The Human Condition: disc 2 (1959). The second instalment to this epic was just as monumental as the first. Can't wait for the next one. Ashe.
derek

Carved: The Slit Mouth Woman (2007). This flick had so much potential, but something was just missing from what could have been a top rated J-horror flick. The acting was pretty sketchy at times , albeit they child actors were usually the culprits. The lead actress was pretty bad at times too though. Even with these limitations, the atmosphere was wonderful, the lighting almost jaundiced, and the fact that the monster of this flick attacked at random and in full light of day made it pretty chilling. Actually, the slit mouthed woman proper was portrayed fantastically. Unpredictable to the core, the only thing that she was consistant was her need to inflict pain, and brutally so. Be prepared to see violence that would probably not be tolerated in the US. Her vile nature was evil incarnate, and i would say that she carried this flick. The score was perfectly unsettling as well. Definitely worth a watch. Ashe.
derek

The Quiet Family (1998)

It's about how a 'normal' family (in an isolated hiking area) react to some 'abnormal' or unexpected situations and face the consequences...overall an excellent suspense drama with a great balance between tension & laughter. Highly amusing and engaging black comedy from the director of A Tale of Two Sisters. A great cast including Kang-ho Song (Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance, Memories of Murder).

>>: A-


Phone (2002)

A decent K-Horror. That cute little creepy girl almost steal the show from everyone.

>>: B

The Human Condition (1959). Finally made it through this absolute epic, 9h and 47m flick. This was simply a pacifist's incredible journey from a WWII slave labor supervisor to a soldier and finally to a POW in a Russian prison camp. This film is a painfully wonderful study of the pawns of war, whose sufferings are unimaginably portrayed in the fantasic epic. The Human Condition does not short-corner the realities of human nature, and how good men might behave when in horrific circumstances. Nor does director Kobayashi shy away from calling a spade a spade in his horrific portrayal of the Japanese during this WWII era flick. The hero, the ever stoic Kaji, is a monument of a man that holds true to his ideals by treating everyone in a fair and humane manner. His greatest flaw might be that he holds others to the nearly impossible standards that he holds himself to. Of course, there is the larger than life heroine, Kaji's beloved Michiko, which fuels him to survive each tribulation such that he can finally again rest in Michiko's arms. A wicked testament to human resolve, the ending to The Human Condition disappointed me at first, but there was no other way to end this monumental flick, and with reflection this ending became more and more powerful. A huge commitment for sure, this is still a must see for the arduous fan of classic Japanese cinema. Ashe.
derek

Ju-Rei: The Uncanny (2004). Director Koji Shiraishi tends to make movies that are not really appreciated here in the US (Noroi the Curse may be the one exception). This is one of them. Lacking foreshadowing and even a motive, this flick uses awkwardly angled close-ups and malingering camera shots to keep the viewer unsettled. Also lacking is gore of any kind, save for a scraped knee. Told is a somewhat unique fashion, the source of the horror, and the ending itself, is rather vague. Instead this is an unmerciful, Grudge-like film that offers no safety for the victims, where their demise can take place in a dark corner or in the light of day among friends. Shot in almost colorless color, the bleak outlook of this flick is disquieting as well. Not for everyone, i contend that this film is best left for the zealous J horror fan. Personally, i enjoyed it immensely, and the scene in the stairwell will probably haunt me for years. Ashe.
derek

Afterlife (1999). This is a wonderfully touching story that accounts for the afterlife. After death, humans first must check in to an institutional-like weigh station and choose one memory to take with them to eternity. There are counselors that are to both help choose an appropriate memory and then recreate it for the recently dead to see. Shot in a drab, almost documentary style, this great flick sneaks a story in behind the premise. The set is a drab, old building, and the feeling is really that of an instution, AKA a very human. Incredible flick. Ashe.
derek

Unfair: The Movie (2007)

A pretty average police action-drama that started well but failed to keep the pace after the 1st half.

>>: C

Machine Girl...Totally crazy, blood drenched movie. What Tarrantino's Grindhouse flick should have been.

Wild Zero (1999). Personally, i am not really a fan of B-movies. Nothing against them, just not my thing. Still, i felt compelled, almost duty-bound, to see Wild Zero. i must admit, though not on my J-horror fav list, i did enjoy this one much more than i expected. For fans of this genre, it must be one of the all around best zombie flicks out there. On a side note, this cheesy little treat also tackled a pretty heavy romantic theme, which to me added some depth to this goofy fun film. Ashe.
derek

Marebito (2004). This intense, low budget movie from Takashi Shimizu of Ju-on fame may not be for everybody, but it is a must see for those willing to take a psychological journey beyond the fantastic realms of disturbing terror. Actor/director Shinya Tsukamoto plays Masuoka, an alienated and voyeueristic freelance cameraman obsessed with what can only be thought of as the dark terror. Emotionally dead, he begins to seek life in the darkest of places, maybe in an effort to discover truth in ineffable horror. We take this journey with Masuoka mainly through the lens of his digital camera and his dialogue, only to descend onto the abyss of his (or everybody"s) madness. Immensely symbolic with no boundaries of interpretation, this flick is like a cathartic purge of the dark genius of Shimizu, which may not be far from the truth as this complex tale was reportably shot in eight days. For those willing to risk a trip into unspeakable madness and imagery, this wonderful film may be the perfect meal-ticket. Ashe.
d

Ugetsu (1953). This uniquely simple movie is also a masterpiece of direction and cinematography. The story itself is simple. Set in 16th Century Japan, two peasant men follow their dreams of wealth and glory as the country is about to be devastated by war. While the backset shows how the ravages of war torments the peasants to obscenity, this is more a tale of human nature, a tale of greed and vanity, of mistakes made by real people. Men here fight for wealth, fame and power, while the women strive for simple and unadorned security; that men make the greatest of errors does not equate to women being without their faults. The acting is compelling, with all of the leads portraying their parts with powerful results. The direction is awesome, and the camera-work is wonderful. With splendidly long takes, a camera inconspicuously on the move with flawless intent, and eerie scenes that forbodes what is to come (AKA the boat scene), there is nary a fault to be found in what should be considered one of the best films ever made. Ashe.
derek

Attack the Gas Station (1999)

Four young Korean punks invade a gas station because they are bored. As they realize running the station for an evening might be more profitable & worth time passing than simply robbing it, they end up taking hostage the manager and employees as well as most of the customers.

An excellent comedy extravaganza from Korea. Don't dare to miss this awesome fun ride if you get a chance to see it anytime anywhere.

>>: A-

Bio Zombie (1998). This wonderful little Asian zombie flick deserves better than played out comparisons to American zombie flicks. This is a dark comedy about two friends, jerks really, that are somehow wonderfully likeable. While the monsters take a while to make their appearance, the shenanigans that the two leads get into provide wonderful entertainment. The other characters turn our to be just as fun, and once the real fun gets going their interactions lead to some fun and playful scenes. Gore-hounds might be a little dissappointed with this fun, low-budget film, but i be that even they will come away approvingly. That this film is character driven and that we get to understand what true friendship and honor are really all about takes nothing away from its goofy horror. The ending itself takes on a completely unforseen tone, but with a dark and wonderful aplomb. Ashe.
derek

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter... and Spring (2003). That this is a visually stunning movie is not only an understatement, it is of minor importance to the profound impact that this spectacular film has on the soul. This is a sublime, symbolic, and simple study of life itself. With little dialogue, Kim-duc Kim tells the story of a man raised in a floating Buddhist temple by a wise and powerful monk. The theme is of lessons learned and paid for. This film was nothing short of an outstanding movie and visual meditation. Ashe.
derek

The Red Shoes, I was impressed, a lot of blood and the story was decent as well. It's worth a watch, it's on netflix instant if I'm not mistaken.

Big Man Japan

Matango: Attack of the Mushroom People (1963)

A true Asian Classic. Loved it.

>>: B+

With a great score by Sadao Bekku too!

The Good The Bad The Weird

What an extremely enjoyable film! Ji-woon Kim gives a visually stunning, action filled western set in '30s Manchuria. The plot is thin on the ground (to say the least), a train robber, outlaw and bounty hunter are all chasing each other across Chinese deserts on the hunt for buried treasure hinted at on a stolen treasure map. In turn they are pursued by the Japanese army and Chinese bandits and thats pretty much it. What makes this film is the excellent performances from all concerned, the quirky and funny script and the brilliant set pieces.

Did I mention how good it looks? The cinematography is fantastic, the sets are good and even the costumes are noticable in their quality. If you want to be thoroughly entertained, watch this.

Can't WAIT to see this! Thanks for the rec!

Glad you liked this one - I found it absolutely charming; something I would definitely watch over and over again. Completely underrated zombie comedy.

...


Dai-Nihonjin (Big Man Japan): Definitely not a horror movie, this mockumentary covers... GIANT MONSTERS. We follow around BIG MAN JAPAN, a man who has been tasked with the job of fighting giant monsters when they come and attack Japan... Great concept. Some funny, fantastic giant monster-fighting scenes, but definitely falls short of the expectations that I had for it. It definitely takes a very SLOW and MUTED approach to the subject which, while I understand the point, I found myself getting bored and just waiting for the next ridiculous giant monster scene.

NE - You would really dig this one.

3/5.

Dead Girl Walking (2004). Koji Shiraishi is not intimidated in his exploration in demented art forms, and Walking Dead Girl is a prime example of his wickedly weird and artistic capacity. i bet that most folks would not like this short little flick (44 min), but anyone into weird and demented films might give this a go. Most of Koji's stuff seems to be very symbolic, and this one is no exception as exemplified by the ending. Dark and horrifyingly grim and even cruel, there is just enough comic relief to carry the viewer to the poetic ending. Ashe.
derek

Violent Cop (1989)

One of the early films of writer, director & actor Takeshi Kitano. A dark, slow burn Police action thriller about detective Azuma (played by Kitano) who seek vengeance due not only to his lust for revenge but because he's bit psychotic. There's a sense that Azuma won't rest until he gets his man not out of duty but out of madness...mainly cause of when he finds his perfect match for duel in the underground world of crimes.
Kitano gives a riveting performance in this film; and the film itself is beautifully shot with a good score. But the best part of this is perhaps the end - the film ends on a perfectly cynical note that couldn't be topped. This might not be everyone's cup of tea, but certainly a great, hard-boiled crime movie with bleak seriousness. This movie has another title called WARNING - THIS MAN IS WILD, and in this case, it's not a joke at all.

>>: A-

Samurai Fiction (1998). Akira Kurasawa meets MTV meets Kung Fu Hustle. Not really, but there is some truth in this analogy. Music video director Hiroyuki Nakano apparently watched Yojimbo over and over while making this wonderful flick. His music video side definitely shows, but in a great way that somehow blends a rock n roll soundtrack with a samurai movie. Mostly shot in black and white, the use of color is used for emphasis only. Moderate use of humor and playful goofiness keeps the tone light for what could be just a rather heavy-hearted affair. The characters are wonderfully portrayed, and the villain (a real life rocker) is hard not to like. Don't expect a traditional samurai flick here, but instead keep an open mind for a movie most all fans of Japanese cinema should appreciate. Ashe.
derek

Old Boy....

the city of violence

The Host and then a documentary on monster movies and their political/environmental cauntionary tales.

Junk (2000)

There are few Asian Zombie films that I have seen so far. This one is decently funny. Thanks to Chrono for the DVD (via HDC Package 2.0):)

>>: B-

Apartment 1303 (2007). A low budget J-horror flick that has a very poltergeist feel to it. It had some decent moments, but others were pretty cheesy. For a mediocre ghost story from Japan it was at least entertanining, at least for me. i'd have a hard time recommending it to others though. Ashe.
d

Do you like Japanese scary movies?

Is that one out already?

Was it good?

Master of the Flying Guillotine (1975). Somehow, this martial arts flicks fits in a story between fights. Anyone that likes lots of action and little dialogue will find this Kung Fu movie wonderful. Each fighter has a unique style and uses it to advantage. The ridiculously long fight tournament was superb. The titular weapon- awe-inspiring. All in all worthy of a martial arts cult classic. Ashe.
derek

ip man.....

Ringu 2 (1999). This sequel had a lot of promise. It starts up a week after Ringu ends, and it attempts to delve into the meaning of what is actually happening. For me, it took on too much and was thereby unable to deliver. The original probably took some of the air out of the sequel's sails, but i still think too much was going on here for to be credible. As well, certain things just seem to come about without much back-plot (does telekinesis run rampant in Japan?). Given that, it was still a very good effort and definitely worth a watch. It may have helped had i watched the two within a week of each other, but i did not. Ashe.
derek

Glad you enjoyed it!! :D

Samurai Spy (1965). This samurai flick is almost in a league of its own. In fact, it would almost be better to classify it as a classic ninja flick. Though the intrigues in this number are at times difficult to follow, they never quite get lost and only serve to keep one's attention more focused. The acting is pretty good, but it is the direction and cinematography that help drive this brilliant story into its own singular genre. The fight scenes are enough to keep most guys attention, and some of the nija stuff is pretty cool. The way the scenes line up towards the end makes for some wonderfully discombobulating tension. All in all a solid samurai/ninja classic. Ashe.
derek

Mother (2009)

Another great slow burn thriller with dark humor from the director of acclaimed Asian films like The Host and Memories of Murder.
When her mentally handicapped son is arrested for the murder of a school girl, the boy's over protective mother believes that the police have made a mistake and that he is being made a scapegoat for their lazy, sloppy investigation. When the police, who are convinced they have the right suspect-her son, won't help her, mother takes matters into her own hands, finding potential clues that turn out to be mostly red herrings and dead ends. Director Joon-ho Bong retreads much of the same territory as he did in "Memories of Murder," but in a slower, more straightforward fashion, instead of focusing on the cops' perspective, this time the spotlight is on the mother of the murder suspect.
The film opens with a lyrical shot of a middle aged woman slowly approaching the camera in some seemingly idyllic rural setting. She begins to dance as the credits roll. Then we cut, back to find that woman as a mother in her business & keeping an eye on her errant son in the street. Tracking through the story with her provides thrills and shocks and more than a bit of bone grating violence in the rather graphic fashion. But there's again quite some mastery here in telling the story.
What makes this film stand alone is its tenacity. It doesn't let you go, it keeps on trying in the form of the mother attempting to follow every trail. It's a great premise and you are kept guessing throughout but you can't predict the ending.
Like MOM, all the actors did a great job here too..specially the woman who played the title character gave a top notch performance.

Overall, it may not as great as MOM but surely another very promising & good film from the same maker.

>>: A-

The Quiet Family (1998). At first this one seemed like it was going to be a straight "when bad things lead to bad choices lead to more bad things" sorta flick, but then the black comedy side started to shine through. This was a fun story of events that could not have been choreographed any better. Everything about this flick was darkly comical and entertaining. Ashe.
derek

I can guess the ending already.

Mommy is the murderer. ;)

Nope! You are wrong, buddy:D

But you know what?
..
.
.
.
.
.
**Spoilers Ahead**
.
.
.
.
that's indeed a pretty close call!;)

Double Suicide (1969). A daring masterpiece of cinema, this film is intimately based on a a Japanese puppet play, and there are obvious elements which are indicative to the guiding hands of fate that remain ostensibly apparent to the viewer. How Masahiro Shinodo pulled this off is itself a miracle. A dark, tragic, and well-crafted love story for sure, there is enough distance between the viewer and character such that the insanely tragic situation that comes to fruition is not too much for the viewer to bear. The acting and set scenes were appositely overdone, once again a daring triumph as it only added to the stroke of cinematic genius found in this immaculate work of art. That the lead actress played both female leads flawlessly was not only superb in its own right, but i would contend that there were some symbolic elements to this casting choice as well. The cinematography was incredible, and that ending, stunningly brilliant!!! This movie was simple a courageous and magnificent work of art. Ashe.
derek