What asian film/series have you just seen.. marks out of 5

[Shingster]

Who cares what film they ripped off when they're depicting westerners as drooling, roaring, bloodlusting racists? You've got to laugh at these HK films that xenophobically characterise whole racial groups in the worse possible manner just to make the Chinese audience feel good about themselves and THEN have the audacity to preach about tolerance, dignity and respect for all cultures at the end!

Any respect I had left for Wilson Yip as a filmmaker because of Juliet in Love died watching Ip Man 2. The man is now a whore to the worst kind of mainstream sensibilities. The best thing he's done in the last 11yrs is get into bed with Sammo and Donnie, they've been carrying his films for 6yrs now.

[luckystars]

Not every car chase is a 'Bullet rip off'

of course,you are right,Rocky 4 never entered the fiilmmaker's head in any way shape or form during the making of this.

I don't see the problem. Aren't all boxing movies more-or-less done this way?

Also we saw the same scenario in Fearless, but people managed to judge that as a fine film in it's own right..

[saltysam]

Not every car chase is a 'Bullet rip off'

of course,you are right,Rocky 4 never entered the fiilmmaker's head in any way shape or form during the making of this.

I don't see the problem. Aren't all boxing movies more-or-less done this way?

Also we saw the same scenario in Fearless, but people managed to judge that as a fine film in it's own right..

i didn't say it was a problem did i? i said it ripped off Rocky 4,which it did.And Fearless is ten times the film Ip Man 2 is

[luckystars]

So you didn't enjoy Ip Man 2?

[saltysam]

So you didn't enjoy Ip Man 2?

it was ok,nothing special,i preferred the first one.

[Beat TG]

Flash Point is standard cop movie but one where the story begs you to question the morality of cops in duty. It has great prodiction values but ended up just decently albeit with a nice overall message. But I believe the movie would've been ten times the better movie had they gone for the original storyline (about undercover cops infiltrating and exposing a criminal organization's activities in Macau's underground fighting arena).

I guess everyone's entitled to their opinions but I gotta side with those who loved SPL. It's quite contrived but it's done to the point of bringing something fresh to the cop/criminal/action genre if you ask me. Plus it started a small trend of similar movies which pretty much tells SPL's huge influence on them as far as combining action with intricately strong story and acting elements. There hasn't been successful attempts yet since then though.

As far Ip Man 2, it's not as well crafted as the original and it pretty much delivers the same premise and script but with Brits as villains and MORE Chinese nationalism in hand. But I think that doesn't stop Ip Man 2 from being a great sequel to one of the best martial arts movies of the 2000s. In some aspects, I find this better than the first movie. Donnie shows more acting range here and the action is shot and choreographed the way Sammo greatly shoots action which I show more appreciation of. The original has great action but the style and feel makes me not go back to all fight scenes because they are very different from one another: camerawork, editing, execution, sound etc. Sammo must've given more reign to Leung Siu-Hung and Donnie doing the action which explains the differing qualities in the fight scenes. Plus you have Sammo in a supporting role as a complex and honorable kung fu master who helps lifting the story to new heights thanks to his acting and charisma.

[bradavon]

You've got to laugh at these HK films that xenophobically characterise whole racial groups in the worse possible manner just to make the Chinese audience feel good about themselves and THEN have the audacity to preach about tolerance, dignity and respect for all cultures at the end!

True .

[Markgway]

I Corrupt All Cops *½

I don't normally bother remarking on the Hong Kong films I watch but I heard this received good reviews... I thought it was generally poor. Anyone else...?

[Markgway]

Vengeance is Mine (Japan, 1979) – 4/5
Considered by many as the greatest serial killer movie ever made,

But not by me...

I can't decide on a star rating as I just don't know what to make of it. Obviously the film is overlong and has serious pacing issues, but I could still appreciate that there was a certain sober quality and unsensationalist intergrity about the piece. The fractured narrative made it difficult to follow or become involved in the story - did we really need to spend so much time jumping backward and forward? - and the characters are in one way or another mostly repellent. Ken Ogata did a good job in his acting (actually most of the acting was very good) but it took an age before we even begin to understand who he is or what he's doing? And in the end the film offers no thoughts or conclusions. Objectivity can be take too far if it alienates the viewer. When it was over I felt deeply unmoved. That said... critical as I'm being I wouldn't discourage someone from watching because there's a good chance they'll click with it more than I did.

[HungFist]

I think the scene between Ken Ogata and Rentaro Mikuni (father and son) near the end is downright amazing. I do however think there were a bit too many flashback explanation scenes in the film...

I've only see the film on TV. Should get it on BD some day. For better image, and for better look at Mitsuko Baishô...

[Markgway]

I think the scene between Ken Ogata and Rentaro Mikuni (father and son) near the end is downright amazing.

Is that when the dad goes to visit Ogata in jail? Yeah, good scene. Seemed to me to be a film of good/very good scenes shoehorned into an awkward, frustrating narrative. I just couldn't get 'into it'.

I do however think there were a bit too many flashback explanation scenes in the film...

It jumps all over the place. Sure to please the arthouse crowd, but an annoyance for mainstream viewers.

I've only see the film on TV. Should get it on BD some day. For better image, and for better look at Mitsuko Baishô...

If that's the girl who plays Ogata's wife she's fucking gorgeous.

[HungFist]

I think the scene between Ken Ogata and Rentaro Mikuni (father and son) near the end is downright amazing.

Is that when the dad goes to visit Ogata in jail?

Yes. I was trying to express that without spoilers, but now I remember he was actually arrested in the opening scene

Mitsuko Baishô...

If that's the girl who plays Ogata's wife she's fucking gorgeous.

yes, her. Aside being gorgeous, she's actually an amazing actress. Sadly not well known outside Japan. She was in a lot of Shohei Imamura movies, as well as in some by other top directors like Akira Kurosawa, Shinji Somai, and Hideo Gosha (the last two directors were criminally ignored outside Japan).

You've ween watching a lot of Japanese movies lately

[Markgway]

Yes. I was trying to express that without spoilers, but now I remember he was actually arrested in the opening scene

My point exactly!

yes, her. Aside being gorgeous, she's actually an amazing actress.

I can't blame the randy old Dad for wanting to grab her breasts.

You've ween watching a lot of Japanese movies lately

It was on Sky Arts HD. I try to catch Asian movies when they're on TV.

[gasteropod]

I thought Vengeance Is Mine was fantastic

[HungFist]

The Machine Girl (Japan, 2008) – 2.5/5
Funny man Noboru Iguchi was hired to deliver a tailor made film for the Americans, and came to start a trend, despite The Machine Girl being one of the weaker films in the genre. Nishimura’s special effects aside tech credits suck balls in the wrong way, but there’s enough fun ideas to keep the mix passable. Cast stands out, including the always embarrassingly bad but ridiculously cute Noriko Kiijima, and AV star gone cult actress Asami, for once limiting her over-acting routines a bit.

NN891102 (Japan, 1999) – 2.5/5
Nagasaki survivor becomes obsessed with atom bomb and wants to turn himself into a part of a bomb. Go Shibata’s debut film is an interesting but relatively quiet period punk tale. The story builds more on character psychology than on audio-visual elements. The film’s small budget shows, but dirty and harsh image fits the content

Kyojima 3rd St., Sumida City (Japan, 2010) – 4.5/5
First things first, Kyojima 3rd St., Sumida City is the best film of 2010. Here director Kota Yoshida delivers a simple 30 minute story, made of four scenes, of a high school girl in Tokyo’s Sumida City district. She tries shoplifting a cosmetics product, but is caught. The film not original in terms of structure or storyline, but relies on non-dramatic screenwriting, and perfect casting, and brilliant cinematography. The elegant long takes both indoors and on the cozy small streets are supported by a sparsely used but excellent soundtrack by Arakajime kimerareta koibitotachi e. Kyojima 3rd St., Sumida City is a wonderful example of the treasures found in the Japanese indie film scene, and unfortunately, rarely see the light of day on DVD even in their native country.


- In more detail: http://sketchesofcinema.wordpress.com/2 ... mida-city/

[luckystars]

Currently watching Mulan...although it's only halfway through, I can say with confidence it's not as good as Silver Hawk

[HungFist]

Confessions (Japan, 2010) – 3/5
Nakashima's revenge tale turned living photograph reviewed in its own thread:
- https://www.bulletsnbabesdvd.com/forums/ ... =19&t=5925

Coming Future (Japan, 2010) – 3.5/5
Director Kyuya Nakagawa’s look into the state of Japanese independent cinema, and modern day Tokyo. Ignoring traditional documentary narrative Nakagawa doesn’t go exploring dying cinemas, but instead invites his filmmaker pals - Tetsuaki Matsue, Koji Shiraishi, Satoko Yokohama, Nobuhiro Yamashita, etc. – for a walk. It’s Christmas Eve, with Japan’s most interesting young filmmakers discussing their profession freestyle on the streets of neon filled Shibuya. The outcome is interesting and manages to surprise the viewer on a few occasions. Nakagawa runs into pole dancer Cay Izumi (Sushi Typhoon regular) running guerilla show on the streets, and departs from his main topic a few times. This is the strength of independent cinema: not being bound by commercial rules. It’s a tough business, though. No one ever got laid by making independent cinema, Nakagawa complained! Good luck to Mr. Nakagawa for finding a girlfriend!
- in more detail: https://www.bulletsnbabesdvd.com/forums/ ... 6&start=94

Late Bloomer (Japan, 2004) – 3.5/5
Punk director Go Shibata’s second feature film was 5 years in the production and came out as a small phenomenom. The film follows lonely CP disabled man who eventually turns into a serial killer. Strikingly shot in black & while, with amazing soundtrack by World’s End Girlfriend, it’s completely a unique film, like a melancholic Tetsuo meets Taxi Driver. It’s not an easy work by any means, but it’s quaranteed to burn into the viewer’s mind. The lead role is played by the severely handicapped actor Masakyo Sumida. Director Shibata stated it was only after 6 months of shooting (of the total 18) when the film started finding its true form as mutual trust between Sumida and Shibata grew. The outcome is something unusual on the topic: brave, but neither exploitative nor cheaply dramatic. The film’s final shots are amazing.


- beautiful trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=feP-jSwM-40

EDIT: actually, that trailer's gotta be one of the greatest ever made

[gasteropod]

Iodo: 3.5/5

[HungFist]

Clearing the shelves. Watched 4 movies last night, and would have managed even a 5th one had I not fell asleep for an hour during Godzilla vs. Gigan (hence spending 2½ hours on a 1½ hour movie )

The Shadow Boxer (Hong Kong, 1974) – 2/5
Kung fu movies would be easy to accuse on excessive violence. The Shadow Boxer tries something different – the main character refrains from violence as long as he possibly can. Original it may be, but a bad call from filmmakers who are unable to create better than barely average characters. The audience is kept waiting forever for the payoff – the violent kung fu showdown. One pair or bare breasts and one good villain are served on the way. Extra interested is added by the Tai Chi theme, and behind the scenes stories (the leading man Chen Wo Fu, who was a real Tai Chi master, commited suicide before the film even opened. A wild rumor has it, however, that the real reason of death was internal wounds from challenging and losing to some stuntment at the film sets!).

Godzilla vs. Gigan (Japan, 1972) – 1.5/5
Following the terrible 1971 Gojira adventure Godzilla vs. Hedorah the green beast turned children’s hero heads towards another series lowdown. It’s 50 minutes of silly yet unentertaining spy story followed by a 30 minute monster showdown without anything that hasn’t been seen and done far better in the series countless times before. As in Hedorah, strong environmental message has been attached for kids.

Reincarnation (Japan, 2005) – 1.5/5
Takashi Shimizu continues in the vein of his terrible Ju-on movies, although with slightly more success. This time the silly ghosts are haunting filmmakers trying to reimagine a famous hotel murder case. As usual with Shimizu’s films, characterization is seriously lacking and he relies heavily on the audience being afraid of the supernatural. It may work for some, but for others constant images of ghosts and creepy kids only work against the film’s psychological aspects. The puzzling thing is, how did Shimizu manage to direct a genuinely good and original film (the beautifully shot Marebito, which build a psychological story from physical ingredients) just one year before?

[Markgway]

Love Exposure *½

Original. Unique. Bollocks.

[HungFist]

gotta be a joke...

[Markgway]

gotta be a joke...

My comments? Nope. I'm serious.

I'll admit that for about an hour I was willing to submit to the extremely offbeat perv humour, even though I didn't "get it" (or the bizarrely unappealing characters), but by the time the heavy-handed religious cult stuff became dominant I was worn out and really not enjoying myself... and there was over 2 hours to go. 'Yoko' may be physically cute, but her personality has all the appeal of a black widow sinking its fangs into your neck. Endless scenes of "Hentai" "Hentai" and pretentious babble about being true to yourself numbed me to the core. I couldn't possibly sit thru this again. Ever.

I know the Japanese are as mad as a bag of spiders, but how did this play in Japan?

[HungFist]

I know the Japanese are as mad as a bag of spiders, but how did this play in Japan?

The critics hated it, but they hate all Sono films. His movies are too honest, so they consider him a national disgrace. The audience usually agrees. Love Exposure was an exception. It was the biggest indie hit to ever hit Tokyo cinemas.

The only Sono film the Japanese critics liked was Be Sure to Share. That's the film Sono himself disliked

just as btw, while I was in Japan a guy from our school was arrested for tosatsu (upskirt photography). There were no victims in the uni, though. He had only been photographing the high school girls from next door.

Then later, I was having lunch with a few female friends and they mentioned (to each other, not directly to me) that someone from our school had been arrested for tosatsu. I spit my rice on the table And they were like... how do you know what tosatsu means??!!

[Markgway]

The critics hated it, but they hate all Sono films. His movies are too honest, so they consider him a national disgrace.

Honest? You mean people like these characters actually exist?

Panty-snappers, Jesus freaks, pornographers, shoplifters, men-hating lesbian feminists... I can't imagine why anyone wouldn't love this sweet-natured romcom?

Love Exposure was an exception. It was the biggest indie hit to ever hit Tokyo cinemas.

Ah, but because a million people see a movie, does not mean a millon people liked said movie.

just as btw, while I was in Japan a guy from our school was arrested for tosatsu (upskirt photography). There were no victims in the uni, though. He had only been photographing the high school girls from next door.

Be honest. It was you, wasn't it?

Fair play if you thought LE was great, but it really did nothing for me. You can't say I didn't try.

[HungFist]

Panty-snappers, Jesus freaks, pornographers, shoplifters, men-hating lesbian feminists... I can't imagine why anyone wouldn't love this sweet-natured romcom?

Actually, I'd go as far to call it my favorite love story of all time. It's amazingly entertaining with brilliant soundtrack, totally unpredictable 370 page screenplay, hilariously imaginative tosatsu techniques, movie references (Female Prisoner Scorpion), girl gangs, lesbianism, and even martial arts and Yoshihiro Nishimura gore effects. But first and foremost it's a winsome love story full of energy and youth (“a film to make you feel young again” said one critic). And beneath all this overwhelming energy there’s a surprising amount if wonderful little scenes, like those with Yoko’s little sister, Koike entering the church, Yoko bringing Koike home for the first time, etc.

Ah, but because a million people see a movie, does not mean a millon people liked said movie.

Well, my understanding was that it was pretty damn liked. What you mentioned can happen easier with mainstream films, but not so easily with indie films that play in small theaters and still get sold out week after week. I caught more than one person in out school whistling the songs from the film. None of them ever expected me to recognize it (the Japanese people really thing that foreigners are clueless of their smut )

Be honest. It was you, wasn't it?

Hey, it wasn't me, swear to God

My friend did snap a few photos of those high school girls, though. But that was no tosatsu. The skirts they were wearing were so short you could take a mugshot and you'd still see their panties.

And I'm talking about the official school uniform. That they were wearing in winter. While it was snowing heavily

Fair play if you thought LE was great, but it really did nothing for me. You can't say I didn't try.

Appreciate the try. It's not your fault you don't like great movies

I will answer one more question in my next post, but that will take a bit time...