Lourdes wrote:"Terrible amount of grain" - grain is fantastic and one should never complain about it. If you can see the film grain then you know some idiot hasn't applied horrible filters like they do with so many Western films. And you can't beat that film feel.
Have you seen any Ozu films or just read about them? Because yes he does do this and Kitano does it even better. Always the fixed camera at an angle or position that forced you to focus on what is happening onscreen or even better, off-screen. When you do get a close-up it's too close and something else is happening beyond this image. Wonderful technique executed somewhat ponderously here where a more observational "fly on the wall" (as you say) style is used. Voyeuristic really and in that sense it does add impact to the title theme which I noticed you didn't cover that much. This film is an assault upon a complacent society, everybody knew. That is the driving message and the style emphasises this brilliantly. You're watching them, you know.
I thought the film was average at best, ponderous, un-engaging and not the least bit depressing because of the pace, and because we all know what the end result is. Koreeda made a pretty film, it's solid and a quality piece but for me it lacked any real impact. It affected me subtlety but not enough. I felt the same way about "Grave of the Fireflies," I had to try hard to feel anything and it's not like I'm not the sort of person to show emotion, on the contrary! As a film it's good, but for me the social message was lost amid anger at the stupidity and selfishness of Akira and the overlong pretty scenes with sunlight. Though I must say I thought the scenes with Hanae Kan (Saki) and that side story were brilliant and I'd have liked more development there. And Susumu Terajima rules, always.
I still need to pick up the Korean Koreeda set, wonder if "Nobody Knows" is a port or not, looks like it. Few minor issues but I like the Japanese disc.
You trying to quote me? If so then please get it right (if not then I appologise). I said "tremendous amount of grain" not "Terrible amount of grain" - there is a difference. I also clearly stated that I didn't find it distracting, solely because the power of the performances were vastly superior. However grain does reduce the picture's clarity, therefore as a reviewer, I have to mention this and grade the video accordingly.
In other words: I am perfectly happy with Koreeda's choice of camera and Japanese DVD video transfer. However in the interest of fairness, I did award the video grade with a mark I felt was appropriate.
I have seen one Ozu title (Tokyo Story), although it was a long time ago. I attented a talk from a Japanese cinema expert who disussed Yasujiro Ozu's works. That's where I obtained the information for my review. Is that satisfactory for you? I'm not a dedicated Kitano fan - sure I love the guy's works but I have only seen a handful of his films. If I had seen more of his films (which I am trying to do, I'm always looking out for past Kitano flicks) then I'm sure I would be able to make a comment.
I mentioned the voyeristic aspect of the film enough times to emphasise the point. Maybe you would've dwelled on it but I wanted to focus on other areas of the film.
It's inevitable that not everyone will find Nobody Knows to be that great. You found the film average at best and I respect that, as it's your opinion. As I said many times, I think it's one of my favourite films out of Japan - certainly my favourite title in 2004. I guess the film just struck a chord with me. I watched it with three of my Japanese friends (and a Scots guy) at the cinema and they all thought the same thing, more or less.
Lastly, I'm sorry if I'm over-reacting, but it seems like you're having a dig at me. I welcome constructive critisism - I try and improve on my faults so that I can write better reviews. However, some of your comments seemed quite dirogitary and nothing to do with the review....
However, if you meant no harm then I appologise, I'm an idiot - and hey, I hope we can continue to discuss films. I love Japanese cinema but I'm only a newbie - there is so much I'd love to see and I'd welcome any recommendations (past/present/future) from yourself.
Hell, just keep watching Kurosawa until you remember that solid pieces of cinema with plenty of impact rule. Although personally I still go halves with that and contemplative nonsense or drama tripe. Got to have my fill of art and cheap pleasures.