From Miyamoto to You Review 2019 宮本から君へ

Miyamoto 宮本から君へ
Year: 2019
Director: Tetsuya Mariko
Writer: Hideki Arai (manga), Tetsuya Mariko, Takehiko Minato
Cast: Sosuke Ikematsu, Yu Aoi, Arata Iura, Wataru Ichinose, Kenichi Matsuyama
Running Time: 129 minutes
Country: Japan

Tetsuya Mariko's follow up to his 2016 controversial hit Destruction Babies is 'Miyamoto,' an adaptation of an award-winning manga and TV Mini-Series. Sosuke Ikematsu won the Kinema Jumpo Best Actor Award for his role in this film.

A quirky tale of high-octane love is told through the eyes of a hot-blooded stationary salesman, Miyamoto (IKEMATSU Sosuke), as he falls hard for Yasuko (AOI Yu) upon their introduction. At first using Miyamoto to get rid of an unwanted boyfriend, Yasuko ends up growing attached to the overzealous admirer and the two enter a relationship. Soon however, their love is put to the test when he fails to protect her from a violent assault and their volatile relationship devolves with increasing pace until it reaches an explosive and melodramatic finale. (Japan Foundation Touring Film Programme)

Going into this film blind made for an interesting experience. I had only seen the poster on the Japan Foundation website and underneath it was listed as "Quirky, Romance, Drama," so I had assumed it would be a Japanese romance similar to something like Cyborg She. This couldn't have been further from the truth. What I watched was an extreme, violent, unpredictable and sometimes humorous story dealing with themes of toxic masculinity (not a term I use often, but it is what it is). Looking back at the listing, there is a warning stating it features "scenes of a very strong violent/sexual/abusive nature." While the experience of the film is heightened when you watch it unprepared, I am glad they attached this warning because the sexual abuse scene is realistic and tough to watch. It completely caught me off guard and it might be distressing to people that don't watch as much violent cinema. 

Hiroshi Miyamoto is played by actor Ikematsu Sosuke and he channels everything about this character. He spends most of the film either whispering nervously while he speaks or full-blown shouting while he is losing control of everything around him and seeking revenge. Even though he is a flawed character, and quite selfish, you will be rallying behind him by the end. His overall goal is to become more of a "man" and summoning up the bravery to protect his wife and have a happy relationship... Although, his reason for doing this is much more complicated than it originally seems.

Yu Aoi is a wonderfully talented actress. Her strengths in convincingly handling the emotional scenes in Miyamoto are simply remarkable. Yu Aoi carries the weight of these events and adds much-needed depth to the serious issues that this film tackles. The sexual abuse and the fallout leaves many questions up to the viewer. What is the correct response and action? Is it more violence? It also challenges the viewer to question, are you are getting revenge for the person that has been wronged, or is it for yourself?

For the most part, the storytelling is crafted very well. The pacing sags a touch in the middle but picks up for an enthralling finale. The non-linear plot adds to the suspense of the story as you are greeted by Miyamoto looking battered and bruised, and then discover what happened to him through a sequence of flashbacks. This enhances the overall unpredictability of the film, where you often assume the worst. It becomes a little convoluted at times, especially trying to figure out the current timeline. Thankfully, that never becomes a major issue, but a little more clarity would have been welcome at times.

The antagonist of Takuma Mabuchi played by Wataru Ichinose is completely despicable in every way. There is no grey area involved with him. Takuma Mabuchi is exactly the driving force the film needed, and I don't think there will be one single viewer who doesn't want to see him get his comeuppance. The final confrontation between the protagonist and antagonist is brilliantly staged. It's a no-nonsense, realistic and violent brawl. It pulls no punches and some moments will have viewers squirming in their seats. The payoff is definitely worth the wait and viewers are rewarded with a thrilling piece of filmmaking.

Miyamoto is a unique film. The clever marketing from the poster and synopsis, leave the majority to your own assumptions. This could also be seen as a negative, as some people might skip on it, believing it to be a general romantic drama. If you don't mind violence and dark themes in your films, this is worthy of watching and dissecting the meaning behind it all.

7.5/10

Reviewed as part of  The Japan Foundation Touring Film Programme

Matt Damon and Andy Lau team up to fight monsters in 'The Great Wall'

The trailer for The Great Wall has dropped... And it looks insane!

Directed by legendary director Zhang Yimou(House of Flying Daggers/Hero), starring Matt Damon & Andy Lau and featuring an all star international cast of Willem Dafoe, Pedro Pascal, Eddie Peng and Jing Tian.

When a mercenary warrior (Damon) is imprisoned within The Great Wall, he discovers the mystery behind one of the greatest wonders of our world.  As wave after wave of marauding beasts besiege the massive structure, his quest for fortune turns into a journey toward heroism as he joins a huge army of elite warriors to confront this unimaginable and seemingly unstoppable force.

The Great Wall is Zhang Yimou's first English language speaking film and is currently the largest budget Chinese film of all time with a budget of $135 million.

Coming to cinemas on February 17th 2017.

The Cat Review 2011 South Korea 고양이: 죽음을보는 두개의눈

A South Korean horror mixed with cats surprisingly turns out to be one of the best Asian horror films I have seen in years! 

So-yeon works in a pet grooming store called Kitty N Puppy. After a Persian cat owner dies she gets stuck looking after the cat until an owner is ready for it. Everything is fine until the cat starts acting up and a mysterious little girl with green cat like eyes starts haunting her.

I can't quite place exactly what made this film work. But it is just incredibly fun.

The Cat is a good mix of Asian suspense horror with some of the more American "jump scares". This works very well with the flow of the film and is actually pretty refreshing. The film never really has time to slow down or get dull.

I love cats. I love every kind of cat. I just want to hug all of them. But I can't.

Some of the film is a little typical of Asian horrors with the creepy little girl. But mixing it with the cats is new and fresh, and it's used in a way that doesn't feel over played. The film also has a good mystery feel to it, almost like The Ring, which really draws you in to the story until the very end when you discover what has been taking place and why.

A very fun modern horror, while not essential viewing, it is fun and reminds me of the horrors Asia was releasing in the late 90s and early 2000s.

7/10

#TheCat #Horror #SouthKorea #고양이

A Snake Of June Review 2002 Japan

This is what 50 Shades of Grey wishes it was

Third Window Films is the one of the leading distributors in Asian Cinema in the UK. Some of their greatest releases have been the Shinya Tsukamoto Blu-rays. Some of which haven't been released anywhere else in the world in High Definition. And even better, Tsukamoto works with Third Window Films and supervises the brand new digital restorations.

Most people will have heard of or seen Tetsuo The Iron Man. Well if you have seen Tetsuo you will know exactly how wild amd strange a Tsukamoto film can be. Well, you haven't seen anything yet!

Rinko (Asuka Kurosawa from Cold Fish) and Shigehiko (novelist Yuji Kotari) are a strange couple, whose physical mismatch (she a lithe beauty, he an overweight, balding, obsessive-compulsive neurotic) is reflected in the complete lack of intimacy between them. They connect as human beings, but they live more like friends than as lovers and lead nearly independent lives. Both seem comfortable with this coexistence, but the desires that lurk beneath its surface are brought out with the introduction of a third element into the equation. When Rinko receives a package of candid photographs of herself masturbating and the sender (played by Tsukamoto himself) contacts her with the threat of exposing them to her husband, she submits herself to the anonymous voyeur's sexual games. If she wishes to get hold of all the negatives and prints, Rinko is to comply with a set of assignments that place her constantly on the borderline between humiliation and pleasure - the voyeur knows exactly what Rinko's personal erotic fantasies are and makes her act them out one by one. (Taken from Amazon.co.uk)

Japanese auteur Shinya Tsukamoto delivers a stunning, thought provoking, erotic thriller... Unlike anything you have ever seen. This is what 50 Shades of Grey wishes it was.

 50 Shades of Blu

A Snake Of June really looks stunning on Blu-ray, I can't emphasize that enough. The blue tint monochrome filter gives the film original and stand out cinematography. It is beautiful to look at! This film has only been released on DVD for years, so it's great to see it finally get the treatment it deserves. Restored video, audio, and some great special features.

There is a highly informative and interesting audio commentary with Tom Mes who is an acclaimed writer on Japanese cinema. This is a great insight in to the film and director Tsukamoto. There is also a brand new sit down interview with the director himself.

Another fantastic release for Third Window Films. A must have for Japanese cinema collections.

8/10

#aSnakeOfJune #六月の蛇 #ShinyaTsukamoto #Thirdwindowfilm

Moebius Review 2013 South Korea

Imagine Visitor Q mixed with Antichrist.

Moebius is the story of a dysfunctional family. The mother has been driven mad by her adulterous husband. After she catches him in the act, she retaliates with an act of revenge. An extremely bloody psychotic act of revenge. The father and son have to deal with the consequences and aftermath after the mother leaves which results in grief, torture, guilt and lust while they question their own sexual desires.

And all of this is told without one line of dialogue in the entire film.

I can't tell if Kim Ki-duk is a genius. Or if he has actually lost the plot!

There is no way to sugar coat it. This is a highly disturbing, twisted, brutal, perverted, controversial film. But it is also enthralling, entertaining and completely unforgettable. It's a truly innovative piece of cinema.

It really has to be seen to be believed. And I don't want to spoil it for anyone because if you are going to watch it it's best going in without knowing what you are about to witness. Be warned though, if you are squeamish, this definitely isn't for you.

The UK release by Terracotta has an informative interview with lead actor Seo Young-ju. And also an entertaining Q&A with the same actor at the Terracotta Far East Film Festival in London.

8/10

#Moebius #KimKiDuk #SouthKorea

Hentai Kamen trailer - A New Crazy Japanese Film

Every now and then an extremely crazy Japanese film becomes popular worldwide, such as Big Tits Zombie, Robo-geisha or Vampire Girl Vs Frankenstein Girl. Well, my bet is on HK Hentai Kamen to be the next one!

The trailer has hit the internet for 'Hentai Kamen', a new Japanese flick directed by Yuichi Fukuda about a Super Hero. Based on ""Kyukyoku!! Hentai Kamen" (Ultimate!! Pervert Mask)" a manga by Keishu Ando. The film follows a high school student who gains super powers by putting a pair of women's panties on his head and taking off his clothes. This transforms him into Hentai Kamen which he uses to fight crime!

Synopsis
Kyosuke Shikijo is a high school student skilled in kenpo but slightly incompetent with girls, to the point that his interaction with them makes him get into painful situations. One day, he saves a girl named Aiko Himeno from bullies, whom he's immediately smitten with. When she is taken hostage as part of a bank robbery by a group of criminals, Kyosuke is forced to take a disguise in order to save her without being recognised by the crooks. But when he accidentally puts a pair of panties over his head instead of a normal mask, he undergoes a transformation: due to the perverted genetics of his mother (an S&M worker), he is able to awaken the full 100% latent potential of his body! Running out with nothing but the panties and a pair of underwear on a near nude body, Kyōsuke, now christening his masked self as Hentai Kamen, uses his power and perversion to defeat the criminals and save Aiko. However, his troubles have only begun...

'HK Hentai Kamen opens across Japan on the 13th April, 2013.

Sadako throws opening pitch at baseball game!

Yip. The girl from The Ring throws the first pitch at a Japanese baseball game! WTF!

 

 

We all know Baseball is the biggest sport in Japan, well looks like Sadako knows that as well! Here she is at the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters Vs Chiba Lotte Marines game from the Japanese baseball league, throwing the opening pitch to promote the new film in the Ringu series "Sadako 3D".

Sadako 3D opens across Japan on May 12th. No word yet if it will get a worldwide cinema release, just need to keep our fingers crossed!

Until then, here is the full length trailer:

For Your Height Only

By far my favourite film about a midget Filipino James Bond!

For Y'ur Height Only (1981)
(For Your Height Only)

Action/Comedy - (Philippines)
Director: Eddie Nicart
Writer: Cora Caballes
Stars: Weng Weng, Yehlen Catral and Carmi Martin

Firstly, we need to start with a brief history lesson. During the 60s, 70s and early 80s, American Drive in Theatres and Grindhouse Cinemas were looking for the craziest and wildest films they could get their hands on! Hollywood directors and producers discovered they could film in the Philippines for a fraction of the cost, they would get new exotic locations and cheap labour. This in turn allowed them to release hundreds of films quickly and for a fraction of the cost for crazy action and horror film double bills.

We got movies about crazy vixens in jungle prisons, bloody revenge stories, gory horror flicks, violent war films and of course, Kung Fu action with midgets!

Synopsis

Mr. Giant has kidnapped the brilliant Dr. Van Kohler and is planning to use the Doctor's invention, the N-bomb, to hold the world hostage. The only one who can foil Mr. Giant's evil scheme is Agent 00(Weng Weng), a 3-foot-tall Filipino martial arts master, expert marksman, top-class romancer and all-around super spy. Can Agent 00 rescue Dr. Kohler before it's too late?

"The name's Weng... Weng Weng"

I saw clips for this movie while watching a documentary about Filipino exploitation films called Machete Maidens Unleashed. I knew instantly this was a film for me! But I also know this film isn't for everyone. It's one of those low budget, crazy B-Movies that you either love or hate.

For Your Height Only doesn't have the best transfer, it looks quite bad and could really do with a remaster. But what really works in this films favour is the dub, which is undoubtedly the worst dub I have ever heard! There are a whole bunch of weird accents from British to Mexican which don't match any of the characters and the dialogue is terrible. Some of the classic lines you will hear are "The forces of good are our sworn enemy, and I repeat, they must be exterminated. And I mean lethally!" and the love interest comparing Weng Weng to a potato... in an affectionate way!

Weng Weng makes this film brilliant! He actually has star power which will leave you wanting to see the rest of his filmography. His Kung Fu skills are actually pretty decent! He was said to have studied many styles of Martial Arts including Jeet Kune Do! The fights scenes play out well, although not on par with classic Hong Kong Jackie Chan films, but very good for a B-Movie. Weng is known as the shortest ever lead in an action film standing at  2'9".

Midget Jet pack!

For Your Height Only is obviously a Bond rip off and it has all the classic ingredients! He's a womaniser, kissing every girl he can. He has plenty of gun shoot outs, some of which are actually pretty exciting! And of course, the gadgets! An Anti-Poison Ring which changes color when it is placed in proximity to poison. A deadly Remote-Control Hat which also had a blade edge. A Quick-Assembly, Small-Scale Machine Gun. And of course for the big finale, a Tiny Jet pack, Wow!

This was one of the films that propelled Weng Weng into super stardom and he went on to star in 11 feature films. Including an Agent 00 sequel called "The Impossible Kid" and a western called "D'Wild Wild Weng". Unfortunately, roles for Weng Weng dried up in the late 80s and according to some sources he started drinking heavily, he sadly passed away in 1992 from a heart attack at the young age of 34.

You will know straight away from watching this trailer if you will like this film or not! Hopefully you will, and I would also recommend the sequel The Impossible Kid which is also just as good!

7/10

Will your kids enjoy Studio Ghibli as much as us adults?

I was having a browse on http://twitchfilm.com and I noticed they have a link to their kids aged 8 and 7 reviewing Porco Rosso, after looking through Vimeo I found they have reviewed some other Ghibli films. So check out these videos and see these fascinating films through their eyes.

*WARNING: Will contain spoilers!*

Ghibli Marathon: The Kids Talk PORCO ROSSO from Kurt_Halfyard on Vimeo.

Ghibli Marathon: The Kids Talk KIKI'S DELIVERY SERVICE from Kurt_Halfyard on Vimeo.

Ghibli Marathon: Whisper of the Heart from Kurt_Halfyard on Vimeo.

Ghibli Marathon: My Neighbor Totoro from Kurt_Halfyard on Vimeo.



The Children Watch Hayao Miyazaki's PRINCESS MONONOKE from Kurt_Halfyard on Vimeo.

Some pretty interesting thoughts and views here from the children. Wonder if it was all them though or if their dad maybe helped them out before they started recording?
Regardless, it makes an interesting watch. And when I have kids one day I will definitely be showing them the Studio Ghibli collection.

All of the Studio Ghibli films are available from Amazon