Tron: Legacy. A spolier-free review

The original Walt Disney movie, Tron, was without a doubt one of the most influential films of my childhood and I watched it with great appreciation several times. Tron: Legacy was a long-time coming and is probably the perfect modernisation of this 1982 classic. As a sequel, Tron: Legacy comes full-circle from its origins presenting the audience with a complete picture of today's technological age and the modern human condition. Back in the early 80s, Tron was ahead of its time, and technologically like no other film that had ever been seen before. In 2010 it's pretty much impossible to pull off a feat such as this, so the trend of the present day is decidedly "retro," and one of technological revivalism. The creators of Tron: Legacy obviously recognised this fact and created a new film filled with symbolism and imagery that captures this modern theme.

Much like the original, Tron: Legacy begins in the "organic" world. The story starts by establishing the history of where we started, summarising the events that unfolded since that time, and then setting the stage for where we are now. Present throughout the start of the film is an amusing "good versus evil" presentation of the conflict between open source and closed source, proprietary software. My linux / unix open source friends out there will enjoy seeing a middle-finger subtly and quietly raised in Microsoft's direction. (^_^) From there, we are led on a short trip down memory lane, and then onward into the latter-day Tron: Legacy.

For many viewers, Tron: Legacy might, at face-value, appear to be little more than a 21st century re-make of the 1982 classic. Indeed the imagery, events and characters in the film do appear to be just that: Tron (the original) with a face-lift. The truth is, however, that if the creators had decided upon vast, significant changes, they would have robbed us of a wonderful chance to feel nostalgic and re-connect with a film that many of us hold very dear. This film pays homage to the original by re-capturing its most highly-prized elements, while providing the opportunity to enjoy them in a way that leverages the recent technological advancements in film-making.

While Tron: Legacy is really so much more than a mere remake, it is certainly not without its faults. Much like the original 1982 film, the pace of Tron: Legacy is, at times, very slow. This is an aspect of the film that can easily distract the audience away from the main theme of the story. The movie also utilises time-tested elements of the "good rebels" versus an "evil dictatorship" that will strike viewers as cliché. Furthermore, IMHO, the use of 3D did little to truly enhance the overall impact of the film and would have been equally enjoyable in 2D. Finally, the film also incorporates a fair amount of unnecessary and unavailing motifs borrowed from Japanese culture. I decided, however, to simply chalk this up to a condition of the film-makers' desire to be trendy, and didn't let it bother me. These somewhat-disappointing aspects of the film are actually very easy to overlook due to the fact that the main point of the story was subtly but effectively delivered to the audience in a way that brings simple understanding to an elusive concept. I'm talking about the concept of Wabi Sabi. (Yes. That's right. No, this is not a typo.)

Wabi Sabi is a Japanese concept that encourages us to appreciate the perfection that comes from, or is contained in imperfection. It is only now that I can return to the point I was making at the start of my post: technological revivalism. In these terms, Wabi Sabi is the embracing of analogue over digital, organic over inorganic, "user error" over algorithmic perfection. Among the many different details that grab our attention while watching Tron: Legacy, including well-made and realistic CG animation, wonderful nostalgia-invoking images, interpersonal human conflict, and even a dash of romance, this theme of Wabi Sabi is mischievously evasive. It is clearly there, however, for the attentive viewer to see. The message that's hidden in this Hollywood production is a subtle warning that in our relentless pursuit of perfection through technology, we risk losing something very precious indeed, namely our humanity.

Before finishing this post, I'd like to say a bit about the soundtrack, which of course was created and performed by Daft Punk. The music in this film is a bit of a departure from the bass-thumping dance-floor techno that we've come to expect from these artists. Tron: Legacy is accompanied by a sound that's decidedly more ambient-techno, and works very well as what it was intended to be-- a soundtrack! My thought, while watching the movie, was that Daft Punk did a great job capturing the feeling of Tron and created music that definitely enhanced the overall experience without trying to take center-stage.

I predict that Tron: Legacy will likely be met with its fair share of criticism, and is almost certainly not going to be up for any Academy Awards. I couldn't care less about that though. This movie is for us-- the fans of Tron who fell in love with the film back in the 1980s. For some of us, it's a chance to share the classic story with a new generation, in a way that's relevant for them. My advice is: don't enter the theatre with any unreasonable expectations or preconceptions about what you're about to see; just go and enjoy yourself. I really had a nice time tonight and I'm glad I went. Being able to share the experience with my lovely wife, who had never seen the original, was an added plus. Walt Disney-- I know you and I haven't exactly seen eye-to-eye over the past couple of decades, but you did a good job with this one. Thank you.

おくりびと / "Departures"

I went out with my wife yesterday to opening night of おくりびと ("Okuribito," a.k.a. "Departures"). I would just like to say first that it has been a *very* long time since I found any movie to be so unbelievably moving and deeply impacting as this one. The film is inspiring, humbling and truly beautiful in every sense, and the afterglow from seeing it is a lasting one.

The story is about a young couple named Kobayashi who leave their big city life in Tokyo after the husband, Daigo (本木雅弘 / Motoki Masahiro), loses his job as a professional cellist. Daigo and his wife Mika (広末涼子 / Hirosue Ryoko) return to Daigo's hometown in opulent Yamagata Prefecture where he finds himself taking a job as a the assistant of a funeral director (山崎努 / Yamazaki Tsutomu). At the heart of the movie is an enlightening celebration of the cycles of life and an exploration of the humanity in which each of them is steeped. As with most married couples, there are many ups and downs for Daigo and Mika as they experience their new life. Nothing could have prepared, them, however for the unusually challenging and deeply meaningful experiences that awaited them. What we learn from director 滝田洋二郎 (Takita Yojiro) is that every stage in human life is truly beautiful, even death-- which is but a gateway to the next stage. What gives our lives meaning, Takita teaches us, is people - the people that surround us and become part of our lives give them meaning and beauty, even when we die. Another impression made upon the audience is that the way we die, as well as the people who surround us during our "departure," are an indication of how we lived.

The director's telling of this engaging story is enhanced by the use of subtle, yet rich and expressive symbolism in which the film is enveloped. Every aspect of the characters' actions, the space they occupy, the objects that surround them and even the changing of the seasons were part of a thick canvas that Takita Yojiro used to paint a sincere and revealing picture of his vision for the film. All of this was further beautified by the gorgeous backdrop of Yamagata Prefecture's mountainous and exquisite natural and communal settings. (This really makes me want to visit Yamagata-ken!)

Finally the elements that really drew the film together into such an amazing work of art were the incredible talents of the actors! Motoki and Yamazaki, honestly were pure genius and really demonstrated their great skill in this movie. They were absolutely amazing and convincing to the point that the audience forgets all about their own lives and feels like they've become a part of theirs. All of the actors in this movie did incredible work and did a tremendous job of communicating the depth and scope of the director's vision.

As an aside, for students of Japanese language, it is fascinating to hear the movie's dialogue which was delivered almost entirely in Yamagata-ben. The movie also presents a rare glimpse into one of the most private and sacred aspects of Japanese culture-- "coffining."

I can't say enough about this incredible film, and even if I tried I could never really do it justice. Please go out and see it for yourselves, your lives will be enriched for it!! Just don't forget to bring a handkerchief!

The cast of おくりびと is going out on a roadshow this september - that is what the poster image is announcing.

Link to the official website
Link to the English Language Website

Hollywood Anime/Game Rape - Updated List

The Hollywood rape of Japanese Anime, classic Film and Video Games seems to be more than just a passing fancy. In fact, the trend is quickly picking up momentum into a sickening pace. It seems like an industry that is completely devoid of original ideas has found a whole new world of "inspiration," and intends to continue down this disgusting path of systematic Americanisation of classic Japanese entertainment and art and casting these monstrosities with crap Hollywood actors that make me want to wretch.

Here is an updated list of what's in store or has recently been produced:

Anime and Film

• Death Note
  
• Ghost in the Shell
  
• The Seven Samurai
  
• Akira
  
• Speed Racer
  
• Cowboy Bebop
  
• Ninja Scroll
  
• Full Metal Panic
  
• Dragonball
  
• Sailor Moon

Video Games

• Metal Gear Solid
  
• Shadow of the Colossus
  
• Street Fighter
  
• Tekken

All hope is lost.

Onimusha on the silver screen!?

What is THIS? A movie is going to be made, based on one of my top favourite video game series of all time-- Onimusha? This is crazy! My initial reaction is one of both excitement and wariness. I mean-- an Onimusha MOVIE?? That is *awesome* but... can it really be good? It seems I am a little late with this "breaking story" as there has been talk of this for nearly two years already! Somehow, I completely missed it and just now found out about it for the first time.

The movie will be directed by Chrisophe Gans, who also directed the film-adaptation of Silent Hill. It has also been said that Gans has managed to cast Kaneshiro Takeshi-- the actor who was both the inspiration and voice actor for the Onimusha series' lead character - Samanosuke. The film was originally supposed to hit theatres at the end of this year, but doesn't it seem odd that there hasn't been more information available about it if that's that case? Well, other sites on the web seem to have new information that the film has been delayed until 2011. Other sites have claimed that production of the film is on indefinite hold. Damn... What's going on, I wonder?

If anyone has heard any concrete information about this, I would really appreciate some comments!

Film Pick - Boku no kanojo wa saibôgu

My recent film pick is an enchanting film called 僕の彼女はサイボーグ (Boku no kanojo wa saibôgu). This translates into "My girlfriend is a Cyborg," but was given the title, "Cyborg She" for the English-language translation. It's about a lonely and geeky fellow named Jiro, played by Koide Keisuke (小出 恵介), who on his birthday ends up meeting the girl of his dreams, who is played by super-cute actress Ayase Haruka (綾瀬 はるか). As the two get to know each other, Jiro comes to learn that his new girlfriend is actually a time-traveling, super-human Cyborg from the future whose life is already well-intertwined with his in ways that he will only come to learn in time.

Honestly, I thought this movie was absolutely delightful. All the essential elements of special-effects-enhanced sci-fi, tear-inducing drama and heart-warming love story were blended seamlessly into a wonderful film that was a joy to watch and drew its audience into the story quite easily. Critics of the movie might scoff at the seemingly unrealistic and sometimes paradoxical storyline development, but I don't think that realism was a goal that this writer-director was striving to reach. Instead I saw this movie as a refreshing, unique and thoughtful new approach to the story of a relationship between man and woman. Korean director Kwak Jae-young did something that is rarely accomplished successfully-- he meaningfully combined well-made time travel science fiction with a dramatic sub-plot based in meaningful family tradition into a very charming love story with fascinating and unexpected plot-twists, exciting adventures and multiple, parallel endings!

The other aspect of the film that really pulled this story together is the way actors Koide and Ayase and carried their roles perfectly. Their natural on-screen chemistry really made the unusual story come to life in a way that makes the movie a truly fetching experience for their audience. These two make a great acting pair and work together to make their relationship in this film into something believable and convincing, despite the extraordinary circumstances that brought them together.

I have to admit that I had my reservations about this movie going into it, but I was totally captivated very soon after it started and found myself enjoying every minute of it. I definitely recommend this wonderful film to movie fans of all varieties who want to enjoy a fresh twist on the tried-and-true. This is a great movie for dates, I might add, but it would certainly make for a nice relaxing evening at home, too. Check it out and see what I'm saying for yourself!

Wormgear's Latest Movie Pick

I recently saw an excellent documentary entitled Mardi Gras Made in China. As most people know, drunken Americans line the streets of the Mardi Gras parade route every year exchanging exposure of their private parts for cheap, plastic beads. Very few people take the time to think about where those beads originate, however. Conversely, most of the factory-workers in China know little or nothing about where the beads will go once they finish making them. This film provides a first-hand, in-depth look at the sweat shops in China that produce the Mardi Gras beads, and the abusive and dangerous conditions that the workers endure.

The film follows the lives of several Chinese factory workers and gives the audience insight into their daily lives and their experiences both on the job and in what little free time they have. Watching the movie, we learn about the long hours, inhumane and dangerous working conditions and the extremely low pay that is earned from completing a day's work. Viewers get the opportunity to see the workers' personal perspectives on their situation, and in some cases their family members' impressions of their jobs. The film also provides a detailed look at the managers and owners of these factories and illustrates the level of oppression to which they are willing to expose their own employees.

While learning about the lives of Mardi Gras Bead factory workers, the film simultaneously explores the other side of the Mardi Gras Bead trade-- the business owners who buy/distribute them and the Mardi Gras Party-goers who consume them. These two groups of people have one thing in common-- Mardi Grad Beads, but that is really the extent of their commonalities. One group works their lives away for mere pennies so that they might contribute, financially, to their families back home. The other group lives in excess-- drinking, partying and throwing beads into the crowds, oftentimes throwing the equivalent of one Chinese factory worker's monthly pay in a single toss.

What really makes the film something special is that the director, David Redmon, manages to give each group a bit of insight into the other side of the trade, and gives his audience the opportunity to witness this unusual event. We see the impressions of the workers in China as they watch film footage of Mardi Gras party-goers recklessly exposing themselves and throwing the beads into the streets. We see the Mardi Gras patrons having their first look at the workers in action, working very hard to produce the beads that are little more than a cheap party favour for one night of celebration and debauchery.

The two juxtaposed elements of this docu-dichotomy are expertly woven together into a fascinating unity via the use of actual footage from both China and Louisiana, and a witty narration that expertly blends tragedy and comedy. This is an amazing and enlightening film that provides a fresh and unique point of view on the issue of globalisation and the abuse of cheap labour in China; an issue that's explored and over-analised to the point of public de-sensitisation. This is on my list of recommendations for people everywhere. Kudos to David Redmon-- this is an excellent documentary.

View the film's trailer here:

Musashi on the big screen!

Fantastic news everyone!!! This is so amazing! Work is starting on a new anime film-- about Miyomoto Musashi (宮本 武蔵)!! Yes! One of my heroes and the main character of my favourite manga series (Vagabond) is coming to theatres in anime form! The title of the film will be Miyamoto Musashi: Sōken ni Haseru Yume (Musashi Miyamoto: The Dream of Riding with Two Swords) and it will be released next summer!

Just when you might be wondering how this news could this news possibly get any better-- now I get to tell you that it's going to be a Production I.G. film, directed by mastermind Oshii Mamoru (押井守)-- director of Kôkaku Kidôtai (Ghost in the Shell)! Yessss! Working with Oshii is animation director Nakazawa Kazuto (中澤 一登) who worked on the incredible animation and artwork of Ghost in the Shell, Blood+ and Evangelion! This means it is going to be amazing and will most likely be one of the best samurai anime ever released!

This is the best news I've heard since I got married 3 weeks ago! I can hardly wait until next summer!

Michael Moore - Slacker Uprising

Durin​g the campaign period before the 2004 U.S. presidential elect​ion,​ Michael Moore trave​led all around the States on a 42-day "Slack​er Upris​ing" tour,​ visit​ing 62 citie​s. In an attem​pt to remov​e Georg​e W. Bush from office, Mr. Moore helped to inspire a recor​d numbe​r of young​ and/or first-time voter​s to move into action.​ As a result,​ young​ adult​s voted​ in great​er numbers than in any previous elect​ion! It became clear to Michael Moore that "young​ peopl​e were the ones who were going​ to save the day" -- just as they are in the 2008 elect​ion. Despite these amazing results back in 2004, we still lost our country into the hands of an idiotic, self-interested, election-rigging jerk.

Each night​ of Mr. Moore's U.S. tour brought out thous​ands of volunteers and participants, driving local​ Repub​lican​s crazy!​ In one case, they tried​ to have him arres​ted, and at 2 of the colleges he visited, rich donor​s offer​ed more donations in return for having Michael​'s appearance banned.​ By the end of his tour, however, 16,​000 peopl​e a night​ were coming out to support his efforts. This movie is an account of his experiences on the "Slack​er Upris​ing" tour. In Mr. Moore's own words, "What I encountere​d durin​g the tour and the filming was both inspi​ring and frigh​tenin​g,​ so I thoug​ht,​ hey, this might​ make for a funny​ and enlig​hteni​ng movie​!"​

Mr. Moore has given all citizens of the U.S. and Canada permission to share​ the movie​ and to set up public scree​nings​ at no charge.​ Michael hopes we will use it, share it and show it in order to rally​ voter​s, and to raise​ funds​ for our favor​ite candi​dates​. Starting next week, from 23-Sep until 13-Oct,​ we'll be able to strea​m,​ downl​oad,​ or burn a DVD of "​Slack​er Upris​ing,​"​ free of charg​e, distribution courtesy of Rober​t Green​wald'​s Brave​ New Films​. Sign up to get your free copy of the film here: http://slackeruprising.com . I am definitely eager to get mine.

"Memories of Nobody" is totally kick-ass!

I just came back from seeing Bleach: "Memories of Nobody." First impression-- WOW! This is an excellent movie! I had such a great time!!

First of all, the U.S. showing of the film starts off with an introduction by Viz Media in which the voice actors, editors and production crew give a tour of Viz and explain the details of how their manga and anime films are translated for western audiences. This was a pretty kool way to build up our appetites for the main feature.

Then we get to the movie, which is absolutely amazing. The story is extremely well-written and very exciting-- packed full of action, feeling and well-placed comedy. There are a number of things that made the movie so excellent (besides Matsumoto Rangiku's (松本 乱菊) huge boobs). Some unique plots and character developments are particularly thrilling for fans of the Bleach series-- most notably: an astoundingly-strong team cohesiveness amongst Soul Society Squad Members, a demonstration of Rukia's awesome and relatively unseen Soul Reaper abilities and some uplifting Kuchiki (朽木) sibling camaraderie between Byakuya (白哉) and Rukia (ルキア)!

Finally, what made seeing this great film even more enjoyable was seeing it on a big screen with an audience of other anime fans who were just as enthusiastic about the movie as I was-- something I've never experienced before tonight. I am very glad I went to see it.

One thing's for sure-- it is not necessary to be a fan of the Bleach manga/anime series to enjoy this excellent movie. The story is unique and specific to the movie and the great story allows the characters to stand on their own without previous knowledge of their history. That being said-- you have one more day! Go out and see it-- you won't be sorry!! Check out the Viz Media official movie website to find out where you can see it!

"Memories of Nobody" in US cinemas Wednesday and Thursday

"Memories of Nobody" is the feature-length anime film based on the awesome Shonen Jump manga/anime, Bleach. The movie first hit theatres in Japan back in December of 2006 and is now finally coming to U.S. theatres after being licensed by North American distributor Viz Media. The writer is actually Sogo Masashi, not Kubo Tite (久保 帯人), and is a completely separate story that's not part of the regular series. This is great for fans of the Bleach series who haven't yet gotten to the end of the story-- there's no need to worry about spoilers.

The film will have a very limited run-- Wednesday and Thursday only, so don't miss it! Details about the movie, as well as a list of theatres can be found on the Viz Media official movie website.

Death Note the Movie, Re-made.

Hijacked from Japanprobe.com and dannychoo.com.

I know that this is already tired, old news for most of my readers, but I feel like I really need to state my opinion about this tragic turn of events. Vertigo Entertainment (The Ring, The Grudge, Shutter, etc.) has officially announced their decision to develop a re-make of the Death Note live-action movie. The film's cast will no-doubt be packed with irritating Hollywood screen actors; some unconfirmed internet sources have already named-- Zac Efron and Johnny Depp (* gag *). Since Death Note is one of my favourite stories of all time, this one really rubs me the wrong way.

Regular readers of my blog already know how I hate these American re-makes of Japanese films/anime/manga. The stories are almost always over-westernised and wind up being total hack jobs that contribute nothing to the originals nor do anything to honour the stories' creators. I really don't understand what it is that causes Hollywood writers and producers from coming up with their own innovations and new ideas. I wonder if maybe it's just a lot cheaper to rip off other ideas rather than create their own. If that's true, it's OK with me, but they should keep their hands off of these truly incredible works of art and focus on other piece of crap movies that are more likely to be *improved* by re-makes rather than violated by them.

Like I have said before, I'm through with big, money-hoarding Hollywood productions-- they are mostly big piles of garbage IMO, and I want nothing to do with them. Vertigo Entertainment, you can kiss my BUTT! I hate you.

Don't miss the Death Note live-action movie!

Oops! What the heck!? I almost missed this! Death Note the live-action movie, is playing in the U.S. for two days ONLY-- 20 and 21 May! That's today and tomorrow only! The film is directed by Kaneko Shusuke (金子 修介) and stars Fujiwara Tatsuya (藤原 竜也), Matsuyama Ken'ichi (松山 研一/松山 ケンイチ) and Toda Erika (戸田 恵梨香). This movie, based on one of the best manga/anime series of all time, was insanely popular in Japan and got some great ratings. I haven't actually decided yet whether I will go see the movie tomorrow night. I am right in the middle of watching the anime series, I am *completely* addicted to it, and I am afraid the movie might be a spoiler for me!

A complete list of all showings in the U.S. is here:
http://www.fathomevents.com/news/default.aspx?newsid=122

American life = fear and distrust

Last night I saw Bowling for Columbine. I can't believe it took so long for me to see this incredible film! I am very glad I finally saw it. Once again Michael Moore delivered an eye-opening and thought-provoking analisis of a specific chapter in American life. As always, seeing his film inspired me to try and improve social conditions by starting with myself and working to be a better person. Also, as usual, Moore's film inevitably reinforced my resentment and contempt for this screwed up country and the powers the drive it.

In Bowling for Columbine, Moore reviewed the tragic events surrounding the massacre-suicide that took place in 1999 at Columbine High School in Colorado. He then went on to illustrate how this event is a microcosmic reflection of the American ideologue in its entirety. The point of this documentary is to demonstrate how Americans are raised and nurtured in fear and distrust. The film explores this in-grained fearfulness and reveals a social infrastructure that breeds violence, paranoia and suspicion amongst American people. Viewers also see how our situation provides vast opportunities for political dominance and the success of businesses that capitalise on fear.

There is a fundamental difference in America that results in 11,700+ gun-related deaths annually as compared to a yearly average of less than 100 in most other industrialised nations. As Michael Moore points out, this cannot be attributed merely to this country's bloody past or easy access to firearms. The root cause of this disturbing social phenomenon is the uniquely-dark and corrupt way that Americans are raised, educated and governed. I really believe that the concepts communicated in this film should be the foundation from which we all approach our understanding of political process, news media and social practice.

Spielberg gets in on the rip-off action

Next on the chopping block-- Kôkaku Kidôtai (攻殻機動隊) aka. Ghost in the Shell. This award-winning, complex and highly philosophical story was first a very popular late-80s/early-90s manga series by Shirow Masamune (士郎 正宗). In 1995 the manga was adapted into the highly-acclaimed, self-titled, full-length anime film by director Oshii Mamoru (押井守). The film was one of the very first to blend CG and cell animation a into perfectly-rendered anime masterpice, alluring anime-fans, movie-critics and otakus alike, worldwide.

The sad and disappointing part of this began in 2004 when Ghost in the Shell was acquired by DreamWorks. Then, last week, Stephen Spielberg announced his intent to rape the classic manga/anime story with a live-action re-make of this stunning, thought-inspiring movie. God only knows who will be cast to play the roles of these amazing characters. I certainly cannot think of one single Hollywood actor who could accurately portray Major Kusanagi (草薙 素子) or Chief Aramaki (荒巻大輔). Perhaps Spielberg will do the same thing he did for Memoirs of a Geisha and cast Chinese Actors to play the roles of Japanese people? Sure-- they all look the same to whitey, right? Riiiight.

This is just another Follywood dumbfuck idea from an industry that has already done and re-done everything, and can no longer create new ideas of their own. What a sham(e).

Hollywood is seriously starting to piss me off!!!

For F%*K SAKE! I wish I could say that there is no way for the situation to get any worse, but sadly-- it gets much MUCH worse. Harvey Weinstein has evidently started smoking f%*king CRACK or something, which is rotting his brain and has led him to believe that it's a good idea to create a re-make of one of the GREATEST MOVIES OF ALL TIME-- Kurosawa Akira's (旧字体) enlightening, awe-inspiring, film *masterpiece*, Shichinin no Samurai (The Seven Samurai).

This is one of the stupidest ideas I have EVER heard, and that is saying a LOT considering I live in a country that has had George Bush as president for the last 8 years. I don't see how the man who produced The Lord of the Rings movies, Fahrenheit 9/11 and Sicko (among many other great films) could possibly do this (it has to be crack).

What adds insult to injury is that this re-make will be starring Hong Kong actors Donnie Yen and Ziyi Zhang along with Hollywood big-screen jerk-wad George Clooney. Please excuse me while I go vomit in terror and then burst into tears of sorrow.

I hate you, Hollywood-- go f%*k off and find your own goddamn ideas!

Hollywood is totally LAME!

Hollywood is officially OUT of new ideas, aside from those that are very stupid or else tired and played-out. So where do Hollywood producers turn when they need to make money? The land of true innovation and creativity, of course, Japan. Here are two examples of what's coming down the Hollywood sewer-pipe:

Akira
A live-action interpretation of Ôtomo Katsuhiro's 1988 Anime CLASSIC of the same name, based on the amazing and very popular manga, Akira (アキラ). This new movie, produced Leonardo DiCaprio (*ugh*), will be set in "New Manhattan" and has lame-ass TV actor Joseph Gordon Levitt cast to play the part of Tetsuo! Ewwww. What a waste. Sorry-- I wish this were an April Fool's Day joke but sadly, it's not.

Speed Racer
Another live-action rip-off of a classic anime series-- Mahha GoGoGo ("Speed Racer" in the west) created in the 1960s by anime founding father Yoshida Tatsuo. This piece of crap "movie" also casts boring TV actors to play the main characters: Emile Hirsch as Mifune Gō ("Speed Racer") and Matthew Fox as Fukumen Racer ("Racer X"). Then there's Christina Ricci. I don't really have a problem with her, per se, but I certainly do not think she is a good choice for playing the part of Michi ("Trixie").

What a sorry-ass state of affairs for a city that at one time set the standard for film production world-wide. Pure garbage.

A glimpse into the lives of the Young Yakuza

This is not the gun-blazing, finger-chopping type of Yakuza film that you might expect from film masters Beat Takeshi (北野 武) or Miike Takashi (三池 崇史). Young Yakuza is a documentary made by french director Jean-Pierre Limosin offering a rare opportunity to get a first-hand look at the personal, human side of yakuza life.

The film's stars are real-life yakuza Ishii Chiyozo, Ishii Hideyuki, yakuza apprentice Watanabe Naoki and other members of the Kumagai-gumi. While the film may consist largely of interviews and routine, day-to-day activities, Limosin allows his audience a chance to accompany the yakuza clan members, learn about their unique customs, and experience the complexities of their inter-personal relationships with each other, their families and themselves.

I have never heard about another film like this one and I am thoroughly impressed. If you would like to get some real perspective on the real lives of the yakuza, aside from just what you see in the movies and read about in books, I HIGHLY recommend this film. If you're in the Chicago area, the film is playing until 20-March at Facets - 1517 W. Fullerton. 773-281-9075

The Soong Sisters - A totally amazing film!!

Last night I saw The Soong Sisters, or Song Jia Huang Chao. No, this is not a new movie, it's 10 years old, in fact. It's new to me though! As a fan of Michelle Yeoh, it's a title that I've had on my movie-list for a long time. Finally I've seen it and I was very impressed! I highly recommend this movie to anyone who is interested in Chinese history, Taiwanese independence, or also to folks who just enjoy excellent cinema in general.

The story is about China during the early-to-mid 1900s when the time of true imperialism was ending to make way for a new era of intense political strife between the Communist Party and the Nationalist Party. The focus of the story was centered around the three sisters of the Soong family; the daughters of Charlie Soong, a prominent Shanghai businessman and Christian missionary. The three daughters, Ai-ling (Michelle Yeoh), Ching-ling (Maggie Cheung) and Mei-ling (Vivian Wu), after going to school in the U.S., grew up to marry the richest, most powerful and influential men in their time-- Premier of the Republic of China (H.H. Kung), the Father of Modern China and first President of the Republic of China, (Sun Yat-sen) and military leader and succeeding President, (Chiang Kai-shek), respectively. These woman soon went on to develop qualities of wealth, power and influence all on their own, and were first in revealing to China the face of the modern, independent woman. Together as sisters, and also separated through political difference, the three women were at the center of the most powerful family in all of China, and quite possibly the world.

This fascinating, intense and totally engrossing film takes its audience through a close-up and personal journey through the lives of the Soong extended family and explores the interaction of those at the very top of 20th century China's government and financial heirarchy. United as one China, then torn apart by civil war and finally invaded by Japan, the country was in the hands of the Soong family throughout its period of complex political upheaval, desperate search for national identity and intense struggle for financial independence. This is a masterpiece of Hong Kong Cinema that offers something for every kind of viewer to enjoy.