hardcore boxing picture; Tokyo Fist
and the twisted erotica of A Snake Of June [2003].
His most interesting movie since than is undoubtedly Vital which I really enjoyed.
As an actor Tsukamoto is amply skilled. His performances in Tetsuo, Tokyo Fist, Dead or Alive 2 and A Snake Of June are of a high calibre. However I think his finest role is in Ichi The Killer. He also puts in a fine performance in Takashi Shimizu's Marebito.
It is evident that Tsukamoto played an important role in rejuvenating Japanese cinema at a time when it needed it most. His work has inspired many of the next generation of filmakers working in Japan. It is with influences such as this that will keep Japanese cinema as wonderfully unpredictable and challenging as it is today!
For those of you who wish to delve a little deeper into the world and work of Tsukamoto-san take a look at this excellent book; Iron Man: The Cinema of Shinya Tsukamoto
RHUHEI KITAMURA
This exciting director first caught my attention with his cult hit Versus. His style is influenced strongly from western cinema and in particular the work of Sam Rami. Versus was a low budget project which quickly gained wide acclaim on the internet catapulting it into cult status. On the back of this success Kitamura was given the opportunity to direct Azumi. The film was adapted from the graphically violent Manga novel. His high energy and stylized brand of filmaking was just what Azumi needed to transfer it successfully from the page to the big screen. The movie did well in Japan and satisfied fans of the original Manga series.
His next feature was Sky High, another Manga adaptation in 2003. However Kitamura's greatest honour was still to come, directing the next installment of Japan's much loved Godzilla. In 2004 Godzilla: Final Wars was released and was well received by Japanese audiences. He is currently working on his next movie Bandage which is due for release in 2008.My personal favorites from Kitamura are Versus [2000] and Azumi [2003]. I look forward to seeing more of his work!
SHINYA TSUKAMOTO
Tsukamoto is one of Japan's most talented and versatile directors. He also writes and acts in many of his films aswell as starring in some of the best films to come from Japan over the past two decades. He made his first huge impact with Tetsuo - The Iron Man [1989]
an intensely surreal story of a man who's body is being transformed into scrap metal! This Cronenberg-esque style continued in Tetsuo 2 - Body Hammer [1991] which confirmed Tsukamoto's status as a master of extreme cinema. His successes continued with a hardcore boxing picture; Tokyo Fist and the twisted erotica of A Snake Of June [2003].His most interesting movie since than is undoubtedly Vital which I really enjoyed.As an actor Tsukamoto is amply skilled. His performances in Tetsuo, Tokyo Fist, Dead or Alive 2 and A Snake Of June are of a high calibre. However I think his finest role is in Ichi The Killer. He also puts in a fine performance in Takashi Shimizu's Marebito.
It is evident that Tsukamoto played an important role in rejuvenating Japanese cinema at a time when it needed it most. His work has inspired many of the next generation of filmakers working in Japan. It is with influences such as this that will keep Japanese cinema as wonderfully unpredictable and challenging as it is today!
For those of you who wish to delve a little deeper into the world and work of Tsukamoto-san take a look at this excellent book; Iron Man: The Cinema of Shinya Tsukamoto
Monday 11 June 2007
Must See Anime
ELFEN LIED
エルフェンリート
Just finished watching this wonderful Anime. After 13 captivating episodes I can say for certain it is one of the finest features in the genre. The animation, character development and music are all first class. It is hard however to categorize this one as it covers action, drama, comedy, romance, thriller and sci-fi...it has it all! So what's it all about then?
The story begins at a mysterious lab where test subject Lucy, a Diclonius (mutant) makes her escape from the secret compound. Her ferocious powers are inflicted upon the labs security team as she slices through the entire guard, limbs and blood all being left in her wake. Lucy finally makes it outside the facility only to receive a head shot from the guard's top marksman. She plummets to the ocean below.
These first fifteen minutes are intense; bodies ripped apart, heads rolling, the corridors a blood splattered mess! We are thrown straight into this world and what we are to expect from the rest of the series. Thankfully there is so much more to Elfen than this...but what an opening sequence!
Lucy finally emerges onto the shore in front of two students Kohta and Yuka. However her character is completely changed, she is no longer a relentless killer but appears to be a sweet and innocent girl. She has now adopted her other personality which is dubbed as Nyū by Kohta as it is the only word she utters. This split personality and relationship with Kohta and his past is to dominate the story from now on.
The organization quickly reacts by sending their armed forces to retrieve Lucy. After this fails they then decide to use another Diclonius to combat Lucy's lethal telekinetic powers. We also get an insight into the workings and members behind the organization and the relationship between Kohta, Yuka and Nyū.
Ok this is as much as I'm going to give you, I don't want to give too much of this away. Needless to say I highly recommend this one, see it now!
Elfen Lied - Vol. 1
Thursday 7 June 2007
Lily And The Ether
ALL ABOUT LILY CHOU CHOU
directed by Shunji Iwai
Some thoughts...
This is an interesting movie, the style in the opening scene creates a pseudo internet chat room environment with many sections of dialogue appearing as text on screen. I didn’t find this too off putting and gradually became comfortable watching it, but i can imagine it's not to everyones taste!
The story centers around Yuichi, a fanatical follower of (fictional) pop singer Lily Chou Chou. He spends his time engulfed in her world, her music and online domain. This is where he discovers the 'ether' and how Lilys music is born out of this intangible entity.
We are introduced to several characters who all share the same love for Lily and her music, and how it is a refuge and salvation for them as they struggle through those difficulty formative years.
The style of the film changes mid way into the feature. The sharp detailed images are replaced by shaky hand held footage. This section of the film drags a little for me, and i found myself willing the picture back into its once vivid state. This finally happens and we are rewarded with some more elegant cinematography.
For me the beauty of this film resides in the vibrancy of its colour, cinematography and music. Not for everyone but worth a look if your in the mood!
The Ether will set you free.
All About Lily Chou-Chou [2002]
Noriko for New York
Released in Japan in October 2006, Noriko's Dinner Table is a prequel to Sion Sono's wonderfully disturbing Suicide Club (Jisatsu Sakuru). The good news for fans in the U.S is Noriko's Dinner Table finally goes on limited release across North America on the 13th of June. A special screening is available for those in Los Angeles at the Regent Showcase Theater on the 6th of June before hitting the Two Boots Pioneer Theater in New York on the 13th.
Reviews so far have been very positive and I highly anticipate seeing this movie. It's not clear when or if this film will get a European release, fingers crossed!
For those with multi region players you can order the DVD here .
Tuesday 5 June 2007
Superfly Samurai
AFRO SAMURAI
This stylized Anime caught my attention last year when it featured on Jonathan Ross's BBC show Japanorama. Its an unlikely mix of 70's Blaxploitation and the Samurai warrior! I recently caught a few episodes on Bravo, of all places...and I have really enjoyed what I have seen so far. The show has some celebrity heavyweights adding to its appeal, including the voice of Samuel L. Jackson, Ron Perlman and Kelly Hu. Jackson is perfect voicing the lead character (Afro) and his mentor who guides the young warrior in his search to find the number one killer and avenge his fathers death. The show was created by Takeshi Okazaki and produced by Studio Gonzo in Japan, who have made only five episodes so far. It also features a sweet soundtrack provided by RZA.
Violently Happy Desu!
俳優 ACTORS
浅野忠信 TADANOBU ASANO
This energetic young actor first came to my attention in Ichi The Killer, where he skillfully portrayed a sado-masochistic maniac called Asano. Next I saw him alongside Takeshi Kitano in Zatoichi and then again with Kitano in Gohatto. I enjoyed his style of acting (especially in Ichi) and he has a strong on screen presence. The last leading role I watched him play was in Vital, a very understated and subtle performance which complemented the picture perfectly. Check out his work!
栗山 千明 CHIAKI KURIYAMA
Most Western audiences will recognize this actress as the psychotic schoolgirl Gogo Yubari from Kill Bill vol. 1...
However it's not a role she is unfamiliar with. Her breakthrough performance was in Battle Royale, where she plays a quick tempered, knife wielding scrotum slashing teen! Impressed..? Well Tarantino- san was, so much so that there was only one actress in his mind when he penned the character Gogo. She appears in the J-Horror movie Ju-on (The Grudge) and I have also seen her in MPD Pyscho where she shines in a brief appearance and goes out with style! I think she is a wonderful actress with great on screen energy, which she displays effortlessly in Kill Bill and Battle Royale. Kuriyama rocks!
kira-saiko
精神分析のキラー
浅野忠信 TADANOBU ASANO
This energetic young actor first came to my attention in Ichi The Killer, where he skillfully portrayed a sado-masochistic maniac called Asano. Next I saw him alongside Takeshi Kitano in Zatoichi and then again with Kitano in Gohatto. I enjoyed his style of acting (especially in Ichi) and he has a strong on screen presence. The last leading role I watched him play was in Vital, a very understated and subtle performance which complemented the picture perfectly. Check out his work!
栗山 千明 CHIAKI KURIYAMA
Most Western audiences will recognize this actress as the psychotic schoolgirl Gogo Yubari from Kill Bill vol. 1...
However it's not a role she is unfamiliar with. Her breakthrough performance was in Battle Royale, where she plays a quick tempered, knife wielding scrotum slashing teen! Impressed..? Well Tarantino- san was, so much so that there was only one actress in his mind when he penned the character Gogo. She appears in the J-Horror movie Ju-on (The Grudge) and I have also seen her in MPD Pyscho where she shines in a brief appearance and goes out with style! I think she is a wonderful actress with great on screen energy, which she displays effortlessly in Kill Bill and Battle Royale. Kuriyama rocks!
kira-saiko
精神分析のキラー
Monday 4 June 2007
Masters & Mavericks
映画監督 FILM DIRECTORS
AKIRA KUROSAWA (1910-1998)
Responsible for some of the most famous Japanese movies of all time and bringing the cinema of Japan to the attention of the West. He has influenced generations of directors such as Steven Spielberg, George Lucas and Quentin Tarantino to name but a few. His most brilliant works include Shichinin no Samura (Seven Samurai), Rashomon, Ikiru, Ran, Yojimbo and The Hidden Fortress.
YASUJIRO OZU (1903-1963)
Another true master film maker. A member of the Shochiku studio and a silent movie maker for the majority of his career. Ozu depicted post war Japan and its effect on the Japanese family in many of his features. His most compelling and acclaimed film is undoubtedly Tokyo Story.
KINJI FUKASAKU (1930-2003)
Now most famous for his remarkable Batoru rowaiaru (Battle Royale).A shocking insight into the collapse of Japanese youth culture. His earlier movies also comment on imperfections and worrying elements in Japanese Society, namely the rise of the Yakuza (mafia). Battles Without Honour & Humanity, Yakuza Graveyard and Street Mobster each examine the world of Tokyo's most violent crime bosses.
TAKESHI 'BEAT' KITANO (1947- PRESENT)
One of Japans all round great filmakers and entertainers. Takeshi has enjoyed a long and varied career and is quite the Renaissance man being an actor, director, journalist, author and comedian! He caught the worlds attention with his moving film Hana-bi, winning the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival. His must see works include Violent Cop, Kikujiru, Battle Royale and Zatoichi.
TAKESHI MIIKE (1960-PRESENT)
The master of shock cinema and the surreal. Miike is a highly prolific film maker and has directed over 70 films in his career to date! His finest films are Audition, Ichi The Killer, Dead or Alive, Gozu,The Happiness Of The Katakuris and Box. His Television work is also worth a mention especially the rather excellent and somewhat confusing MPD Psycho.
COMING SOON: THE NEW WAVE (SHUNJI IWAI, MINORU KAWASAKI, RYUHEI KITAMURA & SHINYA TSUKAMOTO)
Katto
切口
AKIRA KUROSAWA (1910-1998)
Responsible for some of the most famous Japanese movies of all time and bringing the cinema of Japan to the attention of the West. He has influenced generations of directors such as Steven Spielberg, George Lucas and Quentin Tarantino to name but a few. His most brilliant works include Shichinin no Samura (Seven Samurai), Rashomon, Ikiru, Ran, Yojimbo and The Hidden Fortress.
YASUJIRO OZU (1903-1963)
Another true master film maker. A member of the Shochiku studio and a silent movie maker for the majority of his career. Ozu depicted post war Japan and its effect on the Japanese family in many of his features. His most compelling and acclaimed film is undoubtedly Tokyo Story.
KINJI FUKASAKU (1930-2003)
Now most famous for his remarkable Batoru rowaiaru (Battle Royale).A shocking insight into the collapse of Japanese youth culture. His earlier movies also comment on imperfections and worrying elements in Japanese Society, namely the rise of the Yakuza (mafia). Battles Without Honour & Humanity, Yakuza Graveyard and Street Mobster each examine the world of Tokyo's most violent crime bosses.
TAKESHI 'BEAT' KITANO (1947- PRESENT)
One of Japans all round great filmakers and entertainers. Takeshi has enjoyed a long and varied career and is quite the Renaissance man being an actor, director, journalist, author and comedian! He caught the worlds attention with his moving film Hana-bi, winning the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival. His must see works include Violent Cop, Kikujiru, Battle Royale and Zatoichi.
TAKESHI MIIKE (1960-PRESENT)
The master of shock cinema and the surreal. Miike is a highly prolific film maker and has directed over 70 films in his career to date! His finest films are Audition, Ichi The Killer, Dead or Alive, Gozu,The Happiness Of The Katakuris and Box. His Television work is also worth a mention especially the rather excellent and somewhat confusing MPD Psycho.
COMING SOON: THE NEW WAVE (SHUNJI IWAI, MINORU KAWASAKI, RYUHEI KITAMURA & SHINYA TSUKAMOTO)
Katto
切口
Moe? Hai Moe!
Ok so this is Maku-Moe, a glimpse into the wonderful world of Japanese cinema. Features over the coming weeks will include: Directors and Actors profiles, History of Japanese Cinema, J-Horror, Anime, Movie reviews, New Movies and any other related news or thoughts.
A little translation is in order i presume...
Maku is the Japanese word for Film.
Moe is a slang term which refers to a loving feeling for something or someone which hails from the obsessive world of the Otaku and their passion for Anime, Manga and Video games.
Check out this link for a little more background on the word: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moe_%28slang%29
pi-su
平和
A little translation is in order i presume...
Maku is the Japanese word for Film.
Moe is a slang term which refers to a loving feeling for something or someone which hails from the obsessive world of the Otaku and their passion for Anime, Manga and Video games.
Check out this link for a little more background on the word: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moe_%28slang%29
pi-su
平和
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