Yeah, I thought so, as she still looked pretty young. Still cool to see her though. And it was a nice small 'fight'.thelostdragon wrote:Michelle Yeoh wasn't well-known at that time. I think this was actually her first or second film ever.Yi-Long wrote:Twinkle Twinkle Lucky Stars 2/5
Another positive is the huge amount of cameos by well-known HK celebrities in the movie, like Michelle Yeoh, Kara Hui and Sandra Ng.
What asian film/series have you just seen.. marks out of 5
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Yi-Long
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I was there, the big BNB blackout of november, 2008. We lost many that day...
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Yi-Long
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HungFist
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Tragedy of W (Japan, 1984) – 4/5
An important film on super-idol Hiroko Yakushimaru’s career, Tragedy of W earned her the Japanese Academy Award nomination for best actress, serving as a final proof that she’s more than just a cute face with a phenomenal pop-star ”side career”. Tragedy of W, however, is not a very typical idol film. Based on a novel by Shizuko Natsuki, the film is 100% story and character driven. There is no added cuteness factor other than Yakushimaru’s natural beautiful looks. Her role as a young actress who is willing to go to great lengths for fame and success also features bits not usually seen in idol movies. Another interesting aspect is the film’s structure; the theatre play within the film, and the actual storyline slowly start resembling each other. Director Shinichirô Sawai takes use of this and allows the entire film play rather theatrical which works especially during the second half.
Shoujo kankin (Japan, 1977) – 3/5
After a pair of entertaining Sukeban films (both 1974) Ikuo Sekimoto’s career took a dive when he helmed two miserable but strangely appreciated period epics; Story of a Nymphomanic (1975) and Ooku ukiyoburo (1977). The modern day set Shojo kankin, however, is a surpringly competent film. Nayoa Ban plays a photographer who is obsessed with a girl (Nami Misaki) living in the opposite building. He spies on her and takes photos of her, but doesn’t dare to go talk to her, yet. While Shojo kankin is a voyeuristic exploitation movie, it’s also a somewhat psychological drama. Naoya Ban is a little know actor, but he creates a great character that is both a sympathetic loser and a frightening psychopath. Sekimoto uses a lot of (borrowed) music to create different moods. There is almost no dialogue, and only two important characters. The cinematography and close ups are occasionally impressive. The film owes a lot to Alfred Hitchcock.
Koigurui (Japan, 1971) – 2/5
Hitting the theatres in early December 1971, this was one of the first Nikkatsu roman porno films. The studio had begun their pink wave only one week before with the first Eros Schedule Book and Appartment Wife films. Like Appartment Wife, Koigurui stars Kazuko Shirakawa, the first Nikkatsu erotica queen. That is quite ironic considering she was a virgin while making these films. In any case, while not a great film, Koigurui is a decently interesting movie. The influence of the studio’s earlier output – mainly action films – is easy to see in both story and visuals. The film opens with a sailor returning home. He finds out his wife has gone missing and no one knows what has happened to her. After this the film makes a structural change and starts telling two related stories simultaneously; the sailor in present day, and his wife a few weeks earlier. The screenplay is passable, and the cinematography works. Director Akira Kato’s earlier achievements include screenwriting credits for a few Nikkatsu-Shaw Brothers co-productions (including Ko Nakahira Diary of a Lady-Killer) and assistant director’s work in Nikkatsu Action films. He brought some of this experience and ambition also to his pink movies, although not always successfully.
An important film on super-idol Hiroko Yakushimaru’s career, Tragedy of W earned her the Japanese Academy Award nomination for best actress, serving as a final proof that she’s more than just a cute face with a phenomenal pop-star ”side career”. Tragedy of W, however, is not a very typical idol film. Based on a novel by Shizuko Natsuki, the film is 100% story and character driven. There is no added cuteness factor other than Yakushimaru’s natural beautiful looks. Her role as a young actress who is willing to go to great lengths for fame and success also features bits not usually seen in idol movies. Another interesting aspect is the film’s structure; the theatre play within the film, and the actual storyline slowly start resembling each other. Director Shinichirô Sawai takes use of this and allows the entire film play rather theatrical which works especially during the second half.
Shoujo kankin (Japan, 1977) – 3/5
After a pair of entertaining Sukeban films (both 1974) Ikuo Sekimoto’s career took a dive when he helmed two miserable but strangely appreciated period epics; Story of a Nymphomanic (1975) and Ooku ukiyoburo (1977). The modern day set Shojo kankin, however, is a surpringly competent film. Nayoa Ban plays a photographer who is obsessed with a girl (Nami Misaki) living in the opposite building. He spies on her and takes photos of her, but doesn’t dare to go talk to her, yet. While Shojo kankin is a voyeuristic exploitation movie, it’s also a somewhat psychological drama. Naoya Ban is a little know actor, but he creates a great character that is both a sympathetic loser and a frightening psychopath. Sekimoto uses a lot of (borrowed) music to create different moods. There is almost no dialogue, and only two important characters. The cinematography and close ups are occasionally impressive. The film owes a lot to Alfred Hitchcock.
Koigurui (Japan, 1971) – 2/5
Hitting the theatres in early December 1971, this was one of the first Nikkatsu roman porno films. The studio had begun their pink wave only one week before with the first Eros Schedule Book and Appartment Wife films. Like Appartment Wife, Koigurui stars Kazuko Shirakawa, the first Nikkatsu erotica queen. That is quite ironic considering she was a virgin while making these films. In any case, while not a great film, Koigurui is a decently interesting movie. The influence of the studio’s earlier output – mainly action films – is easy to see in both story and visuals. The film opens with a sailor returning home. He finds out his wife has gone missing and no one knows what has happened to her. After this the film makes a structural change and starts telling two related stories simultaneously; the sailor in present day, and his wife a few weeks earlier. The screenplay is passable, and the cinematography works. Director Akira Kato’s earlier achievements include screenwriting credits for a few Nikkatsu-Shaw Brothers co-productions (including Ko Nakahira Diary of a Lady-Killer) and assistant director’s work in Nikkatsu Action films. He brought some of this experience and ambition also to his pink movies, although not always successfully.
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HungFist
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Custom Made 10.30 (Japan, 2005) – 2/5
- https://www.bulletsnbabesdvd.com/forums/ ... 6&start=66
Sailor Suit and Machine Gun (Japan, 1981) – 4/5
Probably the most important idol film of all time, Sailor Suit and Machine Gun is a yakuza satire – idol film fusion by Shinji Somai, one of the best Japanese directors of the 1980’s. Super idol Hiroko Yakushimaru stars as a normal school girl who inherits a small yakuza gang from her dying father. Action film fanatics will be sorely disappointed; Sailor Suit and Machine Gun only features one brief scene where the title becomes reality. Somai’s trademarks, however, are visible. The cinematography is terrific – including a classic 6 minute motorcycle scene shot without a single edit – and the director has great eye for small, quiet moments. Yakushimaru, who also performs the excellent theme song, is at her freshest in the leading role.
Long review: https://www.bulletsnbabesdvd.com/forums/ ... php?t=3388
- https://www.bulletsnbabesdvd.com/forums/ ... 6&start=66
Sailor Suit and Machine Gun (Japan, 1981) – 4/5
Probably the most important idol film of all time, Sailor Suit and Machine Gun is a yakuza satire – idol film fusion by Shinji Somai, one of the best Japanese directors of the 1980’s. Super idol Hiroko Yakushimaru stars as a normal school girl who inherits a small yakuza gang from her dying father. Action film fanatics will be sorely disappointed; Sailor Suit and Machine Gun only features one brief scene where the title becomes reality. Somai’s trademarks, however, are visible. The cinematography is terrific – including a classic 6 minute motorcycle scene shot without a single edit – and the director has great eye for small, quiet moments. Yakushimaru, who also performs the excellent theme song, is at her freshest in the leading role.
Long review: https://www.bulletsnbabesdvd.com/forums/ ... php?t=3388
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thelostdragon
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saltysam
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The Shinjuku Incident Blu-Ray 3/5
Jackie Chan takes on darker material (and boy this is dark) in a well made story of illegal chinese immigrants in Japan and their clashes with the Yakuza. like i said well made but not great, i thought some of the plot was developed a little quickly Jackie's overnight change from meek illegal immigrant taking any shitty job going to a gang leader was a little farfetched but i enjoyed it.The blu-ray is solidly Region A locked.
Jackie Chan takes on darker material (and boy this is dark) in a well made story of illegal chinese immigrants in Japan and their clashes with the Yakuza. like i said well made but not great, i thought some of the plot was developed a little quickly Jackie's overnight change from meek illegal immigrant taking any shitty job going to a gang leader was a little farfetched but i enjoyed it.The blu-ray is solidly Region A locked.
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HungFist
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Wandering Ginza Butterfly (Japan, 1972) – 4/5
- https://www.bulletsnbabesdvd.com/forums/ ... &start=337
Wandering Ginza Butterfly 2: She Cat Gambler (Japan, 1972) – 4/5
- https://www.bulletsnbabesdvd.com/forums/ ... &start=338
Cruel High School Girl Sex Lynch (1975) – 2,5/5
A promising title, eh? In fact, lynch or rape is usually a better premise for a Nikkatsu meisaku roman film than peace and love. I think it was Alfred Hitchcock who said an interesting movie need a conflict. He didn’t quite know what he was talking about, but in case of so many less than talented Nikkatsu filmmakers this is very much true. When there is a conflic it serves as starting point bound to lead to somewhere. Such development is not a taken in Nikkatsu’s productions. Isao Hayashi’s decebtly well directed Cruel High School Girl Sex Lynch does pack quite a few conflicts into its story, and even a surprise twist or two. One of those is the fact that Naomi Tani’s supporting role doesn’t manage to sink the film. In fact, she’s almost good at playing the main character’s (seifuku dressed Terumi Azuma) mother who isn’t attacked by a rope torturer once during the film’s course. Quite amazing, really.
Fascination: Portrait of a Lady (Japan, 1977) – 1/5
Wildly uneven pop-art director Koyu Ohara joined the S&M camp with this Naomi Tani film, once again based on Dan Oniroku’s writings. Ohara tries to spice the soup with humour, art and a few genre twists, but in practice the film is just as bleak and uninteresting as your average Naomi Tani classic.
The Fighting King (Japan, 1994) – 3/5
The Japanese Karate Kid, only cooler, cuter, and a lot more violent. It was a V-Cinema production, but the talent behind and in front of camera is almost overwhelming. B-ninja movie legend Sho Kosugi directs, his son Kane Kosugi stars, and supporting roles are filled with names like Shinzo Hotta, Masashi Ishibashi, Yasuaki Kurata, and various martial arts champions from around the world. The screenplay is by veteran Isao Matsumoto, who scripted several Sonny Chiba films, pinky violence movies and 1960’s ninkyo yakuza films. Kosugi plays a young American man who goes to Japan to inspect his father’s death. It turns out the villains (led by Hotta) responsible are connected to a martial arts tournament (Ishibashi as referee) held in Okinawa. The film’s biggest flaw is the cinematography and fast editing, which do no justice to the action scenes. Kosugi’s fighting skills, however, are impressive. The soundtrack and training scenes are quite good as well, and Taeko Nishino is very cute. Approximately 1/3 of the film is spoken in English.
The Fighting King 2 (Japan, 1994) – 3,5/5
This sequel is actually the second half of the story. Kane Kosugi continues his fight against Japanese gangsters but without the Karate Kid influence. Instead the film is excessively brutal and lacks the cuteness element (Taeko Nishino) of the first film. The storyline may be next to non-existent, but the film’s got good pace and no dead moments. The fight scenes are highly entertaining although again weaked by editing and cinematography. Some of the fight scenarios include fighting in a cage full of deadly bamboo sticks, and defending oneself against a ninja platoon hanging from ropes. Training scenes are also plenty. Similarly to the first film, a large portion of the dialogue is in English.
- https://www.bulletsnbabesdvd.com/forums/ ... &start=337
Wandering Ginza Butterfly 2: She Cat Gambler (Japan, 1972) – 4/5
- https://www.bulletsnbabesdvd.com/forums/ ... &start=338
Cruel High School Girl Sex Lynch (1975) – 2,5/5
A promising title, eh? In fact, lynch or rape is usually a better premise for a Nikkatsu meisaku roman film than peace and love. I think it was Alfred Hitchcock who said an interesting movie need a conflict. He didn’t quite know what he was talking about, but in case of so many less than talented Nikkatsu filmmakers this is very much true. When there is a conflic it serves as starting point bound to lead to somewhere. Such development is not a taken in Nikkatsu’s productions. Isao Hayashi’s decebtly well directed Cruel High School Girl Sex Lynch does pack quite a few conflicts into its story, and even a surprise twist or two. One of those is the fact that Naomi Tani’s supporting role doesn’t manage to sink the film. In fact, she’s almost good at playing the main character’s (seifuku dressed Terumi Azuma) mother who isn’t attacked by a rope torturer once during the film’s course. Quite amazing, really.
Fascination: Portrait of a Lady (Japan, 1977) – 1/5
Wildly uneven pop-art director Koyu Ohara joined the S&M camp with this Naomi Tani film, once again based on Dan Oniroku’s writings. Ohara tries to spice the soup with humour, art and a few genre twists, but in practice the film is just as bleak and uninteresting as your average Naomi Tani classic.
The Fighting King (Japan, 1994) – 3/5
The Japanese Karate Kid, only cooler, cuter, and a lot more violent. It was a V-Cinema production, but the talent behind and in front of camera is almost overwhelming. B-ninja movie legend Sho Kosugi directs, his son Kane Kosugi stars, and supporting roles are filled with names like Shinzo Hotta, Masashi Ishibashi, Yasuaki Kurata, and various martial arts champions from around the world. The screenplay is by veteran Isao Matsumoto, who scripted several Sonny Chiba films, pinky violence movies and 1960’s ninkyo yakuza films. Kosugi plays a young American man who goes to Japan to inspect his father’s death. It turns out the villains (led by Hotta) responsible are connected to a martial arts tournament (Ishibashi as referee) held in Okinawa. The film’s biggest flaw is the cinematography and fast editing, which do no justice to the action scenes. Kosugi’s fighting skills, however, are impressive. The soundtrack and training scenes are quite good as well, and Taeko Nishino is very cute. Approximately 1/3 of the film is spoken in English.
The Fighting King 2 (Japan, 1994) – 3,5/5
This sequel is actually the second half of the story. Kane Kosugi continues his fight against Japanese gangsters but without the Karate Kid influence. Instead the film is excessively brutal and lacks the cuteness element (Taeko Nishino) of the first film. The storyline may be next to non-existent, but the film’s got good pace and no dead moments. The fight scenes are highly entertaining although again weaked by editing and cinematography. Some of the fight scenarios include fighting in a cage full of deadly bamboo sticks, and defending oneself against a ninja platoon hanging from ropes. Training scenes are also plenty. Similarly to the first film, a large portion of the dialogue is in English.
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Godzooki
- King of Beggars
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HungFist wrote:
The Fighting King (Japan, 1994) – 3/5
The Japanese Karate Kid, only cooler, cuter, and a lot more violent. It was a V-Cinema production, but the talent behind and in front of camera is almost overwhelming. B-ninja movie legend Sho Kosugi directs, his son Kane Kosugi stars, and supporting roles are filled with names like Shinzo Hotta, Masashi Ishibashi, Yasuaki Kurata, and various martial arts champions from around the world. The screenplay is by veteran Isao Matsumoto, who scripted several Sonny Chiba films, pinky violence movies and 1960’s ninkyo yakuza films. Kosugi plays a young American man who goes to Japan to inspect his father’s death. It turns out the villains (led by Hotta) responsible are connected to a martial arts tournament (Ishibashi as referee) held in Okinawa. The film’s biggest flaw is the cinematography and fast editing, which do no justice to the action scenes. Kosugi’s fighting skills, however, are impressive. The soundtrack and training scenes are quite good as well, and Taeko Nishino is very cute. Approximately 1/3 of the film is spoken in English.
The Fighting King 2 (Japan, 1994) – 3,5/5
This sequel is actually the second half of the story. Kane Kosugi continues his fight against Japanese gangsters but without the Karate Kid influence. Instead the film is excessively brutal and lacks the cuteness element (Taeko Nishino) of the first film. The storyline may be next to non-existent, but the film’s got good pace and no dead moments. The fight scenes are highly entertaining although again weaked by editing and cinematography. Some of the fight scenarios include fighting in a cage full of deadly bamboo sticks, and defending oneself against a ninja platoon hanging from ropes. Training scenes are also plenty. Similarly to the first film, a large portion of the dialogue is in English.
Where can i get these? Are they subbed?
I remember seeing a clip from one that feat Simon Rhee aka Dae Han and would like to see the full films.
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HungFist
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Toei VHS. No subs of course (other than Japanese for English parts).Tigercage wrote:Where can i get these? Are they subbed?
I remember seeing a clip from one that feat Simon Rhee aka Dae Han and would like to see the full films.
http://www.amazon.co.jp/s/ref=nb_ss_gw? ... 3M&x=0&y=0
http://search.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/sear ... 6&auccat=0
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HungFist
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Sex Maid: Osoji no ato de (Japan, 1984) – 1/5
There’s no Akiba maids in this one. Bummer.
The Street Fighter (Japan, 1974) – 4/5
"You beat a man, they call you tough. You beat an army, they call you... The Street Fighter"
Stray Cat Rock: Female Boss (Japan, 1970) – 4/5
Very enjoyable girl gang biker film made as a star vehicle for singer Akiko Wada, although her songs are quite terrible. The rest of the soundtrack is great, including performances by bands such as The Mobbs. The supporting cast features Nikkatsu’s rising stars Tatsuya Fuji and Meiko Kaji. These two actors appear in all five films but always in different roles. Director Yasuharu Hasebe, who passed away in June 2009, started his career helming wild yakuza films and later became infamous for his violent pink films. His Stray Cat Rock movies mix yakuza film plots with a slight bit of psychedelia and a truckload of early 70’s pop culture. Bunjaku Han’s football sized sunglasses are just one example. There’s also a memorable motorcycle - Beach Buggy chase scene that takes our heroines Wada and Kaji and the manically laughing villain Fuji – and their vehicles – through the underground passages of the Shinjuku Station. Try getting a permission to shoot such scene today!!!
There’s no Akiba maids in this one. Bummer.
The Street Fighter (Japan, 1974) – 4/5
"You beat a man, they call you tough. You beat an army, they call you... The Street Fighter"
Stray Cat Rock: Female Boss (Japan, 1970) – 4/5
Very enjoyable girl gang biker film made as a star vehicle for singer Akiko Wada, although her songs are quite terrible. The rest of the soundtrack is great, including performances by bands such as The Mobbs. The supporting cast features Nikkatsu’s rising stars Tatsuya Fuji and Meiko Kaji. These two actors appear in all five films but always in different roles. Director Yasuharu Hasebe, who passed away in June 2009, started his career helming wild yakuza films and later became infamous for his violent pink films. His Stray Cat Rock movies mix yakuza film plots with a slight bit of psychedelia and a truckload of early 70’s pop culture. Bunjaku Han’s football sized sunglasses are just one example. There’s also a memorable motorcycle - Beach Buggy chase scene that takes our heroines Wada and Kaji and the manically laughing villain Fuji – and their vehicles – through the underground passages of the Shinjuku Station. Try getting a permission to shoot such scene today!!!
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grim_tales
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HungFist
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in the US trailergrim_tales wrote:Was that The Street Fighter tag line Hung?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=537MurkV2uU
That's one of the best trailers ever made. "You tell that bitch who sent you here how sorry I am I can no longer be her friend"... "The meanest guy in the world"... "He has a hard time making friends"...
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grim_tales
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I haven't seen that one. The R2 UK set just has the Japanese trailer (I think).-
HungFist
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Re: What asian film/series have you just seen.. marks out of 5
Sailor Suit and Machine Gun (Japan, 2006) (TV) – 2/5
- https://www.bulletsnbabesdvd.com/forums/ ... 8&start=19
Karate Warriors (Japan, 1976) – 3,5/5
One of the numerous Yojimbo modernizations, Karate Warriors (Kozure satsujin ken) also borrows elements – and its title – from Lone Wolf & Cub (Kozure ookami) and The Street Fighter (Satsujin ken). Shinichi Chiba plays a lone wolf that arrives a small town ruled by two rivalry gangs (led by Hideo Murota and Eiji Go) and tries to benefit from the situation. The twist is that one of the gangs has already hired a deadly warrior – a samurai (Isao Natsuyagi) with a kid. Karate Warriors is not director Kazuhiko Yamaguchi’s most solid effort. Logic, in terms of story, characters, and editing, is often nowhere to be found. However, as a trash action film Karate Warriors is very enjoyable. Chiba’s character is clearly influenced by Takuma Tsurugi of the Street Fighter movies. The way he treats kids and women is worth seeing. The fight scenes combine fists, roundhouse kicks and samurai swords, and often play the action highlights in slow motion, switching back to normal speed an inch before Chiba’s leg reaches its target.
The Killing Machine (Japan, 1975) – 4/5
Norifumi Suzuki started the third phase of his career (preceded by yakuza and pinky violence eras) with this strong karate movie. It was followed by numerous other entertaining action films and comedies, many of which had notable mainstream appeal. Taking place in the post WWII Japan, The Killing Machine stars Shinichi Chiba as the real life Shaolin Karate founder Doshin So, who struggles to make a living in the slums, but later opens his own dojo in Osaka. The storyline and realistic background are clearly above usual genre standards and offers a good set up for the action. There’s a rather large amount of drama included, and occasionally it gets very emotional. At the same time Suzuki’s preferance for strong violence is also visible. Almost every fight scene features dislocating limbs or even hacking them off. Supporting roles are filled with star actors such as Tetsuro Tamba, Makoto Sato, Yataka Nakajima, Etsuko Shihomi, and a familiar bunch of Toei villains (Rikiya Yasuoka, Asao Koike, Hideo Murota etc). The soundtrack is by Shunsuke Kikuchi (Female Prisoner Scorpion, Zero Woman: Red Handcuffs).
- https://www.bulletsnbabesdvd.com/forums/ ... 8&start=19
Karate Warriors (Japan, 1976) – 3,5/5
One of the numerous Yojimbo modernizations, Karate Warriors (Kozure satsujin ken) also borrows elements – and its title – from Lone Wolf & Cub (Kozure ookami) and The Street Fighter (Satsujin ken). Shinichi Chiba plays a lone wolf that arrives a small town ruled by two rivalry gangs (led by Hideo Murota and Eiji Go) and tries to benefit from the situation. The twist is that one of the gangs has already hired a deadly warrior – a samurai (Isao Natsuyagi) with a kid. Karate Warriors is not director Kazuhiko Yamaguchi’s most solid effort. Logic, in terms of story, characters, and editing, is often nowhere to be found. However, as a trash action film Karate Warriors is very enjoyable. Chiba’s character is clearly influenced by Takuma Tsurugi of the Street Fighter movies. The way he treats kids and women is worth seeing. The fight scenes combine fists, roundhouse kicks and samurai swords, and often play the action highlights in slow motion, switching back to normal speed an inch before Chiba’s leg reaches its target.
The Killing Machine (Japan, 1975) – 4/5
Norifumi Suzuki started the third phase of his career (preceded by yakuza and pinky violence eras) with this strong karate movie. It was followed by numerous other entertaining action films and comedies, many of which had notable mainstream appeal. Taking place in the post WWII Japan, The Killing Machine stars Shinichi Chiba as the real life Shaolin Karate founder Doshin So, who struggles to make a living in the slums, but later opens his own dojo in Osaka. The storyline and realistic background are clearly above usual genre standards and offers a good set up for the action. There’s a rather large amount of drama included, and occasionally it gets very emotional. At the same time Suzuki’s preferance for strong violence is also visible. Almost every fight scene features dislocating limbs or even hacking them off. Supporting roles are filled with star actors such as Tetsuro Tamba, Makoto Sato, Yataka Nakajima, Etsuko Shihomi, and a familiar bunch of Toei villains (Rikiya Yasuoka, Asao Koike, Hideo Murota etc). The soundtrack is by Shunsuke Kikuchi (Female Prisoner Scorpion, Zero Woman: Red Handcuffs).
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saltysam
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Re: What asian film/series have you just seen.. marks out of 5
The Manchu Boxer 2/5 average 70's GH kung fu potboiler takes some ideas from The Big Boss (Reluctant hero doesn't want to fight after promising his dad). no great shakes but it's always nice to see Sammo in an early role.
working class blu-ray fan
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brooce-leroy
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Re: What asian film/series have you just seen.. marks out of 5
The Shinjuku Incident 3/5
If it wasn't for Jackie Chan in "serious acting" mode, there wouldn't be much to differentiate Derek Yee's latest from many other HK triad movies. For this is a familiar tale that has been explored before in countless films, and arguably in a superior fashion than this one. There is nothing new about the corruption of power, and how once you enter into that circle, trying to go straight is nigh on impossible. It's just that this is about Chinese immigrants trying to make it in Japan.
Jackie does a half decent job, and does his best to reign in his usual, shall we say "over-emoting" in dramatic scenes from his previous films. The only problem is every time he charges off to confront the Yakuza, I keep expecting him to take on about 12 goons single-handedly. I'm not used to this floundering about with a pole/sword/gun!
I must say that I loved all the familiar faces that make an appearance in Shinjuku Incident. Its keeps HK cinema alive when you can see the likes of Chin Kar Lok, Yusuaki Kurata, Paul Chun, Lam Suet and Ken Lo all in the same movie. Jonnie To is also doing something similar by nearly always using good character actors such as Eddie Cheung (I'm a big fan of his) and Gordon Lam. I hope they continue to put together these great ensemble casts in their future movies.
If it wasn't for Jackie Chan in "serious acting" mode, there wouldn't be much to differentiate Derek Yee's latest from many other HK triad movies. For this is a familiar tale that has been explored before in countless films, and arguably in a superior fashion than this one. There is nothing new about the corruption of power, and how once you enter into that circle, trying to go straight is nigh on impossible. It's just that this is about Chinese immigrants trying to make it in Japan.
Jackie does a half decent job, and does his best to reign in his usual, shall we say "over-emoting" in dramatic scenes from his previous films. The only problem is every time he charges off to confront the Yakuza, I keep expecting him to take on about 12 goons single-handedly. I'm not used to this floundering about with a pole/sword/gun!
I must say that I loved all the familiar faces that make an appearance in Shinjuku Incident. Its keeps HK cinema alive when you can see the likes of Chin Kar Lok, Yusuaki Kurata, Paul Chun, Lam Suet and Ken Lo all in the same movie. Jonnie To is also doing something similar by nearly always using good character actors such as Eddie Cheung (I'm a big fan of his) and Gordon Lam. I hope they continue to put together these great ensemble casts in their future movies.
Last edited by brooce-leroy on 29 Jul 2009, 15:08, edited 1 time in total.
"We do not train to be merciful. Mercy is for the weak. A man confronts you, he is the enemy. The enemy deserves no mercy."
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Markgway
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Re: What asian film/series have you just seen.. marks out of 5
Just finished watching SHINJUKU INCIDENT...
Found it overall a disappointment. First two thirds were good, if not brilliant. But Yee loses it in the final third, which looks to have been written and directed by different filmmakers. Chan is fine, but won't win any awards. Daniel Wu is one of those rare actors who can be rather good and atrocious in the same movie. Some graphic violence, but lacking in visceral punch.
Found it overall a disappointment. First two thirds were good, if not brilliant. But Yee loses it in the final third, which looks to have been written and directed by different filmmakers. Chan is fine, but won't win any awards. Daniel Wu is one of those rare actors who can be rather good and atrocious in the same movie. Some graphic violence, but lacking in visceral punch.
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HungFist
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Re: What asian film/series have you just seen.. marks out of 5
Black Magic 2 (Hog Kong, 1976) – 3/5
Superior sequel that, however, can’t quite live up to its brilliant opening scene. Once the crocodiles have eaten the topless native girl, the film slows down conciderably. The storyline follows four doctors who try to prove black magic doesn’t exists. They suffer the consiquences of their ignorance, of course. Lo Lieh returns as the love doctor who now has a considerable zombie collection (black magic model, not flesh eaters) in his cellar. Black Magic 2 is more entertaining than the original film, but not as gory as the 1980’s Shaw Bros. horror films. It’s also a bit distracting that both female leads (Tien Ni and the lovely Lily Li) use body doubles.
Stray Cat Rock: Wild Jumbo (Japan, 1970) – 3,5/5
The five film Stray Cat Rock series was completed within 6 months. This was made possible by using two directors, Yasuharu Hasebe and Toshiya Fujita, who were both working at the same time. The cast and crew was basically running between the sets. What makes this all the more interesting is that Fujita and Hasebe were making very different kind of films. The original movie, directed by Hasebe, was a girl gang film gone disco mode. Fujita’s follow up Wild Jumbo is an enjoyable youth film with minor crime movie elements introduced during the second half. Three important actors from the first movie return; Meiko Kaji, Tatsuya Fuji, and Bunjaku Han. They are all equal characters, although Kaji’s jeans and white bikini top combination tends to be a scene stealer. Fuji plays his role in similar fashion as in the first film – including the mad laughter – but he’s now a good guy instead of a villain. Akiko Wada is gone, thankfully, apart from some stock footage and songs from Girl Boss which are clearly the film's weakest point. Most of the movie consists of 6 friends – or gang members to be exact although they are hardly involved in any kind of criminal activity – slacking around and riding a green jeep. Finally one of the members (Takeo Chii) comes up with a shortcut to richness.
Superior sequel that, however, can’t quite live up to its brilliant opening scene. Once the crocodiles have eaten the topless native girl, the film slows down conciderably. The storyline follows four doctors who try to prove black magic doesn’t exists. They suffer the consiquences of their ignorance, of course. Lo Lieh returns as the love doctor who now has a considerable zombie collection (black magic model, not flesh eaters) in his cellar. Black Magic 2 is more entertaining than the original film, but not as gory as the 1980’s Shaw Bros. horror films. It’s also a bit distracting that both female leads (Tien Ni and the lovely Lily Li) use body doubles.
Stray Cat Rock: Wild Jumbo (Japan, 1970) – 3,5/5
The five film Stray Cat Rock series was completed within 6 months. This was made possible by using two directors, Yasuharu Hasebe and Toshiya Fujita, who were both working at the same time. The cast and crew was basically running between the sets. What makes this all the more interesting is that Fujita and Hasebe were making very different kind of films. The original movie, directed by Hasebe, was a girl gang film gone disco mode. Fujita’s follow up Wild Jumbo is an enjoyable youth film with minor crime movie elements introduced during the second half. Three important actors from the first movie return; Meiko Kaji, Tatsuya Fuji, and Bunjaku Han. They are all equal characters, although Kaji’s jeans and white bikini top combination tends to be a scene stealer. Fuji plays his role in similar fashion as in the first film – including the mad laughter – but he’s now a good guy instead of a villain. Akiko Wada is gone, thankfully, apart from some stock footage and songs from Girl Boss which are clearly the film's weakest point. Most of the movie consists of 6 friends – or gang members to be exact although they are hardly involved in any kind of criminal activity – slacking around and riding a green jeep. Finally one of the members (Takeo Chii) comes up with a shortcut to richness.
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HungFist
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Re: What asian film/series have you just seen.. marks out of 5
Stray Cat Rock: Sex Hunter (Japan, 1970) – 4/5
Girl gang swing is back – to some extent at least – in the third Stray Cat Rock film which is considered the best in the series by many. After Toshiya Fujita’s youth oriented Wild Jumbo Yasuharu Hasebe returns the series closer to its origins. The title – Sex Hunter – is of course a marketing gimmic by the Nikkatsu Studios – there are no sex hunters in the film. Instead the storyline is about half-breed Japanese man (Rikiya Yasuoka before he gained weight) caught up between a violent racist gang (Tatsuya Fuji back in a villain role) and a group of tough girls (led by Meiko Kaji). It was quite rare to have such strong and critical racism theme in a Japanese mainstream film in the early 70’s. Furthermore, a large portion of the music heard in Sex Hunter is performed by the girl band Golden Half, which consisted of five members who all had American father and Japanese mother. The music and club scenes create good contrast for the heavier content. For Meiko Kaji Sex Hunter was the first Stray Cat Rock movie in which she played the central character. Kaji’s performance is not among her best, but the character is surprisingly unsympathetic, making it more interesting, or at least original, than many other sukeban heroines. Bunjaku Han, who appears in all other films in the series, is sadly absent from the cast.
Joi niku dorei (Japan, 1984) – 1/5
A doctor’s marriage in danger when a jealous nurse sends him a sex tape featuring a woman that appears to be his wife. Yet another garbage filler by Nikkatsu’s talent-free star director Katsuhiko Fujii. Cinematographer Maru Mori's camera captures 2 stylish images, serving as the film's highlights.
Zebraman (Japan, 2004) – 2,5/5
Zebraman is an exceptionally unexceptional superhero. He wasn’t bitten by a zebra, nor did zebras eath his parents, he simply saw a (fictional) 1978 tokusatsu show Zebraman. 32 years later he makes a superhero costume for himself and receives superpowers for no reason. Being a Takashi Miike film the weirdness hardly comes as a surprise. But Miike does’t quite hit the target. He attempts to make a loving genre parody and a genre film at the same time. The family friendliness becomes a burden and causes the humour to lose some of it’s edge. At 117 minutes the film is also clearly too long. But still, there’s a lot of positive, too. The first half of the film is entertaining, and Miike’s regular star Sho Aikawa is great as a beaten up crime fighter. The ending also features some memorable, cgi enhanced moments of insanity. Miike later returned to the family fantasy genre with a far more successful film, The Great Yokai War (2005).
Girl gang swing is back – to some extent at least – in the third Stray Cat Rock film which is considered the best in the series by many. After Toshiya Fujita’s youth oriented Wild Jumbo Yasuharu Hasebe returns the series closer to its origins. The title – Sex Hunter – is of course a marketing gimmic by the Nikkatsu Studios – there are no sex hunters in the film. Instead the storyline is about half-breed Japanese man (Rikiya Yasuoka before he gained weight) caught up between a violent racist gang (Tatsuya Fuji back in a villain role) and a group of tough girls (led by Meiko Kaji). It was quite rare to have such strong and critical racism theme in a Japanese mainstream film in the early 70’s. Furthermore, a large portion of the music heard in Sex Hunter is performed by the girl band Golden Half, which consisted of five members who all had American father and Japanese mother. The music and club scenes create good contrast for the heavier content. For Meiko Kaji Sex Hunter was the first Stray Cat Rock movie in which she played the central character. Kaji’s performance is not among her best, but the character is surprisingly unsympathetic, making it more interesting, or at least original, than many other sukeban heroines. Bunjaku Han, who appears in all other films in the series, is sadly absent from the cast.
Joi niku dorei (Japan, 1984) – 1/5
A doctor’s marriage in danger when a jealous nurse sends him a sex tape featuring a woman that appears to be his wife. Yet another garbage filler by Nikkatsu’s talent-free star director Katsuhiko Fujii. Cinematographer Maru Mori's camera captures 2 stylish images, serving as the film's highlights.
Zebraman (Japan, 2004) – 2,5/5
Zebraman is an exceptionally unexceptional superhero. He wasn’t bitten by a zebra, nor did zebras eath his parents, he simply saw a (fictional) 1978 tokusatsu show Zebraman. 32 years later he makes a superhero costume for himself and receives superpowers for no reason. Being a Takashi Miike film the weirdness hardly comes as a surprise. But Miike does’t quite hit the target. He attempts to make a loving genre parody and a genre film at the same time. The family friendliness becomes a burden and causes the humour to lose some of it’s edge. At 117 minutes the film is also clearly too long. But still, there’s a lot of positive, too. The first half of the film is entertaining, and Miike’s regular star Sho Aikawa is great as a beaten up crime fighter. The ending also features some memorable, cgi enhanced moments of insanity. Miike later returned to the family fantasy genre with a far more successful film, The Great Yokai War (2005).
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bradavon
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Re: What asian film/series have you just seen.. marks out of 5
You do eat, sleep, shower and shit right Hung?
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HungFist
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Re: What asian film/series have you just seen.. marks out of 5
Yep. 6 films in 8 days leaves you just about enough time to do all that.
I did give a thought to giving up on eating but then I don't want to end up like that guy who died just when he had learned how to survive without eating.
I did give a thought to giving up on eating but then I don't want to end up like that guy who died just when he had learned how to survive without eating.
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Markgway
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Re: What asian film/series have you just seen.. marks out of 5
Yeah, but he does tham all at the same time.bradavon wrote:You do eat, sleep, shower and shit right Hung?
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bradavon
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Re: What asian film/series have you just seen.. marks out of 5
Probably 
.
Survive without eating, WTF!
.Survive without eating, WTF!
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Markgway
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Re: What asian film/series have you just seen.. marks out of 5
You can go for upto a month without eating... but your system will be fucked if you live that long. Over a week without water and they'll be burying you in a pine box.