HOUSE OF CINEMA 映画館の家

After watching it for the fourth time, it still gives me the same
    emotional charge it did the first time i watched it. FLY ME TO POLARIS
    is a monumental achievement by HONG KONG CINEMA. It is an
    understated not to mention underrated triumph, that everyone has to see to understand.
    Everything in it including the characters are simple, and beautiful.
    The love one feels and develops for the main characters are so...
    organically real! that, one feels devastation and utter suffocation when
    a tragedy befalls the main characters. In this case it is Onion,
    (brilliantly played by Richie Jen / SUMMER HOLIDAY) and Autumn,
    (played by Cecilia Cheung / WU YEN who gives one of the best performances of her
    entire movie career!) Onion was a blind and mute who was staying
    at a home whom Autumn is caring for. As they spend more time together
    each day, although they didn't know it. They were starting to feel
    and develop more emotions towards one another. They were very happy and
    pretty much content with their lives, until a tragedy strikes all of
    sudden. Onion dies in a auto accident, and as his 'soul' was being transported
    to "Polaris" or "Heaven" one of the angels tells him that he's become
    the 60th billion spirit to be flown to Polaris. For that, he gets
    to make a choice. Either he goes straight to Polaris, or go back
    to his former life. However if he so chooses to go back, he will not
    be recognized by his loved ones, and most importantly he cannot tell
    anyone who he is. The angel tells him, "Even if you wanted to you can't!"
    And above all, his stay is limited to only five days. After that, he goes
    straight to Polaris. what happens next you will just have to see for yourself.
        A very fun, bittersweet movie to watch. I can't find anything negative to say about
        this flick. All I know is that, Cecilia Cheung gives one of her best performances
        of her career in this movie. That is until LOST IN TIME was released. That movie
        is when she hit the apex of her acting career. Either way, you will have to see
        FLY ME TO POLARIS. It's a ride you won't regret, and won't soon forget!

CHOCOLATE

2008-09-14T21:37:00.001-07:00

Country: Thailand

Release Year: 2008

Genre: Old School Style Martial Arts Action

Language Format: Thai

Running Time: 110 Minutes

Cast

JeeJa Yanin	...	Zen
Ammara Siripong	...	Zin
Hiroshi Abe	...	Masashi
Pongpat Wachirabunjong	...	No. 8

Dechawut Chuntakaro	...	Priscilla
Anusuk Jangajit	...	Candy shop owner
Kittitat Kowahagul	...	Epileptic boxer
Taphon Phopwandee	...	Mangmoom
Pirom Ruangkitjakan	...	Petch
Hirokazu Sano	...	Ryo
Thanyathon Seekhiaw	...	Fur
Nattakit Teachachevapong	...	Pork man
Yanin Vismitananda	...	Zen
Aroon Wanatsabadeewong	...	Ice factory owner

Just finished this minute and I felt I had to write this ditty on my thoughts on CHOCOLATE. Here it is:

Simply amazing!

It once again gave me the feeling the first time I watched FIST OF LEGEND, ONG BAK, BANLIEUE 13, and all those great instant classic martial arts flicks! Anybody I mean everybody will love CHOCOLATE. Period.

Jeeja Yanin is a breath of fresh air. A wonder to behold. Poetry in motion. I can't wait for her next action flick.

Directed by Prachya Pinkaew responsible for Tony Jaa's Ultra Fantastic ONG BAK, & TOM YUM GOONG films respectively. CHOCOLATE sets the standard on the higher level this time with Jeeja Yanin on the wheel and she does not disappoint.

LIke Tony Jaa's instant classic masterpieces mentioned a paragraph ago, so is CHOCOLATE. It's one of those flicks you just have to see, and experience for yourself. Especially with a female lead/martial artist at the helm.

It has every single element that an awesome marital arts action should have:

1. A simple storyline that is easy to follow.

2. Great acting. The cast in this movie had excellent chemistry. You can tell that they had fun making this film.

3. Breathtaking action. Jaw dropping stunts. As little CGI as possible if any at all. The same goes for wire-works.

4.A director that knows where to place the camera at time during the action.

5. As serious as the plot for this movie is since it deals with Autism. It manages to put some perfectly placed humor as intense the action is in this movie, it doesn't take itself too seriously.

Speaking of action and stunts its the type of stunts that while watching, it will make you cringe at some of the torture the stuntmen endure. I mean it's just full on martial arts mayhem, if you've seen a Tony Jaa flick you know what I'm talking about.

It's been a while since I've said this but this one is for the record books folks, do yourself a favor and do not miss this one!

The story itself is very intriguing. (Zin) a woman whose a member of a Thai mafia falls in love with a Japanese Yakuza (Jin) but of course this offends both parties so their separation is inevitable but not before they have a daughter named Zen.

Another good thing to point out is that besides her awesome display of muay thai moves, she also demonstrates her skills using different types of weaponry. Just like way the Tony Jaa demonstrated his multi weapon skills in ONG BAK so does Jeeja Yanin in CHOCOLATE.

Her martial arts moves are so fluid, and natural it is poetry in motion. She is indeed a breath of fresh air. Absolutely phenomenal beyond belief!

The female action star leads are in short decline as we speak and seeing someone like Jeeja Yanin breath new life in the action genre is without a doubt a very welcome experience.

You have to see CHOCOLATE for yourselves! Jaw dropping stunts, awesome storyline, highly recommended! AAA+++ and 2 thumbs waaaaay the **ck up!!!

CHOCOLATE is a martial arts action fans dream come true, and stamping it with Thailand's muay thai action seal of approval!

A cinematic gem!

INVISIBLE TARGET

2007-10-01T23:16:00.000-07:00

Alternate Chinese Title: Nan er ben se

Country: Hong Kong, China

Release Year: 2007

Genre: Old School Style Hong Kong Action

Language Format: Cantonese

Running Time: 130 Minutes

Cast:

Nicholas Tse

Jaycee Chan

Shawn Yue

Jacky Wu

Lisa Lu

Andy On

Candy Liu

Elanne Kwong

Sam Lee

Ken Lo

Director:

Benny Chan

I tell you it's always nice to see an old friend. Have you ever had a friend that was so cool, that when they went away you'd always hoped that someday they'll return. When they do, you are so happy, and ecstatic you didn't know what to do with yourself, except of course be happy?!

Well the friend that I, myself am referring to is the old school Hong Kong Actioner from way back in the days. The days of watching an old school Jackie Chan flick like the POLICE STORY sagas where the stunts are crazy, and downright dangerous that you can't have enough of. It's those type of stunts that made Jackie Chan world famous in the first place. Also goes for the many other non-Chan Hong Kong Action films of the 80's, 90's, and few from this decade thus far.

Let's face it, as of late Japanese Horror has inspired the many wannabe horror slash scary flicks of the past years starting with the RING. While this isn't necessary a bad thing, the formula when used negatively can be tiresome after a while. While I am a huge Japanese Horror fan for many years, even I get tired of the "long hair effect", or the "creepy noises created by natural household items" or the dreaded "throat sound" made famous by the Japanese Horror classic JU-ON. Which of course has also been remade in the U.S.A thankfully though by the same director of the Japanese original.

So upon hearing about, and finally viewing INVISIBLE TARGET. I can officially announce to the whole entire world that I am very happy to see the wonderful formula that is "old school Hong Kong action". There are so many things to see in INVISIBLE TARGET, wonderful things such as car crashes, the always exciting chase scenes done on both on ground, and the very dangerous chase between sky scrapers, people getting thrown through glass doors, windows, and fixtures that ends all shattered covering the actors or stuntmen in the process, lots and lots of explosions, not to mention scenes where the actors jumps off from 5 story buildings, and being shown hitting trees on the ways while landing on the solid ground concrete, and last but definitely not the least, fight scenes, and the always nerve shattering sounds of gunshots from all of the gunplay action that litters this flick.

It has everything. Love story although not too much which is great. I hate action flicks that tends to swerve off from the original idea of an action flick, and gets boggled by a mostly stupid side love story. Intrigue, crime, drugs, betrayal, pretty chinese girls, and just plain crazy!!!

This flick will no doubt be on my recommendations list for years to come, it's one of those movies that wakes you up, and reminds you why you watch Hong Kong Action films in the first place. Don't miss it!

DOG BITE DOG

2007-03-11T21:25:00.000-07:00

Alternate Chinese title: Gau ngao gau

Country: Hong Kong, China [Hong Kong-Japan-Thailand Co-Production]

Release Year: 2006

Genre: Psychological Thriller / Crime / Action

Language Format: Cantonese

Running Time: 108 minutes

Cast:

Edison Chen
Sam Lee
Suet Lam
Siu-Fai Cheung
Yiu-Cheung Lai
Ka Wah Lam
Weiying Pei

Director:

Pou-Soi Cheang

There is only one word to describe DOG BITE DOG, only one and that it is unforgiving.

It has been a long time coming for this type of genre to finally hit hong kong cinema, and I do hope that it becomes a trend so that we may enjoy more of it. Of course every asian cinema conoussier will always welcome a hong kong actioner whether its martial arts, gunplay action, to romantic comedies but to have someone direct a hong kong produced movie that will make any Takashi Miike fan happy can only mean that yes indeed hong kong cinema is evolving in a positive direction.

DOG BITE DOG is a breath of fresh air while it is not for everyone due to its very raw, and gritty look at hong kong's seedy underworld, not to mention in your face violence filled with blood, and gore is enough to make any squeamish viewers run for the nearest exit. I forgot to mention up front use of drugs, corruption, and incest. This is the type of movie that will make you....no, that will grab your attention and make you watch the world that's been going on before our ignorant eyes.

It deals with just about every evil possibilities that can happen in this world, the filmakers force feeds audience and it makes us all aware that just when you thought it can't get any worse...unfortunately it does!

Though on the surface the movie seems easy to understand, it is anything but! The characters in DOG BITE DOG are all complex individuals that would rather act on animalistic instincts instead of human emotions. Then again perhaps it is the human emotions that makes us humans act animal-like!

One thing is for sure, DOG BITE DOG will definitely leave massive bruises on your senses!

To compare it to a Takashi Miike flick will not do it justice but it will give you an excellent idea of what expect while watching DOG BITE DOG, and that is to strap on your seat belt, hold on tight, and expect the unexpected because pardon my french...you will be knocked out of your fuckin mind!!

I am not even going in to detail how well the actors played their parts because as far as I'm concerned they all deserve Golden Horse Awards! It is refreshing to see Sam Lee back in action again after his hiatus no one else could have played the demented detective as skillfully as he did, same goes for Edison Chen. The cast is absolutely brilliant!

DOG BITE DOG is an exceptional piece of movie making magic at its most unforgiving indeed another one of Hong Kong cinema's crowning achievements.

In short, if you're still reading up to this point do yourself a favor and see this flim. Period!

STRAIGHT INTO DARKNESS

2006-10-12T01:17:00.000-07:00

Country: United States
Release Year: 2005
Genre: Psychological / Action / Macabre / Thriller
Language Format: English / German
Running Time: 95 minutes

Ryan Francis .... Losey
Scott MacDonald .... Deming
David Warner .... Deacon
Linda Thorson .... Maria
Daniel Roebuck .... Soldier
James LeGros .... Soldier
Andrei Dumitrescu .... Andrei
Nelu Dinu .... Nelu
Ion Bechet .... Sergeant
Liliana Perepelicinic .... Anna
Eugen Stoica .... The Children
Radu Stoica .... The Children
Emil Micsunescu .... The Children
Ionut Ududec .... The Children
Radu Dragos .... The Children

It's safe to say this is one of if not, the wierdest WWII movie out there.
I've never heard of this movie before I saw it on the shelf of a used dvd rental place. Its the type of movie that really deserves a look because it will give you everything, from action to thriller to mystery to drama, some very graphically staged gore, and a whole bucket of wierdness.

The movie starts out by showing MP Officers escorting 2 soldiers who have gotten themselves into some trouble (we don't know why...yet!) along the way they set off some mines that pretty much kills everyone, except the 2 fugitive soldiers. Thus, the 2 set out on a journey to find out exactly where the hell on earth they are.

They know that theyre somewhere in war torn Europe, but where exactly. Along the way the discover the horrifying destruction that the war has done to the once beautiful countryside, and most of all to its people what's left of them anyway.

First of all, the pacing of this movie is as it should be for the simple reason that its a haungtin WWII tale. It was never advertised as an action flick to begin with. Its something out of ordinary. Basically the 2 soldiers while both Americans do not trust each other whoever has possession of the only handgun that one of them managed to swipe from one of the dying MP Officers has authority.

Along the way they see the destructive power the war has done to its homeland. They also meet wierd people, not to mention creepy as they try to unravel the mystery of this god forsaken place.

The movie takes place in 1945 so the war is over, but the place they're at is so remote, them along with the people in it still thinks that the war is still goin on.
So its not surprising when a German Tank Battallion is seen marching towards a factory that people in it were heavily armed and ready to go to war against the Germans. You see the Germans of course knows and acknowledges that the war is over therefore they never had any intention to harm and kill innocent civilians and American Soldiers who happen to frequent the area, however the people and the soldiers didn't know and weren't aware of that fact.

Hence, the inevitable outcome.

In conclusion, the movie is a must see due to its anti-war message laid out the whole entire flick. Sudden constant flashbacks however are a bit annoying but it won't deter you from enjoying this flick. Just don't think of it as an action extravaganza because well it ain't! Just enjoy it for what it is, a very slow paced, creepy, haunting, graphic, and somewhat ambitious WWII movie that has a very cheeky approach, and unapologetically honest.

SPL

2006-09-28T00:32:00.000-07:00

Alternate Title: Saat po long (Original Cantonese Title)
Country: Hong Kong
Release Year: 2005
Genre: Martial Arts Action / Crime / Thriller
Language Format: Cantonese
Running Time: 93 minutes (UNCUT)

Donnie Yen .... Insp. Ma Kwan
Sammo Hung Kam-Bo .... Wong Po
Simon Yam .... Det. Chan Kwok Chung
Jacky Wu .... Jack
Kai Chi Liu .... Det. Lok Kwun Wah
Danny Summer .... Kwok Tsz Sum (as Shiu Sing Ha)
Ken Chang .... Lee Wai Lok (as Chi-Hiu Cheung)
Austin Wai .... Cheung Chun Fei
Timmy Hung .... Drug Trafficker
Vincent Sze .... Chan Wai
Kenji Tanigaki .... Wong Po's Bodyguard
Chris Tsui .... Wong Po's bodyguard
So Tung .... Wong Po's bodyguard

When you combine martial arts masters with the likes of Donnie Yen, Sammo Hung, Kenji Tanigaki(from Donnie Yen's acclaimed stunt team), and mix them up with veteran actor Simon Yam you can already tell something good will come out of it.

Of course excellent acting and a high quality story is needed and SPL definitely delivers with a Class A storyline. The action is kept slightly on the minimal side due to its story driven plot. It's not until you get almost to the middle of it, only then you'll start seeing some awesome high flying martial arts action.

As far as the action is concerned everyone delivers. In fact Donnie, Sammo, and Kenji are spectacular martial artists in their own right. These guys shine in everyway as they exhibit their absolutely jaw dropping kung fu skills as they kick, leap, spin, and punch themselves to death. All for our enjoyment.

As for the squeamish, be warned as they are no shortage of blood here. SPL sports some of the bloodiest scenes ever seen in a long time. In fact the mainland DVD version was severely cut because of this reason. So to view the original uncut version go for the Special Edition 2 disc released by Deltamac.

SPL is a gift from the Martial Arts Action gods for it is one of the best Martial Arts flick to be released in a while.

Also worth mentioning is the very absorbing soundtrack used. Some of the sounds used were very energizing to kind of get you in the mood for upcoming action you're about to witness. The editing is also to be commended as it borrows from the Tony Scott School of Filmmaking.

In short, SPL is another Hong Kong Cinematic magic.

INFERNAL AFFAIRS

2006-09-23T23:22:00.000-07:00

Alternate Title: Mou gaan dou (Original Cantonese Title)
Country: Hong Kong
Release Year: 2002
Genre: Crime / Thriller/ Action / Drama
Language Format: Cantonese
Running Time: 101 minutes

Andy Lau .... Lau Kin Ming
Tony Leung Chiu Wai .... Chan Wing Yan
Anthony Wong Chau-Sang .... SP Wong
Eric Tsang .... Sam
Kelly Chen .... Dr. Lee Sum Yee
Sammi Cheng .... Mary

Edison Chen .... Young Lau Kin Ming
Shawn Yue .... Young Chan Wing Yan
Elva Hsiao .... May
Chapman To .... Keung
Ka Tung Lam .... Inspector B
Ting Yip Ng .... Inspector Cheung
Chi Keung Wan .... Officer Leung
Dion Lam .... Del Piero
Hui Kam Fung .... Cadet School Principal

Every now and then a movie comes along that totally re-defines how a certain genre is supposed to be made. In this case it's the Crime/Drama genre and it's been re-written by Andrew Lau and Company this with the help of Hong Kong's finest acting veterans in the business as well as newcomers toss in a top of the line movie script for good measure equals to a mega box-office blockbuster. This is exactly what happened to this now classic Hong Kong gem.

Released in 2002 INFERNAL AFFAIRS is a trilogy with that in mind, I will only review the first and in my opinion the best out of the three. If you like gritty crime action dramas that's been polished with A-Class actors and actresses you will be treated to one of the most spectacular movies ever made.

INFERNAL AFFAIRS transcends cultural boundaries as it deals with the universal language of Good Cop vs. Bad Cop formula that's been cleverly made with an awesome script littered with very clever dialogue throughout the entire movie experience.

Every shot, every angle deserves a cinematograpy award that should be equaled to that of an Oscar, or in this case a Golden Horse Award. There are moments in this movie that is simply breathtaking, to say the least. The opening score quickly grabs your attention and sucks you into its world and it will not let you go until its final climax. The soundtrack in the flick makes all the difference in the world. Period.

INFERNAL AFFAIRS is the crowning achievement of Andrew Lau's directing career. There is simply no other movie on his resume that equals to it. Of course not all of the credits should be given to him alone. No, we shouldn't forget the performers who brought the audiences in, into its world of imperfection, malice, hate, and revenge the world of INFERNAL AFFAIRS.

Both of the male leads, Andy Lau and Tony Leung is to be commended for their absolute captivating performances as the two leading moles on each side of the law. Andy Lau is the quickly-rising suave cop who is the mole for the triads, while Tony Leung plays the elusive undercover cop yet very tough triad who is the mole for the cops. Together we are forced on the edge of our seats as we watch these two intelligent personas play a game of chess if you will, but instead of plastic chess pieces the pieces being played are human lives.

Anthony Wong plays it cool as the leader of one of Hong Kong finest Police Divisions trying to take down his old nemesis Eric Tsang, whose the leader of one Triads most powerful side. These two Hong Kong veterans are awesome in their own right now mix them up with the two aforementioned actors you just can't go wrong!

The always playful and cute Sammi Cheng is all serious here as she plays Andy Lau's very understanding and supportive wife. The glorious Kelly Chen another star in her own right plays Tony Leung's psychiatrist as well as his lover.

The young guns Edison Chen plays as the young Andy Lau, and Shawn Yue as the young Tony Leung.

All of them brilliant, absolutely and positively brilliant!!!

There are so many cool scenes in this movie it's impossible for me to list them all, and why would I? It's always better to see the flick rather than someone telling you about it! It's a definite must see. No doubt about it!

This is Hong Kong Cinema at its best!!!

No wonder Brad Pitt snagged the rights to remake it after seeing it. The American remake will be directed by Martin Scorsese, and it will star Matt Damon, Leonardo Dicaprio, Martin Sheen, Jack Nicholson, and Mark Wahlberg. It should be interesting since Media Asia the original production company of the original Hong Kong movie is co-producing this the remake as well. The title is called THE DEPARTED. Why that title? I do not know!

INFERNAL AFFAIRS is without a doubt another Hong Kong Cinema gem!

SHIMOTSUMA MONOGATARI

2006-09-06T23:28:00.000-07:00

Alternate Title: Kamikaze Girls (International Title)
Country: Japan
Release Year: 2004
Genre: Psychedelic Comedy
Language Format: Japan
Running Time: 102 minutes

Kyôko Fukada .... Momoko Ryugasaki
Anna Tsuchiya .... Ichigo Shirayuri
Hiroyuki Miyasako .... Momoko's Father
Sadao Abe .... Doctor and Ryuji "the Unicorn"
Eiko Koike .... Akimi
Shin Yazawa .... Miko
Hirotaro Honda .... Yakuza Boss
Kirin Kiki .... Momoko's Grandmother
YosiYosi Arakawa .... Grocery Store Manager
Katsuhisa Namase .... Pachinko Parlor Manager
Ryoko Shinohara .... Momoko's Mother
Yoshinori Okada .... Baby, 'The Stars Shine Bright' Owner
Kanako Irie
Haruo Mizuno
Yuichi Kimura

Director....Tetsuya Nakajima

Shimotsuma Monogatari or better known as Kamikaze Girls is in a class by itself.

I guess the closest comparison if you were to compare it to another flick with similar whacked out crazy, fast paced comedic delivery, littered with huge amounts of pyschedelic embellishments would be FEAR & LOATHING IN LAS VEGAS.

That is only if you had to!

I tell you Nakajima-san must've smoked a very expensive very strong ganja while he was filming this Japanese Comedic Gem. Watching Kamikaze Girls is a complete and utterly different experience. It's really in a class by itself, the flick is littered with 100% Japanese no-nonsense humor that gets thrown at the viewer at the speed of 100 miles per hour!

Right from the beginning it starts out very colorful due to the anime-ish style introduction of the characters that the viewers are about to meet. Kyoko Fukada the main character is shown riding a what appears to be a vespa-like motorcycle who smashes into an oncoming truck.

THE END.

No really, it does end after the one minute running time it took to show the opening credits. But then, the movie rewinds itself for the viewer.

Very cool!

I know it sounds kinda wierd, and unusual but Kamikaze Girls is one of those very rare flicks that are difficult to review because well there's nothing you can base your opinions on!

I mean, it's just weird! In a good way!!!

Because of that fact, one should see it and judge for themselves.

Getting that out of the way, I suppose I should review the actresses who plays the main characters.

Kyoko Fukada is awesome playing an eccentric Japanese Teen who gets seduced by the 17th Century Rococo Lolita Fashion. As viewers we are treated to see the everyday lifestyle of an individual willing to do whatever it takes so that she's able to afford, and buy her expensive Lolita wardrobe!

Anna Tsuchiya is also a wonder to watch playing the once nerd turned bad-ass who kicks ass, no she really kicks the sashimi asses of anyone that gets in her way!

So what happens when you mix these two very unique personalities?

Well that my friends is the premise of the wonderful Japanese romp through the Shimotsuma stomping grounds of Japan courtesy of Kamikaze Girls.

The best thing about this flick is that it never takes itself seriously.
It's just very fun movie to watch.

As mentioned before the movie's plot, and humor moves very fast so therefore you really have to pay attention because if you look away even for an instant, you gonna miss something important and when you look back you'll be like.."what the hell just happpen?"....or...."what the ??...."

So pay attention to the movie my friends. Pay attention!

This flick will definitely trip you out because there's some scenes where you don't really know what's going on, or sometimes you won't have any idea whether a particular punchline is funny.

Heck there'd be times when you don't know that what you just saw WAS the punchline! I cannot describe how unusal Kamikaze Girls is, so I'd recommened it very highly because it's just something different.

Worth mentioning is the ultra catchy J-pop/J-rock-ish soundtrack that is used.
Tomoko Kawase the front girl for the ultra successful J-band THE BRILLIANT GREEN, a.k.a TOMMY FEBRUARY6, and a.k.a TOMMY HEAVENLY6 provides the awesome soundtrack, full of energetic sounds, as well as slow, more mellow somber background tracks.

A definite Japanese sleeper hit of 2004.
If it wasn't for SWING GIRLS, which is another Japanese comedic gem release in the same year, I'd say Kamikaze Girls would be the best Japanese comedy of that year.
But being a close second is not exactly bad either!

So don't miss this pyschedelic Japanese comedy.
It's one of those rare flicks that after seeing it, you won't soon forget it.

NOCHNOI DOZOR

2006-06-24T00:54:00.000-07:00

Alternate Title: Night Watch (International Title)
Country: Russia
Release Year: 2004
Genre: Action / Adventure / Thriller
Language Format: Russian
Running Time: 114 minutes

[Cast]
Konstantin Khabensky ......Anton Gorodetsky
Vladimir Menshov ..........Geser
Valeri Zolotukhin .........Vampire, Kostya's father
Mariya Poroshina ..........Svetlana
Galina Tyunina ............Olga, sorceress (owl)
Yuri Kutsenko .............Ignat (as Gosha Kutsenko)
Aleksei Chadov ............Kostya (Anton's young vampire neighbor)
Zhanna Friske .............Alisa Donnikova
Ilya Lagutenko ............Vampire Andrei
Viktor Verzhbitsky ........Zavulon
Rimma Markova .............Darya Schultz, witch
Mariya Mironova ...........Yegor's mother
Aleksei Maklakov ..........Semyon
Aleksandr Samojlenko ......Ilya (Bear), mage-transformer
Dmitry Martynov ...........Yegor (as Dmitri Martynov)

[Writer / Director]
Timur Bekmambetov

NOCHNOI DOZOR is the first of the planned trilogy by director Timur Bekmambetov. It is important to know this fact because the movie ends very abruptly. It will remind many moviegoers the first time they watched THE LORD OF THE RINGS FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING, the sudden abrupt ending can also be seen in NOCHNOI DOZOR.

Although it did provide few interesting action scenes here, and there. However none of it was really memorable.

You know kind of like the first time you saw ONG BAK, or Jet Li's FIST OF LEGEND, how after watching the movie the action scenes were so awesome, so memorable that it stuck with you long after you've seen it? That's what I meant.

NOCHNOI DOZOR has none of that! But it does have an impressive array of visual eye-candies!!!

The three very important reasons why one should watch NOCHNOI DOZOR is that it's from Russia. Second, that it broke all the box-office records in its native homeland. Third, the most important, is the awesome almost surreal like visuals. This is evident the moment the movie begins. You'll notice right away the microscope-type camera angles, and the visually pleasing cinematography.

However the director for some reason has a thing for mosquitoes, both its image, point of view, and its annoying buzzing sound. There's shots where you almost feel like your riding the mosquitoe on its back. Really abstract camera placements. Perhaps the symbolism contains a philosophical message hidden within its artistic, and visual context.

Who knows...besides the director!

The epilogue is read in english. I don't know why english was chosen but personally I believe it would've been better had it been read in Russian. But what do I know right?

Whatever.

Anyways the story goes something like this:

In the beginning there was a war between the armies of the Light(Good), and the armies of the Dark(Evil). There have been so much bloodshed between the factions being that the war has been ongoing since the beginning of time itself. The time came finally(in the middle of battle no less)when the leaders from each factions came to terms with an agreement. The agreement is that both factions may not murder each other.

The armies from the Light may issue licenses only to the armies of the Dark. If anyone from either factions broke this agreement. The truce is over. Oh one more thing, no one may hurt a human. Period. No others from both factions may interfere with human existence, and no other may exploit a human. Not without license anyways.

Huh, licenses you may ask? Yup, licenses. The armies of Light may only issue a license under special circumstances that will allow a Dark other to commit an otherwise forbidden action. For example interefering with a human life.

Just to make sure that both factions follow the rules, each of them has watchers of sorts. During the day, the Dark armies has their Daywatchers to watch the activities of the Light, and the Light armies, has their Nightwatchers to watch the activities of the Dark. Hence the title. NOHNOI DOZOR, Night Watch in Russian.

Also, every now and then an "Other" is born from a human. This special human is what would be considered an 'Other'. A human with special abilities. Part of the truce between the Light, and the Dark is that. Both may neither convince the other to join. In other words, the other would have to choose which side to join. On their own free will. Now, legend has it that one day a powerful other will be born. Depending on which side he or she chooses will determine which side will we win.

Simple enough for ya?

I know it is a bit convoluted however it is still worth seeing for sure. The CGI effects is definitely impressive in both aesthetic, and its visual presentation. For scenes like in the 'Gloom' a dark portal-like place that only an other can traverse in is done very well. The night battle scene atop the cityscape is visually impressive.

The big budget is definitely present in NOCHNOI DOZOR no doubt about it.

The sound is equally as impressive. The ominous music, and sounds is well executed. It definitely adds a serious impact in the storytelling agenda. Very absorbing throughout.

Another thing to point out is that, the main character Konstantin Khabensky (Anton Gorodetsky) is the complete opposite of what a cool character should be like. He's sweaty, dirty, filthy, and always drinking...probably vodka. He keeps a flask in his vest pocket. In fact, the moment you see the hero, you'll see that there's nothing hero-like about him.

Just an ordinary looking guy. With an ability to "see" the Dark others. He doesn't have any super strength either. No extra special abilities whatsoever. Just that he can see the Dark others. What seperates him from the rest however is his 'iron will'. That's it! He's also the MacGuffin, he's actions definitely carries the whole story.

There's also a great, unexpected mind fuck at the end(just before it abruptly ends) I swear I was like..."ooh....okay....cool!" When you see the flick, you'll know what I mean. For sure!!!

NOCHNOI DOZOR is a very refreshing ride in the realm of Good, and Evil. I surely can't wait to see the 2nd installment of this planned trilogy. I caught a glimpse of the second movie on the Thai DVD, it's aptly titled: DNEVNOY DOZOR which means Day Watch in Russian.

The preview looked promising, it seems as though the second movie has quite a few more intense attention grabbing action scenes(at least I would hope so anyway!)

NOCHNOI DOZOR, is certainly one of Russia's greatest box office record smashers.
Currently, it is indeed one of Russia's greatest visually aesthetic cinematic achievements.

THRILLER : A CRUEL PICTURE

2006-06-21T02:37:00.000-07:00

Alternate Title: THEY CALL HER ONE EYE!
Country: Sweden
Release Year: 1974
Genre: Thriller / Action / Drama
Language: Swedish
Running Time: UNCUT 107 minutes

[Cast]
Christina Lindberg .... Frigga/Madeleine/One Eye
Heinz Hopf .... Tony
Despina Tomazani .... Lip-stick lesbian
Per-Axel Arosenius .... Frigga's Father
Solveig Andersson .... Sally
Björn Kristiansson
Marie-Louise Mannervall .... Woman in village
Hildur Lindberg .... Mother's Friend
Stig Lokrantz
Olle Nordlander
Marshall McDough
Gunnar Palm
Pamela Pethö-Galantai .... Young Madeleine

[Writer / Director]
Bo Arne Vibenius

Christina Lindberg.

What a goddess! I've just discovered the beauty of 1970's trash-exploitation cinema. It's fuckin' awesome! For those of you who have'nt seen the cult-classic Swedish revenge flick [THRILLER: a very cruel picture] (retitled 'They Call Her One Eye' in the United States) go buy the DVD and make sure it's UNCUT, Director's CUT version, Re-Mastered, Special Edition. It's by far THE best revenge flick in existence!!!

Why do I say it's the best revenge film ever?
Why I'm glad you asked!

First of all, for those of you Asian Cinema Connousieurs out there like us here in HOUSE OF CINEMA. When we see a gun touting character sporting a trench coat for that sweet touch of ultra-coolness, we think that's John Woo all the way right??? WRONG, you're DEAD WRONG!!!

You see CHOW YUN FAT in the A BETTER TOMORROW TRILOGY was not the first one to ever sport a trench coat while blasting away at evil henchmen Nope....belive me...that's what I thought as well. The Dude responsible for setting this trend is Bo A Vibenius the director for 'THRILLER: a cruel picture' he came up with the very idea, just check out Christina's character in the poster above! Ain't she a bad-ass muthafucka!!!! you damn straight! That's not all...

We all know that the Keanu Reeves' character Neo in 'The Matrix' was sporting that ultra cool trench coat. Hmm....since the Wachowski Brothers watch alot of asian flicks I wonder where they got that idea??? Well none other than from John Woo's Hong Kong flicks of course!!! A Better Tomorrow was without a doubt the very best in Hong Kong gunplay action. Period. It just kinda makes me wonder WHEN John Woo saw THRILLER. I'm saying when because I'm 100% sure and without a doubt that's where he got the idea for the trench coat look, and the slow motion action as well. However I'm not here to discuss and talk about the John Woos, or the Wachowski Brothers. I'm here to talk about the Swedish Film "THRILLER: a cruel picture"

THRILLER was way ahead of its time. The storytelling, the cinematography, the wardrobe, and of course the gunplay action. Yup, this is the film that brought the super cool 'SLOW-MOTION-ACTION SEQUENCES. Yup you read right!!! It was'nt John Woo who came up with that idea, nope it was Bo A Vibenius as well. So prioir in seeing this film, I thought John Woo was the man who came up with Trench Coat look, and Slow Motion Action Sequences...but I was dead wrong indeed. And it doesn't stop there either......

Quentin Tarantino, a.k.a the master copycat of ripping off excellent ideas from other films took the idea from THRILLER, and applied it to Daryl Hannah's evil character in his KILL BILL duology!!!! Ain't that something??? Just to make one thing clear, I don't dislike Quentin on the contrary I like his movies. All of it, especially KILL BILL Volume 1. I called a truce after seeing how great KILL BILL Vol.1 was, even though I know he gathered a bunch of excellent ideas and crammed it all in KILL BILL, I still like the guy's work. Hey the guy can write excellent dialogue, sometimes I wonder if he ever worked as a writer for Seinfeld but anyways...back to THRILLER.

So if you're still wondering to yourself as to whether or not you should see this flick, do yourself a favor and go for it. Just keep in mind that this flick was made in 1973, so d0n't be expecting high octane action sequences. You should appreciate the flick for what it is, a very surreal yet haunting almost athmospheric in a sense that you feel that you're actually experiencing what she Christina Lindberg's character is experiencing. It is also a character study of sorts. The movie pretty much answers the question "How much can one person take before he/she blows up?" Well in THRILLER you see all the cruelty she takes from everyone, and all the cruelty she unleashes on everyone!!!

What do I think of THRILLER: a cruel picture?
It's an absolutel wonder, gorgeously shot revenge film that is not to be missed!
An exceptional rare piece of pulp filmaking at its finest.
THRILLER : A CRUEL PICTURE is truly ahead of its time!!!
I wonder if Bo Arne Vibenius knew he was making a masterpiece when he shot this film? If I can only travel back in time...Christina Lindberg will be mine!!!

Also if you like Christina Lindberg, check her out in the Japanese Pinky Violence cult-classic SEX & FURY (1973) she goes toe to toe with Reiko Ike, Japan's own sex goddess. Don't miss it!!!

ARAHAN

2006-06-17T01:51:00.000-07:00

Alternate Title: ARAHAN:URBAN MARTIAL ARTS ACTION
Country: South Korea
Release Year: 2004
Genre: Martial Arts / Comedy
Language: Korean
Running Time: 114 mintues

[Cast]
Seung-beom Ryu
So-yi Yoon
Sung-kee Ahn
Doo-hong Jung
Ju-sang Yun

[Writer / Director]
Seung-wan Ryoo

ARAHAN is sort of like a korean HOUSE OF FURY(2005)
It's a light-hearted actioner with awesome fight sequences.
The comedy without sounding too cliche' is very anime-ish if you will.

ARAHAN actually is like a cross-hybrid of SHAOLIN SOCCER(2001), IRON MONKEY(1992), and WHASANGO a.k.a VOLCANO HIGH(2002) I know it's sounds kinda wierd, but that's how I felt when watching ARAHAN.

It's a story about 7 martial arts masters whose job is to guard the key that can unlock powers beyond anyones' imagination. 2 of the masters has already fallen, four are still alive, and continuing to guard the key. One of the masters Ja woon(Sung-kee Ah) is taking care of his beautiful but feisty daugher Wi-jin(Soo-yi Oon)whose also a skilled martial artist herself.

Wi-jin uses her extraordinary fighting abilities to the test by pummeling down two-bit thieves, and purse-napping riff raffs. Along the way she meets Sang-hwan(Seung-beom Ryu)a brave but bumbling beat cop during one of her skirmishes.
She accidentally hits Sang with one of her wild, uncontrollable 'hadokens' [Gamers, you know what I mean!] a ball of energy that she unleashes with both her palms.

Sang gets hit with this ball of energy, and knocks him down cold. Wi-jin takes him to be healed by her father Ja woon and the 3 other masters, when they unexpectedly find out that Sang has a very rare, and strong form of 'chi'. Right away he wanted to train him to become a fighter, but because Sang woke up terrified he got up, and ran away.

Meanwhile, during his duty as a beatcop walking the streets. Sang comes across a couple of gangsters who beats the living crap out of him. Feeling sorry for himself he quickly remembers Wi-jin throwing that ball of energy, and him getting hit by it. Now comes an idea, why don't he study what she knows in order to learn how to throw those balls of energy. So that he can use what he learns from her, and use it unto the gangsters who beat him up.

Sounds simple right? Well...yeah!

Safe to say he went back to see Wi-Jin asking her if he too can learn such a trick! Soon, Wi's father Ja woon admits him, and started to teach him by assigning him different chores ala KARATE KID(1984) That's pretty much the story of how he became a excellent fighter. It turns out that the special 'chi' is a sort of power that helps Sang learn fast, and become a skilled martial artist.

So guess what?

The seventh master suddenly awakens and desires the key that will give him vast supernatural powers that will enable him to rule the world. So he unleashes death, and chaos to anyone that stood in his way. So who do you think he goes after???

Well I'll leave it up to you. It's very exciting especially during the scenes showing Sang finally getting the chance to show what he's learned. Like I said, the martial arts action in this flick undeniably ultra-cool!!!

It's fast, fluid, and truly looks painful. The only thing that kind of bothered me was during Wi-jin, and Sang's training. Their movements are'nt as graceful as they should have been. But it won't in any way spoil your enjoyment of this awesome flick.

So the plot is pretty simple to follow. The comedy is hilarious, there are some scenes in the movie where you'll just find yourself laughing hysterically.
However you will be watching ARAHAN for the sheer amount of martial arts action.
There are plenty especially when you get towards the middle, that's where all the action really takes off.

Yes, it could've used more intense fighting action in the beginning but, it's also good that director Seung-wan Ryoo paid close attention in the character development. It truly worked to perfection because, we were able to know who Sang, and Wi-jin as a person. Therefore, whenever they would get in to intense fight scenes, we feel for them. Especially when both of their lives are threatened.
It really was a great choice to include a nice plot, and backstory for the characters in ARAHAN.

I guess you can already tell what I'm about to write huh? It's okay.
I love movies like ARAHAN. It's why I watch these movies in the first place!
Everyone has to see this flick. It's an awesome ride in the urban streets of Seoul.
It's always a good thing to see a martial arts movie that is properly done, and well executed that is ARAHAN:Urban Martial Arts Action.

One Word: AWESOME!!!

WISHING STAIRS

2006-06-17T01:41:00.000-07:00

Country: South Korea
Release Year: 2003
Genre: Drama / Thriller
Language: Korean
Running Time: 97 minutes

[Cast]
Ji-hyo Song
Han-byeol Park
An Jo
Ji-Yeon Park

[Director]
Jae-yeon Yun

Let me set the record straight for everyone here, WISHING STAIRS is not a Horror flick! I repeat WISHING STAIRS is not a Horror flick!!! There I said it.

WISHING STAIRS might have a premise of a Horror movie, it even had potential in building a Horror theme from the storyline but it never really delved any deeper than it should have.

Basically there's this long stairway. There's 28 steps to be exact. It leads up to an all girl dormitory. Legend has it that if you wanted something or someone bad enough you can have your wish granted. By climbing the stairs hence, the title.

So a person continues to make their wish as they climbed the steps and if the person's lucky or in this case is unlucky, if a 29th step appeared their wish will be granted.

Yeah, that's pretty much it.
The whole story revolves around that cursed wishing stairs.
A local legend that the girls dismissed as well...a local legend.

Oh yeah, the characters basically is this. You have two young cute girls who are in the same ballet class. One girl's name is Yun Ji(Ji-hyo Song), the other girl's name is Kim So(Han-byeol Park) What a cutie pie!!! Anyways, throughout the first half of the movie they are without a doubt a couple. Lesbians. Although there were no scenes of the girls kissing, the constant hints, and idea is there. Don't know if the director was shy about lesbian-esque scenes but whatever.

Things start to get complicated when one of the girls gets chosen to go on a very special trip to perform onstage in Russia. If they do well there, it's their chance to be able to win a scholarship to be able to study ballet in Russia. Predictably, the girl who didn't get selected started to have a jealous rage over the girl who did, and there's your MacGuffin, JEALOUSY!!!

As mentioned this movie isn't a Horror film but rather a Drama in the first half, and a Thriller in the second half. The Drama in the beginning shows the affection that these two girls have for each other. The second half is when one of the girls gets chosen to go to Russia, and jealous girl wishes at the wising stairs that she'd be chosen to go instead.

One of the girls that's jealous got the idea from an overweight, red-haired girl who's kind of a main character in the movie. I say kind of because well the director never really explained why she's in the movie in the first place other than she's studying sculpture. I believe she's supposed to be attracted to Kim So, or at least she admired her. But it's because of her that Yun Ji got the idea about the wishing stairs. "make a wish while climbing the steps and if a 29th step appears make your wish, and it'll come true! she says to Yun Ji

Predictably she does, and all the wrath of unexplainable evil that the wishing stairs comes from is unleashed unto whoever messes with its unknown dark powers. Yeah. That's about right. Unexplainable events starts to unfold. Wierd, creepy sounds are magnified in certain intense moments typical of Asian Horror flicks. Oh and yup the "hair thing" is present in this flick. Another director whose been influenced by Hideo Nakata, director of RINGU(1998) Influenced, or a down-right copycat, who really knows!

The big problem I had with WISHING STAIRS is this. No matter how hard they tried to make Kim So(Han-byeol Park) look terrifying, it just doesn't work! She's just so damn beautiful! Painting her face all white doesn't work either, hey whaddya think this is JU-ON?(2003) okay? Really she's just frickin' cute! I just couldn't be scared of that cute beautiful face! Heck if a ghost that hot starts haunting me...be my guest!!!

Seriously the story is average. The drama is actually more interesting than the thriller parts. I don't know why this movie was advertised as a horror because it ain't! also, what's with that girl hanging from a tree in the background of the movie poster? This movie had no scenes of a girl hanging on the wishing stairs tree. Oh well, whatever!

The acting is okay in this flick. I would've rather made this movie into a love story between the two girls.They both had good chemistry. It should've been a drama flick instead! I would've had Takashi Miike direct this flick, how cool that would've been? He could do the same style he did with AUDITION (1999) Oh man!!! Miike-sensei, if you're reading this please do a remake of WISHING STAIRS but add your crazy, twisted, and psychotic forte'!!!

In short, WISHING STAIRS is worth watching at least once. You won't really come back for seconds I tell you that much. The only reason to watch this flick is to google over Han-byeol Park, that's about it!!! She's hot, very hot!!!

Ahh...Han-byeol Park, would you marry me???

A BITTERSWEET LIFE

2006-06-16T02:16:00.000-07:00

Country: South Korea
Release Year: 2005
Genre: Drama / Crime / Action
Language: Korean
Running Time: 120 minutes

[Cast]
Jeong-min Hwang
Ku Jin
Hae-gon Kim
Roe-ha Kim
Yeong-cheol Kim
Byung-hun Lee
Gi-yeong Lee
Mu-yeong Lee
Jeong-Hyeok Mun
Dal-su Oh
Kwang-rok Oh
Min-a Shin

[Director]
Ji-woon Kim

"A PROVOCATIVE CRIME DRAMA THAT IS ABSORBING, ENGROSSING, AS IT IS INTOXICATING!!!"

I just finished watching Ji-woon Kim's A BITTERSWEET LIFE.

I'm still in awe.

Probably one of the most beautiful films I have ever seen.

No doubt about it.

I was completely engulfed by the story, as it unfolded before my eyes. I was absorbed entirely throughout the movie. It was so moving, mere words will not do it justice.

A BITTERSWEET LIFE in essence is presented to the viewers through the eyes of Sun-woo(Byung-hun Lee) A middle ranked Korean Mafia grunt who is a trusted enforcer of the head of his Korean Mafia family. President Kang(Yeong-cheol Kim) entrusts Sun-woo to do a certain...job for him before he leaves for Shanghai on a business trip.

This job requires Sun-woo to sort of watch over Kang's very attractive, very young girlfriend Hee soo(Min-a shin) This will be the turning point of Sun-woo's life.
Prior to accepting the job. Kang tells Sun-woo that he can do 1,000 things right, but sometimes it only takes 1 mistake, and his whole life can come crashing down.

Hence, Kang instructs Sun-woo to watch Hee-soo just for 3 days in order to see if she's cheating on him. If so, then Sun-woo should either give Kang a call in Shanghai, China. Or finish the job himself. Sun-woo has faithfully served Kang for seven years.

He has become the most trusted man out of President Kang's whole entire organization. Kang is so impressed of Sun-woo's faith, and loyalty that he gave him a posh restaurant to manage. The restaurant is aptly named "LA DOLCE VITA" which means 'A sweet life' in Italian. Isn't that just beautiful?

Sun-woo is the ultimate cool guy, because he never tends to lose his cool. Even at the most intense scenes, he manages to stay calm, and collected. He shows his relaxed yet volatile mannerisms by being extremely calm. It's almost as if Sun-woo's thinking to himself: "I know I can take you down, but why bother!"

Human beings unfortunately, have the tendency to lose their cool in the end. The same goes for Sun-woo. At the beginning of the movie, we are introduced immediately to Sun-woo's character. We are also introduced to his type of job, and what type of 'special' requirements it takes to do the kind of profession he does every single living day.

It's safe to say it ain't easy. He quickly disposes of the three troublemakers that's attempting to disturb, and disrespect his line of work, and his restaurant. That's when we the viewers realize even after a life and death situation like that, all Sun-woo does is wipe off debris, and dirt from his perfectly altered suit, and goes on about his daily routine.

Like I said, he's the ultimate cool guy!

Sun-woo is human, and he's not without weakness. Unfortunately for him this weakness of his will ultimately change his life. Forever. A decision he will make that will bring him on a journey of betrayal, violence, and self discovery.

Sun-woo will discover something within him that he's been yearning for so long, but didn't know nor was he aware of it. But because of one special person, he will in the end find himself.

Again, unfortunately for Sun-woo, there's people who will stand in his way. After all of the past beatings, and shakedowns he has done for his organization, in the name of President Kang. Where his loyalty is without question. He has given all of himself to President Kang's organization. Sun-woo has been the top enforcer of Kang.
The most trusted out of all of Kang's men.

Is going to be betrayed beyond belief.

A BITTERSWEET LIFE, is very graphic, and very bloody. It is executed however with artistic grace. Even the squeamish will not look away, because in the end. We'll all feel Sun-woo's agony during his torture scenes, and his rage during his revenge scenes. Oh yeah, this is definitely a revenge flick. But I don't think that's the central theme. I believe the theme is Sun-woo's self discovery of that special something that's been missing in his life, and ultimately discovered within him, however too late.

The pace is moderately fast. It's the type of movie that you'll have to watch, and pay attention to. It's never boring. All of the slower scenes contains vital information, and important dialogue that you'll have to know in order to understand what's going on. Unlike movies like BANLIEUE 13 that's fast paced action from beginning to end. A BITTERSWEET LIFE requires your full-undivided attention.

As mentioned before, the movie is very graphic. But never distasteful. The action scenes will not disappoint either. There's quite a bit of straight fisticuffs here. Sun-woo being the ultimate cool guy, is also the ultimate bad-ass when it comes to street fighting. He uses anything from baseball bats, to enflamed 2x4's, guns, and his very own lethal weapon...himself.

The movie is also gut-wrenching, to the point of uneasyness, because there's no doubt you'll care for what happens to Sun-woo. He will win your compassion in the first scenes of the movie. Being that the director's cut is 120 minutes, the span of events Sun-woo goes through from one difficult predicament to the next is unbelievably painful to watch. The fact that you never know what might happen to him, there's always a constant threat in the background.

The fact that both his own men, and his organization's opponent. The local rival gang leader Baek, a ruthless man is after him as well. You never know who might show up at any moment to put Sun-woo's life in danger. The suspense, and thrill of watching Sun-woo deal with problem, after problem is such a joy to watch, because you can almost feel what he's going through at the moment.

It sort of forces you to ask yourself: "What would I do in a situation like Sun-woo's?" It's really an absorbing storyline, and a very intriguing look at the lives of real-life professionals similar to Sun-woo's fictional character.

The use of classical music is a very wise choice. Classical music is a very rich texture of sounds that can become very personal to ones' feelings. It can evoke emotions that cannot be expressed otherwise. Just by the expression of their faces you'll see and understand their current state. Adding a classical music score only adds a very rich dynamic effect. Thus, enriching the storytelling experience.

The events that unfold in the last half of A BITTERSWEET LIFE is like a rollercoaster ride. As Sun-woo sets out on a journey of redemption. A sort of penance for his dark and forgettable past. He unleashes the fury, and rage that's been the key tool of his successful crime family, unto his betrayers.

A BITTERSWEET LIFE, questions the very essence of loyalty, and betrayal of ones' own humanity, and the consequences thereof. A masterful storytelling, this is what Korean Cinema is known for.

A BITTERSWEET LIFE should not be missed. It is without a doubt a very intoxicating experience. A perfectly made masterpiece, no doubt another Korean Cinematic gem!!!

BANLIEUE 13

2006-06-14T16:07:00.000-07:00

Alternate Title: 13th District
Country: France
Release Year: 2004
Genre: Martial Arts / Action / Adventure
Lauguage Format: French
Running Time: 85 minutes

[Cast]
Cyril Raffaelli
David Belle
Tony D'Amario
Bibi Naceri
Dany Verissimo
François Chattot

[Writer]
Luc Besson / Bibi Naceri

[Producer]
Luc Besson

[Director]
Pierre Morel

French Cinema has come along way since the breakaway hit LA FEMME NIKITA (1991) and LEON THE PROFESSIONAL (1994) both directed by the french new-wave director LUC BESSON.

His TAXI (1998-2001) all three starring the awesome Samy Naceri is also a runaway hit at the box office worldwide. The latter is a personal favorite of mine.

The TAXI Series is just plain awesome! The second one being the best of the series!

Yes this is the movie of which the american made TAXI
starring Queen Latifah, and Jimmy Fallon borrows its theme. Luc Besson was given writing credits after all, so that more than stamps it.

Guess what...LUC BESSON also produced all three TAXI movies. Just to let you know Luc Besson directed the ultra fabulous THE FIFTH ELEMENT (1997) the movie that introduced to the whole world that Milla Jovovich is a future action femme fatale.

He's in the front, and behind the scenes of most of the major box office blockbusters as of late. He's responsible for movies like the awesome Jason Statham actioners TRANSPORTER 1 & 2 (2002-2005) The gut busting Jet Li flicks KISS OF THE DRAGON (2001),DANNY THE DOG a.k.a UNLEASHED (2005) The Jean Reno, and Ryoko Hirosue classic WASABI (2001) the list goes on...and...on!!!

Another thing about Luc Besson is that, he was the one who stepped up and snapped up the rights to release the mega action classic ONG BAK (2002) although personally I didn't think that Tony Jaa needed any help from any major producer to expose him to the world. ONG BAK did that for him.

However if there is ever a producer to do it, it might as well be Luc Besson. I just wish he'd stop messing with the original contents of the movies he'll release in the future. ONG BAK was perfect! It didn't need any alterations, edits, and soundtack changes. Then again, what do I know. Personally I'd leave everything be. Show it as it was meant to be seen.

Period.

On that note, here's my review of BANLIEUE 13 a.k.a District 13.

WHERE...DO...I...BEGIN...???

WOW!!!

Just as DOBERMANN(1997) pushed the envelope genres of sex, crime, violence, and gunplay in French Cinema. BANLIEUE 13 takes French Cinema action, and martial arts genres to the highest level it's ever been!!!

Let me start with the pace of this movie. It's absolutely fast, and it's always interesting. Never boring. There's never a dull moment in this flick. I'll say it again, the pace moves very precisely, and frickin' incredibly fast!!!

All the characters in BANLIEUE 13 speaks french so fluently fast which makes reading of the english subtitles a little difficult, but will not deter anyone who watches it. Trust me you'll get used to it after a while, that is of course you speak and understand the french language then good for you!!!

Now, the storyline. Let's see, the plot is simplistically easy to follow. All you have to do is understand what's going on in the beginning of the movie, and you can pretty much tell what's going to happen, or at least you'll think you'll know what's going to happen.

In 2010, crime has overtaken some parts of France. The gangs has completely outnumbered the police, so instead of continuing to enforce the law. The police builds walls around districts that is considered hopeless. BANLIEUE 13 a.k.a District 13, is the worst of them all. Fortunately there's still someone who cares, he's not about to conform to the crime lord who runs BANILIEUE 13. His name is Leito(David Belle). He and Taha(Bibi Naceri) (Yes, Samy Naceri's brother from the TAXI trilogy, and THE NEST) is not actually in good terms, because Leito is the good guy, and Taha is the bad crime lord.

Somewhere along the way Damien(Cyril Raffaelli) an undercover cop crosses paths with Leito. Together they set out to save Leito's sister Lola(the beautiful Dany Verissimo) from the clutches of Taha, and his henchmen lead by K-2(Tony D'Amario) and defuse a bomb at the same that Taha managed to get his hands.

See, the plot is simple!!!

I know, the plot is not that original I mean it's been done before, but that's not the reason you'll be watching BANLIEUE 13. Nope. You'll be watching this awesome french flick for...yup...you guessed it...for all of the action, and stunts baby!!!

BANLIEUE 13 has got to be one of the best, highly stylized, French Martial Arts, Action ever...and I mean...ever produced!!! Watching Cryil Raffaelli, David Belle, and all of the stunt team in action is an absolute blast, no, it's a frickin' revelation!!!

This is the type of movie that energizes anyone who watches it. It's almost as good as ONG BAK(2002) Yes, I said it...almost! It's that frickin' good!!! I can't praise BANLIEUE 13 enough! I'll type the next sentence in Capital just so you'll know what I'm trying to say here:

YOU MUST SEE BANLIEUE 13, DO NOT MISS IT! OR HATE YOURSELF FOREVER! PERIOD!

There, so like I said BANLIEUE 13 is a fresh new ride in the action martial arts realm from the French Cinema, courtesy of Luc Besson, and the magnificent skills of both Cyril, David, and the rest of the stunt team. Having Dany Verissimo in the cast is a big frickin' plus. She's beautiful.

You'll also notice that the wall climbing, and aerial leaps that was popularized by the Luc Besson produced YAMAKASI(2001) and ultimately massacred by the horrible Julien Seri directed LES FIL DU VENT (2004) is present in BANLIEUE 13. I hope he watched this film, and learned from it. Julien Seri you idiot, this is how you film YAMAKASI'S ACTION!!! Don't place the camera too close to the subject you're filming!!!

Thankfully BANLIEUE 13 resurrects the sport, and presents it in a very extreme fashion that you can actually appreciate!!!

It's almost as if the YAMAKASI Team was the ones performing those Urban Ninja stunts. Ultra-cooL!!!

BANLIEUE 13 is a smartly directed, and masterully produced actioner that will not disappoint anyone who watches it. It's a movie that has no boring scenes, quickly moves from one scene to the next. The action is one of the best I've seen in French Cinema.

The music used in BANLIEUE 13 is ultra-frickin-cool!!!

The soundtrack grabs you from the beginning, and pumps you up getting your adrenaline all in a rage. When meshed with the visual style and slow-motion action scenes the effect of the sounds is magnified to the max. Thoughtfully placed, and the clever editing only adds to the already fast-paced-storyline.

The humor is kept to a minimum emphasizing instead on the plot structure, stunts, gunplay, and action. Luc Besson has to have taught Pierre Morel, the directing precision of this film because every scene, and every dialogue echoes wit that's only seen in Luc Besson produced, and directed films.

Everything from the dynamic camera angles mostly seen in Hong Kong cinema is used. Slow motion technique is definitely kept to a minimum, it's only used in certain scenes to cleverly heightened the effect, and to show off some ultra difficult martial art moves that's being performed by the actual actors slash stuntmen.

It will take sometime before the French Cinema release another movie like BANLIEUE 13, at least until Cryil, and David does another movie similar to this one. I just hope Luc Besson will continue to be involved in it, because these guys are just plain awesome!!!

Cyril Raffaelli, is famous worldwide as a fight choreographer. He's done famous blockbusters like the aforementioned WASABI(2001), LES PACTE DES LOUPS(2001),TAXI Trilogy(1998-2001),THE TRANSPORTER Series(2003-2005),MESSENGER STORY OF JOAN OF ARC(1999),RONIN(1999),MAN IN THE IRON MASK(1999). All produced or directed by Luc Besson, except the last two mentioned. Anyone who has KISS OF THE DRAGON(2001) will definitely recognize Cryil. He's one of the last henchmen that whom Jet Li encounters, and ultimately duels with at the climax at the end. An awesome, but brief fight scene ensues for the two.

May I add Dany Verissimo who plays Lola, is a cutie pie!!! I hope to see more of her in the future. She's so perfect for this role, she plays a very cute, and very feisty chick!!! She looks like she has an asian mixed look to her. I hope she gets more roles like these, in fact I just hope she does well in the future. I like her, she's hot!!!

Bibi Naceri, and Tony D'Amario is absolutely perfect for their roles. In fact, everyone is.

All I can say is, Viva La France!!!

With BANLIEUE 13, the French Cinema proves that it can hold its own in the Martial Arts Action genre. I won't be surprised if this is a movie that will put France in the map as one of the premiere Martial Arts movie makers at least along with Hong Kong Cinema who produces the most Martial Arts in all genres, and of course Thai Cinema, and Korean Cinema respectively.

BANLIEUE 13 delivers a knock out punch to the guts of the rest of the past French Martial Arts action made before it.

BANLIEUE 13 is indeed a jaw-dropping, eye-popping, French Martial Arts Movie Classic!!!

BOSO

2006-06-04T03:48:00.000-07:00

Alternate Title: Peep
Country: Philippines
Release Year: 2005
Genre: Erotic / Drama / Comedy
Language: Tagalog
Running Time: Director's Cut ?

[Cast]
Allen Dizon
Ella V
JC Parker
Bembol Roco
Joel Torre
Ronnie Lazaro
Tado
Justin de Leon
Katya Santos
Gwen Garcia
and Jeffrey Quizon

[Director]
Jon Red

BOSO (2005) is a type of movie that is a result of a very clever director, with intricate directing style, and resourceful work ethics. Jon Red is rising up to be one of the many new-wave filipino directors that is re-writing the filipino way of filmmaking. Thank goodness is a positive one. I haven't been much of a filipino cinema fan, at least not as of late but thanks to my Kuya (means brother in Tagalog)he has kept me current in it. Enough anyway to have the knowledge of who's who in Philippine cinema.

Clearly the MacGuffin here is the main character's uncontrollable desire to peep. Hence the title. The lead character is Jake played by Jeffrey Quizon. He is the handyman of a crazy rundown apartment building that's home to the many uniquely weird, and hilarious characters in BOSO.

His desire to peep was an accident. One day the owner of the building, his boss orders him to go up to the attic and place rat poison. Little did he know, this will change his boring life forever. A small hole big enough to see what was going on underneath caught his attention, as he peeped at what was happening down below he started to enjoy it. Especially if it's a hot young filipina chick changing clothes...having the time to watch something like that at his leisure made Jake feel...powerful almost...god-like if you will!

Soon every apartment in the building at its own private peep hole courtesy of Jake.
He soon learned that each and every person who lives in the building has their own private enjoyments, secrets, and their own personal demons within them. Watching Jake peep as he narrates his findings to the viewer is almost sinful, because the viewer really feels like he's actually there with Jake. In fact, it came to the point where he knew about all the details in each and every tenants lives, even the small ones.

Jake, because of his peepings knew who masterbated every night, he knows who get molested, and who's the molestor, he knows who is having sex...at the exact moment, he knows who doesn't like which tenants, he knows who steals habitually, etc. Jake shares this with you...the viewer!!!

Just you and him, and you feel almost as if...he's personally talking to you as he talks about each and every people he's peeping at.It's a very simple technique to grab the viewers' undivided attention. I swear, as I was watching this film I almost felt...somewhat guilty of peeping. That's when you know you're watching quality cinema, where it can transport you to another place, and time.

May I also add that Katya Santos, is a hot little mama!!! She is absolutely gorgeous. She plays Jake's love interest. Which is kinda wierd because she's married in the movie of course. She and her husband are the building's newest tenants whom Jake helps to move in. Newlyweds who just came back from their honeymoon and are taking their first step of their lives together. Of course that wont stop Jake from peeping at their newlywed lives. He's pervert..but...in a way the viewers is able to see why he does what he does. Well, because he explains it to you...he's very convincing to say the least!!!

As a matter of fact, in all of us there's a certain craving of curiousity but are afraid to succumb to. Jake on the other hand embraces the fact, as he shows us how he feeds his appetite for his vouyeristic hunger. Besides the sexual premise of this flick. It should not be missed because it highlights some of Philippines latest hot female newcomers in the entertainment biz, you've got Katya Santos, Gwen Garci, JC Parker (who very much resembles a young Penelope Cruz), and Ella V. The only chick Jake bangs in the flick!!!

However, still BOSO is in a way a landmark in Philippine Cinema because it shows the craftiness of filipino directors at least Jon Red anyway...he uses a Digital Video Camera to film BOSO, and manages to produce a very entertaining sex comedy!

I really hope that future filipino directors learn from this revolutionary director because the one thing that the Philippine Cinema is notorious for, is being cheap. The film companies will only invest a certain amount of money in a given project, unfortunately this age-old habit of the filipino way of filmaking is the ultimate curse that all of them had placed on their movies, and because of this most filipino action movies are crap!

Don't even think of watching a filipino action flick, it will make you sick!!!
No it won't be the acting that will disappoint you. In fact the acting in most filipino movies produced are superb no doubt especially acting performances from genres like Comedy, Horror, and Drama.

However, the one thing that will tick off anyone that watches a filipino action movie is the obvious cheap sets, and crappy explosions, as well as obviously fake sound effects. Don't even ask me about the blood effects...trust me on this!

Kudos to Jon Red in conceiving a thought provoking flick, as well as revolutionizing the filipino way of filmaking at the same time.

BOSO takes the Philippine Cinema to the next level as far production, and quality as concerned.

That means progress people!!

I can't wait to see what's next in Jon Red's bag of tricks. In the meantime, I shall wait in anticipation.

Thankfully the DVD that was released has english subtitles. That way english speakers can enjoy this rare filipino cinematic gem. That is if you can get a hold of the DVD that is.

In short, BOSO is recommended very highly by yours truly.
Highly recommended, and a very clever piece of Philippine movie making.

About frickin' time!!!

FLOWER AND SNAKE

2006-06-04T03:18:00.000-07:00

Alternate Title: Hana to Hebi
Country: Japan
Release Year: 2003
Genre: Erotic / Thriller / Drama
Language Format: Japanese
Running Time: 115 minutes

[Cast]
Aya Sugimoto
Hironobu Nomura
Renji Ishibashi
Kenichi Endo
Misaki Yozaburo Ito
Susumu Terajima

[Director]
Takashi Ishii

There's no mistake, FLOWER & SNAKE (2003) is without a doubt an erotic exploitation film, with substance!

Exploitation films are not all horrid. Swedish exploitation film THRILLER:THEY CALL HER ONE EYE (1974)is how an exploitation film should be! It has the three very important elements;

Sex, Violence, and a decent storyline!

It's safe to say FLOWER & SNAKE, has all three elements.

Hana to Hebi, it's original title in Japanese written in romaji is a very intriguing japanese erotica. The fact that most of erotic films only concentrate on the sex scenes, and the sexual premise.

FLOWER & SNAKE actually pays close attention to its storyline, watching this flick you'll realize Takashi Ishii developed the plot first, and foremost. He develops all of the characters both the antagonists, and the protagonists.

In a way Takashi-san nurtures these characters in our minds making us understand why each of the characters act the way they do. It's almost as if he's giving each character a pseudo-justification for their actions.

This element works to perfection, because by the time the movie gets down to business as far as the sexual exploitation theme as concerned.....you'll find yourself caring for what happens to each character, either positively or negatively.

Takashi Ishii has a unique directing style. As of late anyway.
A few of his latest movies featured 'FIVE MAIN CHARACTERS' or leads if you will.

His past movie projects like FREEZE ME(200) a story about an (1)innocent woman getting gangraped by (3)three men, as she moves on with her life she goes to Tokyo, and there she starts a serious relationship with (1)a man while she plots her revenge against the three men who raped her. That totals (5) Main Characters.

GONIN (1995)is by far the movie of his career. This explosive flick featured (5) five men that devices a plot to steal a very large sum of money from the Yakuza, of all people!!! Things don't go as planned, to say the least and all hell breaks loose!Takashi-san is at his best with GONIN. Of course, having Takeshi Kitano in the cast of characters is indeed a very huge plus!

So FLOWER & SNAKE is no different. It features five main characters. (1)is the 95 year old perverted Yakuza leader played by the always spectacular Renji Ishibashi, (2)the Yakuza leader's right hand man played the very cool Kenichi Endo, (3)CEO, and Husband of Shizuko played by Hironobu Nomura, (4)Shizuko's cute bodyguard played by Misaki Mori, and of course (5) the main lead character Shizuko played by one of Japan's finest, Aya Sugimoto. That totals FIVE MAIN CHARACTERS.

Now, would you say that it's all coincedence that these particular movies all have five main characters? Perhaps. But isn't that the beauty of watching these awesome flicks? to be able to notice uniquely different filmaking styles, and to be able to decipher what they mean, or at least try to anyway??? I personally thinks so!!!

While I don't know why Takashi-san would specifically choose to direct a movie with five main characters, I do know that he focuses his directing attention to the superb storyline of his movies, past and present. FLOWER & SNAKE is no exception.

The movie's plot is very simple and easy to follow, which is why it is so easy to be able to actually care about the characters especially Shizuko, the professional tango dancer, the beautiful trophy wife of one of Tokyo's youngest sucessful CEO's.

Unfortunately for Shizuko, she manages to catch the desires of Ippei the aging 95 year old perverted Yakuza leader who orders his right hand man Endo to do whatever it takes to get her to be his private sex slave in order to quench his perverted sexual desires.

Endo goes about it by blackmailing Takayoshi, Shizuko's selfish, and somewhat caring husband. Endo demands Takayoshi to pay his debt to the Yakuza by giving his wife Shizuko to them...and so the plot thickens!!!

You can pretty much foretell what happens to Shizuko at this point!
Let's just say she gets subjected to some of the most perverted sexual exploitations ever filmed!!! It's almost porn-like, but done with taste! If that makes any sense!

Aya Sugimoto, has to be credited for this film because she endures painful bondage scenes. Not to mention many scenes that has her in a rather very precarious, and compromising position. There are scenes where she is completely suspended in mid-air while both her hands, feet, and mouth are bounded, and gagged. Other scenes where she is both tied up on a large bamboo stick while she gets gang-raped by 20-30 Japanese men, absolutely dreadful, and disheartning.

There are various scenes of golden showers, sexual tortures, as well as lesbianism. The movie really explores all the deep human sexual desires, and manages to show the viewer these very erotic scenes executed with a tasteful manner.

Shizuko, coming from a very well brought-up background, who gets subjected into the very raw nature of human sexual psyche. You'll see the change that happens within each of the five main characters. It's really well thought out, and Takashi-san has done a superb job in the execution of this Japanese re-make.

The original Japanese movie, adapted by Oniroku Dan's novel was released in 1974.
Takashi Ishii does the original movie justice, in fact he surpasses the original with his unique vision, and flare. The casting of FLOWER & SNAKE is excellent. Aya Sugimoto is the perfect actress to play Shizuko, because she has a very innocent appearance while deep inside she has a very reserved rage waiting to be unleashed.

FLOWER & SNAKE packs a serious wallop. While it's not for everyone, anyone who has appreciation for character, and plot development. As well as a very solid storyline, and superb acting, not to mention sexual scenes done in a tasteful manner, will definitely enjoy this Japanese Exploitation Film for sexual, and sensual senses.

RUNNING SCARED

2006-06-04T02:37:00.000-07:00

Country: United States
Release Year: 2006
Genre: Action / Suspense / Crime / Gunplay / Thriller
Language Format: English
Running Time: 122 minutes

[Cast]
Paul Walker
Cameron Bright
Vera Farmiga
Karel Roden
Ivana Milicevic
Johnny Messner
Chazz Palminteri
Alex Neuberger
Michael Cudlitz
John Noble

[Writer / Director]
Wayne Kramer

From the moment that I saw the trailer for RUNNING SCARED (2006) late last year, I knew it was going to be something special. Now you might ask what did I see in the trailer that got me to want to see this Hollywood flick? Well...It was the Hong Kong style action, and gunplay. I love gritty crime action suspense flicks and this one looked pretty damn cool!!!

Now I know what some of you may think...I am cautious as well in watching Hollywood flicks that has an Asian Cinema influence. But not to worry because...

...luckily for us action fans...this RUNNING SCARED, delivered!!!

I have no idea who and where director Wayne Kramer came from...and I don't care!
As long as he keeps making movies like RUNNING SCARED, he's welcome to stay here in Tinseltown. Who ever he is, I anticipate his future projects because his masterful storytelling in RUNNING SCARED is absolutely brilliant!!!

From the intense opening scene he quickly grabs the viewers fickled attention, and holds it hostage for the next 122 minutes. If you are familiar with both Asian Cinema style action, and Tony Scott style of filmaking you'll quickly understand what type of movies the director Wayne Kramer has been watching, and studying for a while because it will definitely show as you watch this awesome flick!

The action scenes, and the gunplay is truly spectacular, and very graphic as the buckshots whizz past your ears. So does the bodies, and body parts, blood, and gore.
The pacing of the movie is flawless. The construct is no doubt well concieved.

You can definitely tell Mr. Kramer did his homework. The excellent use of overlaying flashbacks, slow motion, and obvious exaggerated action scenes is executed with absolute grace. Borrowing excellent ideas from asian cinema influence as well as crazy intoxicating cinema-style cinematography from acclaimed director Tony Scott MAN ON FIRE (2004)

But what good is the action scenes if it isn't backed up by a decent storyline? Well my friends let me tell you...

...the quality of the story, and the pace of the movie is excellent.

The MacGuffin here...is a snub nosed .38 This very distinct shiny piece is what will drive the whole movie, and all the characters in it. The movie starts by Joey played with psychotic authority by Paul Walker losing the aforementioned .38 revolver. A piece used to whack someone important that if found by either a rival mafia family, or the cops Joey will surely be done for.

That's pretty much the premise of the plot.

The whole movie revolves around that .38 as its passed from one crooked hand to the next. Almost all the time Joey has just missed it, and such. It's really a suspenseful cinematic experience!

It's a crazy paced movie because every gritty scene is marvelously shot. It's almost poetic like, in a sense that it completely grabs your attention. Paul Walker really surprised me with his performance here. Before seeing him in this flick, I just thought of him as a pretty boy in Hollywood. Now I know this dude can hold his own. He did an excellent performance in this flick. Hollywood Veteran Chazz Palminteri fits the bill as a dirty cop whose job is to make Jake's thug life a living hell!

Also worth mentioning is the awesome sub story this movie contains. It's almost as if it's a little bonuse-a little extra to the already complex, but absorbing storyline. An absolute crazy, gritty, whacked out, thrill-ride of a movie!!!

The soundtrack used in RUNNING SCARED is nothing short of amazing. It really helped stir the already crazy world Jake lives in, and the unique characters that revolves around it.

RUNNING SCARED is a visual l'imagerie for the eyes, ears, and nerves.
This is Hollywood at its best!!!
Don't miss this one fellas. Truly spectacular filmaking!!!

2LDK

2006-05-28T00:06:00.000-07:00

Country: Japan
Release Year: 2002
Genre: Dark Comedy
Language Format: Japanese
Running Time: 70 minutes

[Cast]
Maho Nonami
Daisuke Kizaki
Eiko Koike

[Writer / Director]
Yukihiko Tsutsumi

Back in 2002. Two premiere contemporary japanese directors went on a duel. Not the type one would think of like a duel to the death.

No.

It was more of a friendly duel, the weapon of choice:

Movie Cameras.

The rules:

A movie with two main characters, in a confined space. The whole movie is to take place in this aforementioned space. No more...No less!

The directors that went head to head were Ryuhei Kitamura and Yukihiko Tsutsumi.

Thus, the duel became...

Kitamura-san : ARAGAMI (Action / Fantasy)
vs.
Tsutsumi-san : 2LDK (Dark Comedy)

Ryuhei Kitamura is the more popular one considering he's produced blockbusters such as AZUMI(2003),AZUMI 2(2003), SKY HIGH(2003), ALIVE(2002), GODZILLA:FINAL WARS(2004)and of course...the zombie-martial arts cult classic, VERSUS(2000)a personal favorite of yours truly!!!

Ryuhei Kitamura is understandably the favored one when this clash of the ultimate directors was being promoted. However i'll talk more about Kitamura-san and ARAGAMI, the movie he entered later on. In the meantime, right now we'll talk about Yukihiko Tsutsumi's 2LDK(2002)

First off let me just say that Eiko Koike is an absolute beauty!!! Plus she can act too! But this movie is not just about her of course. Her co-star slash roommate in the movie Maho Nonami is also pretty, although not as cute as Koike-chan. She can however hold her own when it comes to ass-kicking, because that's what she does to her roomate Eiko Koike. These two girls demonstrates the meaning of absolute rage towards another person may they be an acquaintant or in this case a roomate!!!

Think of 2LDK sort of like a "mini-BATTLE ROYALE!" I know that's a cheap way of describing this awesome film but just imagine it for a second. BATTLE ROYALE takes place on a deserted island where kids were on a battle royale-kill or be killed type of situation. As for 2LDK it's not an island but the apartment instead. The scenario is the same...where the two lovely ladies go on a battle royale-eque-ish, kill or be killed scenario. It's true, the plot is very simple, and a blast to watch!!!

To give you an overview here's the scenario:
Two attractive young girls are being housed in an apartment type complex that has 2 bedrooms, 2 living rooms, 2 dining rooms, and 2 kitchens...hence the title 2LDK.

Faith it seems is not without a sense of irony, you see they're both aspiring actresses, and they're both auditioning for the same part thus, the jealousy, and all-out hatred towards each other ensues.

Each, and every scene that happens in the movie from beginning to the very end is a masterpiece. Tsutsumi-san is a genius let me state this now. It is without a doubt that Tsutsumi-san had a vision to keep the viewers interest at an all-time high as you watch 2LDK. The way he does it is very clever, for instance he takes a normal conversation between the two ladies. What would've have been an otherwise boring scene is only spruced-up by Tsutsumi-san by enabling their thoughts of each other audible....to the viewers that is.

For example, while Maho's characters is talking about her exploits of the day Eiko's character is thinking and while she's thinking the viewer is able to hear what she's 'REALLY' thinking. Eiko's character's thoughts is amplified and we learn she's checkin' out Maho's character's very expensive, and shallow taste in clothing and accessories. Meanwhile, while Maho's character is chatting her 'REAL' thoughts is also amplified and the viewer is also able to hear what she's thinking of Eiko. It's safe to say that both of their thoughts about each other are'nt very friendly to say the least. On the contrary, we not only see how different these two women are. We can also hear how different they both are.

Very clever storytelling indeed!!!

The very obvious MacGuffin here is both of the Ladies reserved jealousy, and hatred towards each other. This the formula that drives this film. As per the Duel rules, the whole entire movie takes place inside the apartment, and Tsutsumi-san didn't have a problem with that at all!

The hatred of the girls towards each other starts from simple evil thoughts, and as the movie moves along so does the hurt that these two ladies bring upon themseleves.
The fight gets progressively more physical, and the damage more brutal. Let's just say there's stabbings, electricutions, chainsaw, melee' attacks with a very heavy, and blunt objects, egg throwings, body slams, the list goes on...

...this movie is so whacked out you will be taken for a shocking, and joyous ride as you watch these two ladies attempt to kill each other over a movie part. Truly spectacular filmmaking. It's also safe to say 2LDK is the undisputed winner of the duel. I saw ARAGAMI first because Kitamura-san directed it he was clearly my favorite to win the contest however, after seeing 2LDK I now have a new found respect for Yukihiko Tsutsumi-san's filmmaking vision.

2LDK is an new-breed of visionary movie making at its most limited. Tsutsumi-san showed the world that despite a very limited budget, and a very limited amount of resources, and not to mention set spaces as per duel rules. Anyone, provided they have the same vision as Tsutsumi-san, is still able to make a movie that's engaging as it is indulging for our guilty pleasure senses.

No doubt 2LDK is a guilty pleasure!!! It's just so damn good. It's the type of movie that will stick in your head, and in your thoughts long after you've watched it. No doubt you'll talk about it because it's different, yet brilliant!!!

2LDK is indeed without a doubt, another japanese cult-classic!!!

FINAL FANTASY VII : ADVENT CHILDREN

2006-05-24T16:51:00.000-07:00

Country: Japan
Release Year: 2005
Genre: CGI Animation / Sci-Fi / Action / Adventure
Lanugage: Japanese
Running Time: 101 minutes

[Cast]
Shotaro Morikubo
Steve Staley
Toru Ôkawa
Quinton Flynn
Keiji Fujiwara
Crispin Freeman
Taiten Kusunoki
Yûji Kishi
Dave Wittenberg
Kenji Nomura
Shogo Suzuki
Masahiro Kobayashi
Kazuyuki Yama
Yumi Kakazu
Greg Ellis

[Music Composer]
Nobuo Uematsu

[Art Director]
Yusuke Naora

[Directors]
Tetsuya Nomura
Takeshi Nozue

If there's ever a movie to be made to do justice to its original idea, in this case a world cult phenomenon that is FINAL FANTASY VII for the first generation Playstation.

FINAL FANTASY VII:ADVENT CHILDREN (2005)
Is that film.

Unlike the 2001 CGI fantastique FINAL FANTASY:SPIRITS WITHIN(2001), FINAL FANTASY VII:ADVENT CHILDREN pays homage to the groundbreaking Playstation RPG classic that was released way back when...1997 to be exact! I know...I stood in one of the many lines that formed the release day of the Playstation game.

SQUARE-ENIX has never disappointed in terms of the storyline, although convoluted at times it never deterred me from enjoying their masterful creation, and unsurpassed storytelling. In terms of their CGI mastery? Well...let me put it this way. Disney, Dreamworks SKG, and PIXAR has got nothing on them!!!

Period.

Hayao Miyazaki's Studio Ghibli does but then again they're mostly traditional hand-drawn animation, and not so much CGI. Then again, Miyazaki-san doesn't need to!

FINAL FANTASY VII:ADVENT CHILDREN has set the standard for ultimate CGI wizardry.
But let's not get ahead of ourselves shall we? Okay. First. The storyline stays true to the Playstation game in fact, it continues from where the game left off. A casual viewer who isn't familiar with the game will still enjoy it's wonderul absorbing storyline, and jaw-dropping computer animation. However...viewers who aren't familiar with the series will lack that certain special 'Oomph!'

Gamers, you know what I mean!!!

But, for the viewers slash gamers out there who watches this flick will no doubt get a very explainable kick out of the many homages SQUARE-ENIX, has scattered throughout the movie. There are many, many references to the game for example:
there's a battle scene between Tifa, and one of the Kadaj brothers and after the scene a barely audible but familiar jingle comes into play.

This is no surprise but, the very clever way SQUARE-ENIX has incorporated this, and many other familiar themes exclusively for us...gamers is without-a-doubt a personal thank you to all who has enjoyed not just the Final Fantasy VII series but the entire Final Fantasy Franchise.

(Pic courtesy of IGN)

Now to the technical side. The CGI. What can I say? It's almost as if you're watching a FMV intro of one of their FINAL FANTASY GAMES except for a whole 101 minutes!!! The CGI's are Jaw-dropping to say the least, you won't believe your eyes!
Everything from facial expressions, body motion, the environments everything is so life-like.

The fact that SQUARE-ENIX was able to include every single main characters in the game was an absolute blast to watch, seeing them in full action is a complete and utter amazement!!! I was yelling and screaming when I saw my favorite character YUFFIE, what a hottie! Even seeing the aeon BAHAMUT (dragon that is summoned to assist in battles) in full motion glory is stunning! This is how a game-based movie is supposed to be done!!! If only there were able to include all of the aeons in the game, now that would be sweet! SHIVA, anyone???

The music. Thanks to Nobuo Uematsu. The music is so vivid, and so rich that it makes this movie all the more engrossing. Let's face it, the music element is important in the games, and indeed in the movie there's no exception. The music composition is Nobuo-san's best work yet.

It features many intense action scenes that does the series the justice it desrves. If only the games turned-based battle scenes is as intense! But anyways, action fans will love it, drama fans will enjoy it, and gamers will embrace it.

My rants, and ravings will not do this movie justice. All I can say is, "GO, SEE THE MOVIE!!!" I can't stress this enough. "GO SEE THE MOVIE!!!" Although I do have one suggestion, that is watch the FINAL FANTASY VII:ADVENT CHILDREN in its original Japanese language. With english subtitles of course for all you non-japanese speakers so don't cheat yourself!!!

Kudos to SQUARE-ENIX, FINAL FANTASY VII:ADVENT CHILDREN will remain for a long time as one of their many monumental achievements to come.

ONG BAK

2006-05-10T23:20:00.000-07:00

Alternate Title: Ong Bak:Muay Thai Warrior
Country: Thailand
Release Year: 2003
Genre: Martial Arts / Action / Adventure
Lanugage: Thai
Running Time: 105 minutes PAL Original UNCUT Thai Rlease

[Cast]
Tony Jaa
Petchtai Wongkamlao
Pumwaree Yodkamol
Suchao Pongwilai
Wannakit Sirioput
Chumphorn Thepphithak
Chatthapong Pantanaunkul
Chatewut Watcharakhun
Rungrawee Barijindakul
Nudhapol Asavabhakhin
Pornpimol Chookanthong
Udom Chouncheun
Boonsri Yindee
Arirat Ratanakaitkosol
Woravit Tanochitsirikul

[Director]
Prachya Pinkaew

"HANDS DOWN THE ULTIMATE MUAY THAI MARTIAL ARTS ACTION FLICK!!!"

Simply put, this movie will BLOW YOUR MIND!!!

Have you ever seen a movie and thought to yourself...wow, can it get any better than this?...the answer is, YES!!!!

Ladies and Gentlemen upon seeing ONG BAK (2003) we the people of the world have just played witness in the exhibition, and demonstration of perhaps the next greatest living legend in the action hero realm. Tony Jaa shows the world the beauty, and the exquisite art of perhaps the most feared martial arts style in the world. Muay Thai, also known as Kick Boxing. Muay Thai sounds a lot better to me, and of course authentic since that is the proper term for it.

Before ONG BAK, I swore I thought I've seen the very best in martial arts flick in Jet Li's FIST OF LEGEND (1994) I never knew that my wishes...actually the wishes of all martial arts action aficionados that another groundbreaking martial arts action film is to arise in our lifetime. After seeing ONG BAK I must say, it is absolutely the rightful heir to the king of martial arts action films.

What is so unique ONG BAK is that, Tony Jaa re-introduces the deadly art to the world. I have to be honest with you the image that is imprinted in my brain whenever I hear kickboxing is mentioned, the first actor who comes to mind is...'Jeane Claude Van Damme!. Yup, it's because of the movie BLOODSPORT (1989) Mind you, I'm not a hater of his, in fact I did enjoy BLOODSPORT and a few of his other flicks. However for some reason, he just didn't fit the right Kickboxing persona.

Tony Jaa on the other hand being a Thai himself, and a real-life Muay Thai practicioner, and former stunt man fits that persona perfectly!!! What better person to show the world how Muay Thai is supposed to be represented to the world? Who better than a natural born Muay Thai martial artist that is Tony Jaa. Watching him in action is an absolute martial arts movie lovers dream come true!

He is a living legend, probably one of Thailand's living national treasure. He's already compared to the great Jackie Chan. All of Tony Jaa's stunts require no wire-works, no stunt doubles, and nothing fake about the action scenes. All of the stuntmen in the movie actually get hurt because there is no safety-net, and no soft cushion when they hit the ground after being pummelled by Tony Jaa's character Ting. His action style is similar to Jackie's as well, most if not all of the action sequences are filmed in just one take! Super-cool!!!

Also, the actual impact of the high flying kicks, and fierce punches that Tony executes are so frickin' real as it hits the actual body parts of the villains in the flick. Watching Tony do his thing is no doubt an absolute wonder, as he lays down the law to the baddies his own Muay Thai way. Like Jackie Chan, Tony Jaa has total control of the environment his fighting on. He can climb walls with ease, walk on people effortlessly, and literally jump over cars like it was jumping over a curb.
Flips, tumbles, somersaults, he does it all in this movie. Without a doubt, a lot of people got injured in the making of this flick. No doubt about it.

The editing of some of the jaw-dropping scenes repeats itself about three times just to show us that, that is really Tony Jaa performing his OWN STUNTS! You gotta see the scene in the marketplace when Ting, along with Humlae played by the hilarious Petchtai Wongkamlao, and the super cute Pumwaree Yodkamol as Muay when they get chased by a group of baddies, that's when you really see what Tony Jaa is capable of.

Come to think of it, ALL of the ACTION SEQUENCES are SIGHT TO BEHOLD...MUAY THAI ACTION BEYOND BELIEF!!!

I mean he does spectacular scenes that up until now, we only get to see whenever we watch Jackie Chan flicks. Why? Well because only Tony Jaa, and Jackie Chan has the balls, will, and natural born skills to perform stunts like leaping from one wall to the other, perform aerial backward somersault double flying kick to the back of the head type of moves making all of the ultra-difficult stunts look easy. This is what sets other martial art movies out there apart from the work of these two icons. The absolute dedication to their craft. Doing their own stunts, nothing more...nothing less.

Seriously, Tony Jaa is the next action superstar, there is no exception!!! He is the NEXT-LEVEL in action martial arts mayhem.

ONG BAK's story is very simple. A bad guy steals the head of a buddha statue. The buddha's name is ONG BAK, the god of agriculture I believe because as soon as the head is stolen the villagers crops begin to wither, and die. They experience dry weather, and drought causing famine in the village. The only way to get back in the swing of things is retrieve ONG BAK's head in order to restore order in the village.

Thus, they send Ting played by Tony Jaa on a mission to retrieve the ONG BAK head, and kick major ass using his Muay Thai skills along the way. Simple enough for you?

"!!!ABSO-FRICKIN-LUTELY!!!"

Seeing this movie once is enough to blow your mind, but seeing it multiple times to watch all of the great out-of-this-world stunts performed by Tony Jaa will absolutely mess with your martial art loving senses!!! I've never seen a martial art movie with incredibly insane stunts like in ONG BAK.

There's scenes where Tony's feet is on fire,'REAL FIRE! and there he goes doing his stunts like nothing while both of his feet is being char-broiled, he does the side-helicopter kick to the badguy's face. I'm sure that the guy he kicked also got burned. Although Tony's feet were engulfed in flames I'm sure he had some sort of protection for it. The guy he kicked however I don't think he's so lucky as it didn't appear that he have anything to protect him from the flames coming from Tony' feet. Nothing to buffer the flames off his face, but the scene looks awesome beyond belief!!! Oh and there's a scene where Tony takes on a few fighters inside an illegal or legal...fighting match. I don't know the exact laws in Bangkok.

He fights this Japanese-looking guy who uses Kung Fu, another who uses brute force, and some dude who uses ANYTHING, and EVERYTHING as a WEAPON!!! Also, in watching this flick just when you thought it's over, another jaw-dropping action scene will happen, undeniably unbelievable!!! There's no question, anyone who watches ONG BAK, will have an absolute blast!!! So get ready for the next level in martial arts movies, and welcome our next action superstar, Tony Jaa. He resurrects a once forgotten martial art, and brings a new-found image and, respect, to the deadly art of Muay Thai.

In ONG BAK, Tony Jaa shows us the exquisite beauty, and grace of Thailand's most precious, deadly art of the Muay Thai Martial Art. At the same time making this film indeed a definitive modern martial arts classic!!!

MY KUNG FU SWEETHEART

2006-05-07T23:39:00.001-07:00

Country: Hong Kong, China
Release Year: 2006
Genre: Martial Arts Comedy
Language: Cantonese
Running Time: 90 minutes

[Cast]
Yuen Wah
Yuen Qiu
Cecilia Cheung Pak-Chi
Leo Koo Kui-Kei
Wong Yat-Fei
Wong Jing

[Director]
Wong Jing

"CECILIA CHEUNG AND GANG STARS IN THIS CRAZY ROMP FILLED WITH SILLY GAGS MIXED WITH ULTRA-COOL MARTIAL ARTS ACTION, OH AND DID I MENTION CECILIA CHEUNG!!!"

Love him or hate him Wong Jing to me still delivers!!! He's not one of Hong Kong's finest directors or anything but boy does he have a wild imagination! I mean he's produced, and directed some of the funniest movies Hong Kong cinema has to offer.
I'm not a devoted fan of his or anything, but I'd still watch any movie he does it just would'nt be the first choice on the list. However, I just finished watching MY KUNG FU SWEETHEART (2006) and wow, was it fun!

If there is ever a movie one should not take seriously, it's this film. It's a very unbelievable, believable story. What I mean is, you know this movie was made suitable for all ages. Don't be fooled by Cecilia Cheung's bath scene on the DVD cover. It's nothing. This movie is indeed for all ages. The movie pokes fun at all Kung Fu cliches. Death healing palms technique, bath healing technique, Shaolin 18 Bronzemen breakdancing...yeah that's right, Shaolin breakdancing, etc.

The whole movie is almost like a Kung Fu satire mixed with great choreographed Kung Fu action. It's a light-hearted fun at the movies basically. Something to watch when you wanna laugh at silly looking gags, I mean some of the jokes are kinda corny but you still find yourself at least I did, laughing at the screen. It's almost as if Wong Jing wanted it to be a corny funny flick! I mean the movie features a Big Bird type of character! It's basically a guy literally in a Hawk suit! It's Phoebe's, played by Cecilia Cheung pet bird.

I know, I know let's move on...

...there's a whole lot of IN YOUR FACE gags, and silly comedy, and sometimes very corny scenes, but their meant to be there. For instance, a scene where Phoebe's parents are fighting this one bad-ass with a white hair and there's a lot of chaos going on. The whole place their fighting on is getting trashed Phoebe, and Dragon played by Leo Koo, recieves a double drop kick from the powerful white haired bad guy. As both of them hit the pavement with blood gushing from their mouths, that's when an out of place confession of love comes pouring out from Dragon's mouth and unto Phoebe's teary eyed acceptance of his love towards her.

It's silly moments like this that will drive you completely insane, it will make you think like....wait a sec...this is not really happening is it?...but then as soon as you're about to puke from all the corny-ness Phoebe's dad played by the awesome Yuen Wah, drops from the sky and in the middle of Dragon's, and Phoebe's love moment, and tells them "...hey you two, this is not the time for that help me kick this guys butt, and you can have all the time in the world..."

That's when I felt like, 'oh yeah this is a silly comedy filled with silly gags, and stupid humor', only then you'll move on to the next crazy scene. Watching MY KUNG FU SWEETHEART is fun, and anyone with a good sense of humor will get a joy out of its schizoprenic humor.

Evidently, Wong Jing wanted this flick to be a pure martial arts comedy. Indeed he does succeed on this note. Casting Cecilia Cheung is always a good move in any production, even if it is a convoluted CGI filled story like LEGEND OF ZU (2001) Honestly, she was the many reasons why I saw that flick aside from the CGI's oh and having Zhang Ziyi in the cast is also a big plus.

MY KUNG FU SWEETHEART is well worth watching. There are scenes that has crazy and stupid humor but that's the way it was meant to be executed.

It's the type of comedy done with a NO-NONSENSE delivery similar to Stephen Chow's crazy humor style ala' ROYAL TRAMP 1&2 (1992-1993)and his most recent ones, SHAOLIN SOCCER (2001), and KUNG FU HUSTLE (2005) the execution of the humor is not quite dead-on but it's pretty close.

Other scenes like the guy in the Hawk suit inside the bathroom using the toilet while reading a porn magazine. Really I'm not kidding! The suit is cheap-looking may I add. Yes, it's corny but it's so funny you'll literally laugh at all the sillyness of everything that's going on in the flick.

All the scenes with Cecilia Cheung are awesome, even the 14 year old girl that played as her in the beginning of the movie is good, what a cute little thing!!! Also worth mentioning is the guy that played as Dragon's best friend in the movie, I couldn't find his name although I've seen him in other Hong Kong flicks in the past he was pretty good, and very funny.

In conclusion, all the zany-ness of this flick will drive you absolutely insane, while laughing your butt off at the same time.

LES FILS DU VENT

2006-05-06T23:21:00.000-07:00

Alternate Title: The Great Challenge (International Title)
Country: France
Release Year: 2004
Genre: Action / Adventure
Language: French
Running Time: 90 minutes

[Cast]
Williams Belle
Châu Belle Dinh
Malik Diouf
Yann Hnautra
Guylain N'Guba-Boyeke
Charles Perrière
Laurent Piemontesi
Elodie Yung
Santi Sudaros
Burt Kwouk
Ian Kay
Charles Jarman
Gary Stoner

[Director]
Julien Seri

LES FILS DU VENT (2004)or better known as THE GREAT CHALLENGE had the potential to be a great Action slash Martial Arts film that the Yamakasi Team wanted it to be. It even had a young attractive cast to propel the story, because the Yamakasi Team a.k.a Urban Ninjas who scale walls, leap dangerous tall buildings without a single hesitation is no doubt ultra-cool!

As far as the acting, everyone did a decent job. The action sequences were kind of slow compared to today's standards but after all, this is a movie made to showcase not kung fu-esque techniques, or thai kickboxing moves ala' Tony Jaa in films like ONG BAK (2003), and TOM YUM GOONG (2005)no, this is a movie made to highlight the Urban Ninjas death-defying aerial leaps, and unbelievable acrobatic wall-scaling abilities properly presented in their first Luc Besson produced movie attempt in YAMAKASI (2001) the Urban Ninjas continue their propaganda in LES FILS DU VENT to show the world just why we should care about their sport. It's a good thing that YAMAKASI was released first, because after seeing LES FILS DU VENT it will make you forget about the Urban Ninjas in no time.

Unfortunately, LES FILS DU VENT was not produced by Luc Besson nor did he have anything to do with its production therefore, it lost a lot of the appeal of what made YAMAKASI such a joy to watch! First, and foremost LES FILS DU VENT's story was nothing but a mediocre script aimed at pre-teen audience, in other words it was a mindless hodge-podge of a story that is just too childish to bare. However it did a have an excellence premise: (The Yakuza based in Thailand wants to occupy the Triads' turf so they employ the services of a wannabe low ranking leaderless gang to kill off the Triads head boss) yeah I know it's been done before but so what? If this project was given to a competent director LES FILS DU VENT would have been awesome.

Another thing that I'll gripe about is the amateur-ish camera placements. This much is true, the camera man or whoever was in charge of the camera during the filming of the action sequences did not know how to capture the otherwise awesome action that was being performed by the Urban Ninjas, and the stunt team. Julien Seri obviously did not learn anything from Luc Besson nor did he even attempt to make sure the stunts were being filmed properly. He should have made sure that it was doing justice to the Yamakasi Team. Sadly, he failed.

Oh yeah....there's another thing. Why oh why did he have to make this movie so damn dramatic? I mean really, the symphonic chinese-esque composition used in some of the scenes are so over-dramatic It just made this movie so corny!!! It was sometimes painful to watch...really it was!

The Urban Ninjas did their part. They are awesome to begin with, the action choreograpy was no doubt excellent. It just wasn't filmed right, and because of this the otherwise jaw-dropping effect it would've given the audience was instead tarnished by Julien Seri's amateur-ish direction. Ultimately he is the one to blame for this film's rather lackluster action, and mediocre cinematography

However I must add that Elodie Yung, she played as Tsu is an absolute beauty. She is definitely a future super star in the making. If she get the right parts in key fims she will rise like the hot lava from a raging volcano. I do hope she gets offers from Hong Kong directors like Johnnie To, Tsui Hark, Fruit Chan, how awesome it would be if she starred in Wong Kar Wai films!!! She has the right look, and charisma to play parts in Action films, Comedy, Romance, and Drama. I hope she does well in the future.

Aside from the Yamakasi Team's great stunts, Elodie Yung is really the only reason to watch LES FILS DU VENT. I really wish there were other reasons I can give but there is none. I'm not saying to avoid LES FILS DU VENT like the plague or anything, I'm saying this is a type of movie that is perfect as a rental, it certainly does'nt offer anything else for us to look back to other than what was mentioned at the beginning of this paragraph. So give LES FILS DU VENT a chance just don't say, I didn't warn you.

WATERBOYS

2006-05-05T00:44:00.000-07:00

Country: Japan
Release Year: 2001
Genre: Comedy
Language: Japanese
Running Time: 90 minutes

[Cast]
Satoshi Tsumabuki
Naoto Takenaka
Hiroshi Tamaki
Akifumi Miura
Koen Kondo
Takatoshi Kaneko
Aya Hirayama
Kaori Manabe
Takashi Kawamura
Hiroshi Matsunaga
Yûya Nishikawa
Katsuyuki Yamazaki
Taiyô Sugiura
Koutarou Tanaka
Makoto Ishihara
Naoshi Saitô

[Director]
Shinobu Yaguchi

WATERBOYS is a type of movie that is hard to not like. It's a movie that contains a number of different funny scenes that it will quickly tickle your funny bones in no time. What could be funnier than five high school japanese boys who goes on a quest in to learning the basics, and mastering the art of...Synchronized Swimming???
Yes you read right! This movie is about High School boys doing synchro-swimming, and it's frickin' hilarious!!!

What ensues is some of the funniest, yet simplest hilarious humor ever written, and presented on the silver screens in Japanese Cinema. This is the movie that SWING GIRLS (2004) borrows most if not, all of its humor. So if you liked SWING GIRLS chances are you're gonna love WATERBOYS, and vice versa.

The beauty in watching WATERBOYS is that the movie looks like a regular J-Dram-edy, but the further you watch you'll slowly realize that the humor being thrown at you is sometimes funny, other times it's a laugh-out loud comedy. Wait until you see the audition scene by the pool when the boys tries to show their stuff to their school Principal played by Tetta Sugimoto, and the Dolphin Trainer played hilariously by Naoto Takenaka. Takenaka-san has never disappointed me yet, any movie that I've seen him in he's always delivered! This scene is one of the funniest in the movie, but definitely not the last.

Another element that will stick to you is the wonderful soundtrack that is used.
The music in some of the scenes are so memorable because it fits what is happening on screen. In essence, it helps illustrate, and heightens the otherwise normal scene.
For instance, the scenes were the Dolphin Trainer agrees to train the boys to become better synchronized swimmers by teaching them rythm. What beter way to learn than to practice on a DANCE,DANCE, REVOLUTION arcade machine! The soda-pop japanese song is so corny yet, so cute!

Like SWING GIRLS, Shinobu Yaguchi weaves a tapestry of different troubling, and not so troubling scenarios for the boys to overcome, and endure. There is never a dull moment in watching WATERBOYS because the movie keeps the boys rolling from one predicament, to the next. The obvious MacGuffin in this flick is Suzuki played with wonderful innocent, and geeky delight by Satoshi Tsumabuki. Although his character is a dork, you can't help but like the guy, and his four other friends as well.

Aya Hirayama is so adorable in this flick, she plays Shizuko. She likes Suzuki, and Suzuki likes her too but was put off when he learn that she's skilled at Karate. In fact after finding out that she can crush a soda can effortlessly with one hand he was completely terrified of her. Besides, he's also ashamed in way to tell her that he's participating in an All Boys Synchronized Swimming meet. In his thinking, being part of an All Boys Syncronized Swimming pretty much doomed his chances with Shizuko, or so he thought!

No doubt anyone who watches this movie will be completely absorbed, and completely entertained. It's just a simple story with no CGI's or anything. This makes viewing this japanese comedic gem a blast! Sometimes less, is more! Shinobu Yaguchi in my opinion, has mastered the simplest things in life, are sometimes the funniest of all, because his humor is the type that can happen to anyone therefore it's very easy for an individual to be able to relate with the boys. Especially with all of the everyday ordeals they had to go through. It could simply happen to anyone.

If you haven't seen a good-quality comedy in a long while, you should definitely check out WATERBOYS. If you haven't seen any foreign comedy, it might as well be WATERBOYS. Either way, anyone who gives this movie a try will no doubt enjoy this japanese comedy about the teenage life in rural Japan...mixed with Synchronized Swimming that is.

DRAGON SQUAD

2006-05-04T00:57:00.000-07:00

Alternate Title: Maang Lung
Country: Hong Kong, China
Release Year: 2005
Genre: Martial Arts Action / Gunplay / Crime
Language: Cantonese / English
Running Time: 111 minutes

[Cast]
Sammo Hung Kam-Bo
Michael Biehn
Jun-ho Heo
Lawrence Chou
Vanness Wu
Simon Yam
Shawn Yue
Maggie Q
Wah Yuen
Yu Xia
Shengyi Huang
Bingbing Li
Andy On

[Director]
Daniel Lee

"HIGH FLYING KICKS...HARD HITTING FISTICUFFS...GUN BLASTIN'...ACTION OVERDRIVE!!!"

Action Aficionados rejoice! Your prayers have been answered!!!

DRAGON SQUAD (2005) is an action packed movie lovers dream come true!!!

It has everything an action movie should have: a decent storyline, an attractive young cast, veteran actors, international actors, hard-hitting fisticuffs action, and loud, explosive gunplay.

DRAGON SQUAD moves at an extremely fast pace. There is never a dull moment. As soon as the movie starts rolling you don't have to wait too long before an action scene takes hold of your undivided attention. There is so much going on in the movie, so much movement, it's almost hard to keep up with the movie's plot. No worries, the movie's storyline is simple, not convoluted.

Daniel Lee has done a very clever job in keeping your interest glued from one plot, to the next. Also, he must've been watching recent Tony Scott movies like MAN ON FIRE (2004), and DOMINO (2005) as of late because the similarities of filmaking element is present. Tony Scott's style is somewhat like watching a movie on an acid trip. His fondness for overexposure, zooming in and out, brief flashes, and placements of dynamic camera angles is also present in DRAGON SQUAD.
Thus, Daniel Lee incoporated his own Tony Scott-ish style of filmmaking.

Some movie-goers will probably be turned off by the style, but movie lovers like me actually embrace it. I must admit, the continous flashbacks for each characters background images everytime the camera does a close up on each one of them did get quite repetetive, but in no way did it lessen my enjoyment of the film. In fact, it only enhanced it.

Also Daniel Lee, painted more of a serious approach in the direction, and storytelling of this movie. There isn't an ounce of humor present. The movie was meant to be taken seriously, which is easy to do because the action packed sequences is simply breathtaking.

There is a lot of key martial arts sequences in DRAGON SQUAD. Particularly the fight scene between Sammo Hung, and Jun-ho Heo is jaw-dropping to say the least. They battle several times over the course of the movie, but their last fight scene is truly spectacular! Wait, I'm not finished talking about the battle sequences yet...

...the Gun Battles in this movie is...masterfully directed, I mean it's truly frickin' awesome!!! There are several Gun Battles in this movie, all of them are breathtaking but the Gun Battle towards the end in particular is without a doubt, the best gunplay action I've seen in a movie to date!

I especially enjoyed the Sniper versus Sniper Gun Battle scene at the rooftops. I've watched that scene over and over, and I just can't get enough of it. What I really enjoyed in DRAGON SQUAD is the mixture of Action Packed Sequences it goes from Gun Battles to Martial Arts, and back and forth.

The acting is also on par. None of the actors will win a Golden Horse award or anything but at least everyones' acting is believable considering it has an all star cast. At first I was skeptical when I heard Michael Biehn is starring in a Hong Kong Action movie, I always get weary when a Hollywood actor stars in Hong Kong films. They all come off stiff for some reason. But he did a decent job, after all he is somewhat a veteran in Hollywood.

Korean Actor Jun-ho Heo was excellent, he absolutely blew me away with his performance as a pyschopatic soldier. Maggie Q, was the perfect actress to play as the elusive sniper. Sammo Hung, is always a stunner whenever he is given a chance to show his ass-kicking skills and in DRAGON SQUAD there is absolutely no exception indeed!

In short, Daniel Lee succeeded in molding both Martial Arts, and Gunplay, and incoporated it in to a sleek, stylish, Hong Kong action movie. There is no doubt one will enjoy DRAGON SQUAD, especially if you are an action fan.

There is only one way to watch DRAGON SQUAD and that is to watch it LOUD...VERY LOUD!
If you own a decent Home Theatre Surround Sound System you definitely have to watch it LOUD in Surround Sound. If you can watch it in DTS (the MeiAh R3 DVD has this feature!) then you would be in for a real treat!

After watching DRAGON SQUAD, there is no doubt that the actions scenes will stay in your head for a long, long while. Until something better comes along that is!

THE PROMISE

2006-05-02T23:40:00.000-07:00

Alternate Titles: Wu Ji (MandarinTitle) Mo Gik (Cantonese Title)
The Promise (International Title)
Country: Hong Kong, China
Release Year: 2005
Genre: Fantasy / Drama / Romance
Language: Mandarin
Running Time: 128 minutes (Original UNCUT Chinese Version)

[Cast]

Dong-Kun Jang
Hiroyuki Sanada
Cecilia Cheung
Nicholas Tse
Ye Liu
Hong Chen
Cheng Qian

[Director]
Chen Kaige

THE PROMISE (2005) is a movie that one will either LOVE or HATE.

It is a movie out of pure fantasy, that should not be taken seriously. In Asian Cinema, flying stunts are done tastefully for cinematic impact. Especially in modern Kung Fu movies, sometimes wire-works are used to lift the actors off the ground for continous often exaggarated action.

THE PROMISE incoporates the use of wire-works to send the actors high up in the sky.
There are tons of battle sequences especially in the beginning with the introduction of General Guangming played by Japanese Mega-Star Hiroyuki Sanada, and Kunlun the slave played by another Box-Office Star this time from South Korea, Dong Kun-Jang.

The battle scenes are extraordinarily massive, however there some obvious signs of computer generated soldiers but none too distracting. Guangming's fight scenes is simply spectacular, he's choice of weapon is the ball and chain 'ala GoGo's choice of weapon in KILL BILL (2003).

The special effects during Kunlun's race against the wild bulls is way-over exaggarated. His scene is the turning point in the movie whether one will continue to watch this flick, or not!

It all comes down to this, if the person watching is used to Asian Cinema, then they will continue to watch it. But, if the person watching is not used to Asian Cinema, and finds over-exaggarated movies just too unbelievable then that person might not watch the rest of the movie.

To be honest, to me this is more of an Art film, it is just so elaborately made. The careful attention to the colors of the environment, the costumes, set pieces, everything is coordinated.

The locale is jaw-dropping. The majestic waterfalls, the crimson sunset, the list goes on. Director Chen Kaige, appears to have had a certain artistic vision when making this film. It's almost as if you are watching a live-action Anime.

The casting of the ultra-sexy, mega-super-star goddess Cecilia Cheung as The Princess Quincheng is perfect. Actually, everyone that was casted including Nicholas Tse as Wuhuan, and Ye Liu as Snow Wolf, everyone was perfect for their role, and everyone did an excellent job in the acting department.

More importantly, the language spoken in the film is Mandarin, and everyone in the cast including Hiroyuki Sanada who is Japanese, and Jang Dong-Gun who is Korean, are both speaking in Mandarin. And they both speak it fluently! At least it appeared in the film anyway that they are because they did an awesome acting job. Very convincing, and very absorbing. Their efforts in speaking the language themselves instead of cheap voice-overs only heightened the films storytelling precision.

The soundtrack, the composition is truly a masterpiece of its own right. It perfectly sets the tone, to accompany the epic tale of what's being presented on screen.

THE PROMISE reminds me of another artsy but action-packed film directed by Zhang Yimou, HERO (2002). THE PROMISE has a very similar style in terms of the careful costume, and color selection. Even the action scenes are somewhat reminiscent of the actions scenes in HERO, but in much less occurences.

THE PROMISE after all is more of a romantic slash fantasy epic tale. It is based on a famous Chinese novel, it was only a matter of time before someone thought of making it into a major motion picture. What better director than Chen Kaige. He certainly did an excellent job with the execution of the production of this film.

From the moment the film starts you'll know right away that this movie had a very high budget pocket book. It has some of the best eye-candy ever conceived. The CGI effects is so clean, so crisp, that it must be viewed with a High Definition Television to be truly appreciated.

Like the scenes with Hong Chen, as the Goddess Manshen. The effects done on her is amazing, the effects are so real, so life-like it makes one realize we are truly in the next level when it comes to special effects at the movies.

The make-up, and the costumes that Cecilia Cheung, Hiroyuki Sanada, and Nicholas Tse wore on the set of the film is so spectacular, so stunning the team should win an oscar equivalent award for all of their efforts.

I must add that Cecilia Cheung looked so beautiful in this film, as she always does in all of her movies.

THE PROMISE is no exception.

Again, it is important to understand that THE PROMISE despite the early action scenes in the beginning of the movie, is more of a somewhat slow romantic melodrama. So action aficionados, don't expect a lot of high-flying action because Chen Kaige kept it to a minimum.

Also, the action in this movie is meant to be more artistic like, 'ala the high-flying action scenes in Ang Lee's CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON (2001) so if high flying action turns you off, then this movie probably isn't for you.

But if you do appreciate art movies, and don't mind over-exaggarated action scenes, and have an open mind when it comes to storytelling then don't waist another minute. Go see THE PROMISE as soon as possible!!!

To sum it all up, THE PROMISE is masterfully produced in terms of the technical, as well as the artistical skills of everyone involved. Thus, THE PROMISE is a modern classic, and a cinematic triumph.