Ret's talk Japanese Cinema!!! ;)
Did you ever get round to seeing Tasogare Seibei (Twilight Samurai) Jaimoe? I remember we talked about it many moons ago.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0351817/
I saw it a couple of weeks back, highly recommended!
Coincidentally, we just got the original Japanese version of Shall We Dansu? from our DVD rental delivery...
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0117615/
I haven't seen The Twilight Samurai yet because the current region 1 DVD isn't very good.
Have you seen any films by real maverick Seijun Suzuki?
http://www.allmovie.com/cg/avg.dll?p=avg&sql=B119458
EDIT: Sorry Jaimoe, I started writing this reply about 1hr ago but my wife distracted me mid-post.
My copy of Twilight Samurai is Region2.
Didn't recognise the name (Seijun Suzuki) but I checked his filmography & have heard of some of the films (Branded To Kill)
Can you suggest a good movie to start with?
I saw Sukiyaki Western Django the other day. A Japanese film but they speak english, didn't see that one coming.
QuoteI saw Sukiyaki Western Django the other day. A Japanese film but they speak english, didn't see that one coming.
Is that the one 'presented' by Quentin Tarantino?
What does that even mean? He just puts his name by the title to up the sales, right? ;)
QuoteI saw Sukiyaki Western Django the other day. A Japanese film but they speak english, didn't see that one coming.
Just checked on IMDB, didn't realise that this is a Takashi Miike movie. I don't think I've seen any of his films.
Ichi the Killer is supposed to be pretty brutal:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0296042/
QuoteQuoteI saw Sukiyaki Western Django the other day. A Japanese film but they speak english, didn't see that one coming.
Just checked on IMDB, didn't realise that this is a Takashi Miike movie. I don't think I've seen any of his films.
Ichi the Killer is supposed to be pretty brutal:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0296042/
I'm a big western fan and love the way traditional Japanese samurai films are in essence classic westerns.
I'm leary of Miike (due to his penchant for extreme and sickeningly graphic violence), but I will check his crazy take on the western genre. It got huge fan praise at this year's Toronto International Film Festival even though the reviews have been fairly mediocre.
QuoteEDIT: Sorry Jaimoe, I started writing this reply about 1hr ago but my wife distracted me mid-post.
My copy of Twilight Samurai is Region2.
Didn't recognise the name (Seijun Suzuki) but I checked his filmography & have heard of some of the films (Branded To Kill)
Can you suggest a good movie to start with?
Just read some of the reviews of his better rated films on the AMG link I posted above. I've seen both Dressed To Kill and Tokyo Drifter. I liked them; they are ultra cool style-wise, with strange Japanese comic elements that seem to creep up in most great films I've seen from Kurosawa to Beat Takeshi.
I know you're a Takeshi Kitano fan Jaimoe, what's your fav movie?
1) Hanabi
2) Kikujirô/Sonatine
4) Zatôichi...still not too sure what to make of that ending though! ;)
Violent Cop & Boiling Point are good, I was disappointed with Brother & Getting Any was just plain silly.
Haven't seen Dolls...
QuoteJust read some of the reviews of his better rated films on the AMG link I posted above. I've seen both Dressed To Kill and Tokyo Drifter. I liked them; they are ultra cool style-wise, with strange Japanese comic elements that seem to creep up in most great films I've seen from Kurosawa to Beat Takeshi.
I just checked & the 2 that you mentioned (Branded to Kill?) are part of the Criterion Collection. I'll look out for those...
2 great sites that I use for checking out Japanese movies/DVDs:
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/
http://www.yesasia.com/global/1003738898-0-0-0-en/list.html
I haven't seen all the Kitano films (directing or acting) and I don't know if I want to, but here's my favourite list (so far):
1 - Battle Royale
2 - Hana-Bai (Fireworks)
3 - Violent Cop
4 - Zatoichi
5 - Sonatine (I liked it, but I wasn't in the right state of mind when I saw it or I would probably rank it higher)
6 - Boiling Point
I next want to see Beat playing a yakuza hitman in Gonin and his new film, Achilles and the Tortoise
QuoteQuoteJust read some of the reviews of his better rated films on the AMG link I posted above. I've seen both Dressed To Kill and Tokyo Drifter. I liked them; they are ultra cool style-wise, with strange Japanese comic elements that seem to creep up in most great films I've seen from Kurosawa to Beat Takeshi.
I just checked & the 2 that you mentioned (Branded to Kill?) are part of the Criterion Collection. I'll look out for those...
Ha! I must have Sherlock Holmes or Angie Dickenson floating around in my head. Branded To Kill is excellent. I think you can only get the Criteron versions in North America region 1 (the way it should be).
I liked Battle Royal but I have to confess that I was a little disappointed. I had a friend who went on & on for years about how amazing it was, so maybe my expectations were too high...
I want to learn more about the Japanese actor Ken Takaura:
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0847264/
He was great in The Yakuza (Robert Mitchum) & the best thing about Black Rain (Michael Douglas)
I want to see Riding Alone for Thousands of Miles by Chinese director Yimou Zhang (Raise The Red Lantern, The Road Home, Not One Less, Hero etc)
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0437447/
In fact, Battle Royale is one of my favourite foreign films period. I went into the film cold, knowing virtually nothing about it other than Beat Takeshi was in it, and ended up stopping it mid-way through to phone friends praising its greatness. I love the social satiric messages and the overall disturbing scenarios plus the acting is top-notch. I hope Hollywood never remakes it, but then again, fucking Hollywood is remaking Oldboy, which of course will probably suck ass - Will Smith is starring in the Spielberg remake.
I don't know the Japanese leading man you mention, but Robert Mitchum is the baddest man ever to grace the silver screen.
I read that about Oldboy on AICN - makes me angry!
Seeing a movie blind can make a big difference. I posted in the Halloween movie thread that I saw Blair Witch blind before all the hype kicked in, made a big difference I think...
Have you seen Dare Mo Shiranai (Nobody Knows)? That's a very good movie:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0408664/
I recently added these 2 to our rental list:
Riri Shushu no Subete (Lily-Chou-Chou):
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0297721/
Tampopo:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0092048/
I haven't seen Tampopo, but I like Ken Wantanabe. I've never heard of the other movies you listed. There are at least 5 incredible independent movie stores (with large foreign film sections) in Toronto that I know of, but my movie watching dips greatly duing the TV season.
I saw Blair Witch alone at night for the first (and only) time without reading too much about it and it scared the shit out of me.
I think Akira is a bit of a pain to watch, but Hayao Miyazaki is the greatest living animator bar-none.
What about animation? I know you've seen some Miyazaki movies. I don't think anything will ever best Totoro IMO, I love that movie!
Akira was probably the first Japanese movie I saw. Have you seen Hotaru no Haka (Grave Of Fireflies)?
Very good but very sad: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0095327/
This looks very cool, I saw some of it on TV a month or so ago:
http://jp.youtube.com/watch?v=U9LnbgA1K28
QuoteI haven't seen Tampopo, but I like Ken Wantanabe. I've never heard of the other movies you listed. There are at least 5 incredible independent movie stores (with large foreign film sections) in Toronto that I know of, but my movie watching dips greatly duing the TV season.
I saw Blair Witch alone at night for the first (and only) time without reading too much about it and it scared the shit out of me.
I think Akira is a bit of a pain to watch, but Hayao Miyazaki is the greatest living animator bar-none.
Haha Blair Witch scared the shit out of me too ;D
Speaking of Ken Wantanbe I still haven't seen Letters from Iwo Jima. I know I should but Japan's involvement/atrocities during WWII make me angry so maybe I should steer clear.
What are your fav Miyazaki movies? I've only seen Totoro, Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke & Howls Moving Castle. My wife says Kiki's is very good...
I can't put my finger on it, but Japanese anime doesn't really appeal to me but I really like more traditional forms of animation, hence my love of Miyazaki.
I've seen Grave of the Fireflies. It's a devastating and powerful movie and I found myself hating both the Japanese social hierarchy just as much as the American firebombers.
QuoteQuoteI haven't seen Tampopo, but I like Ken Wantanabe. I've never heard of the other movies you listed. There are at least 5 incredible independent movie stores (with large foreign film sections) in Toronto that I know of, but my movie watching dips greatly duing the TV season.
I saw Blair Witch alone at night for the first (and only) time without reading too much about it and it scared the shit out of me.
I think Akira is a bit of a pain to watch, but Hayao Miyazaki is the greatest living animator bar-none.
Haha Blair Witch scared the shit out of me too ;D
Speaking of Ken Wantanbe I still haven't seen Letters from Iwo Jima. I know I should but Japan's involvement/atrocities during WWII make me angry so maybe I should steer clear.
What are your fav Miyazaki movies? I've only seen Totoro, Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke & Howls Moving Castle. My wife says Kiki's is very good...
I haven't seen Letters from Iwo Jima yet. I really liked Flags of Our Fathers. Canadian actor Adam Beach steals the film with his portrayal of Ira Hayes.
I've only seen three Miyazaki films, but Mononoke is my favourite followed by Howl's and then Spirited Away, but they are all great.
QuoteCanadian actor Adam Beach steals the film with his portrayal of Ira Hayes.
He really does. That guy doesn't get enough credit. He's great in everything I've seen him in. By the way, Letters is better than Flags.
I've seen two films by Takashi Miike, The Happiness of the Katakuris and The Bird People in China and I really liked both of them. What should I get next? These movies, from what I understand, are not his typical style. Unless the films are really great, I'm not looking for the hyper-violent stuff, but stuff more in the vein of those two.
QuoteQuoteCanadian actor Adam Beach steals the film with his portrayal of Ira Hayes.
He really does. That guy doesn't get enough credit. He's great in everything I've seen him in.
He's an interesting cat. Beach does his own thing. He lives in Ottawa, but could be a far bigger star if he conformed and permanently moved to L.A. to seek more work south of the border. He's also fairly political in his native community. He did fine work recently in Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee.
QuoteQuoteCanadian actor Adam Beach steals the film with his portrayal of Ira Hayes.
He really does. That guy doesn't get enough credit. He's great in everything I've seen him in. By the way, Letters is better than Flags.
I've seen two films by Takashi Miike, The Happiness of the Katakuris and The Bird People in China and I really liked both of them. What should I get next? These movies, from what I understand, are not his typical style. Unless the films are really great, I'm not looking for the hyper-violent stuff, but stuff more in the vein of those two.
Ichi The Killer is Miike's most infamous work. I've found that All Movie Guide rarely steers people wrong: http://www.allmovie.com/cg/avg.dll?p=avg&sql=2:235203~T2
QuoteQuoteCanadian actor Adam Beach steals the film with his portrayal of Ira Hayes.
He really does. That guy doesn't get enough credit. He's great in everything I've seen him in. By the way, Letters is better than Flags.
I've seen two films by Takashi Miike, The Happiness of the Katakuris and The Bird People in China and I really liked both of them. What should I get next? These movies, from what I understand, are not his typical style. Unless the films are really great, I'm not looking for the hyper-violent stuff, but stuff more in the vein of those two.
Hey Xmas :)
I'll watch Flags & then think about Letters.
I haven't seen any Takashi Miike so I can't help you out there. Happiness is a musical, right?
Have you seen any 'Beat' Takeshi movies? If you haven't seen Hana-Bi then you should def check it out:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0119250/
QuoteIchi The Killer is Miike's most infamous work. I've found that All Movie Guide rarely steers people wrong: http://www.allmovie.com/cg/avg.dll?p=avg&sql=2:235203~T2
Ichi is the one I've heard/read the most about & then Happiness.
dragonboy, I think you'll really like Flags of Our Fathers. I wish Eastwood didn't cast over-acting hack Angelina Jolie in his latest film Changeling because until this point, he was having an incredible run of making important and entertaining movies.
Quote
Happiness is a musical, right?
Sort of. It's pretty much a dark comedy with some occasional claymation and a few Bollywood-style songs thrown in. It's a remake of a Korean movie which is good too, but not as good.
Korean is the new Japanese regarding innovative film excellence, at least it is this decade.
QuoteKorean is the new Japanese regarding innovative film excellence, at least it is this decade.
I haven't seen anywhere near as many Korean films. Oldboy & Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter & Spring are the only two that I can think of:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0374546/
I want to see The Host...
Quotedragonboy, I think you'll really like Flags of Our Fathers. I wish Eastwood didn't cast over-acting hack Angelina Jolie in his latest film Changeling because until this point, he was having an incredible run of making important and entertaining movies.
I'll def add Flags to the list.
Yeah I'm a big Eastwood fan but Changeling doesn't interest me at all at the moment...
QuoteKorean is the new Japanese regarding innovative film excellence, at least it is this decade.
Definitely. Korea is making my favorite international films right now. And by the way, Clint Eastwood fans, if you liked Mystic River, try reading the book. It's so much better, I ended up not being able to watch the movie. Also, they changed the main charcter's name from Marcus to Markum in the film. It bothered me the entire time. I mean, why?
QuoteI want to see The Host
Tale Of 2 Sisters, that's another I want to see...
What about Japanese/Asian horror?
Ringu was good but Dark Water (same director) was better & a heck of a lot scarier IMO:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0308379/
The Host is an excellent eco-monster movie. Some of the cast were also in the Vengeance Trilogy.
A fantastic and pretty sad Korean war film is the big-budget Tae Guk Gi: The Brotherhood of War . It made me cry.
I remember reading something about about a Korean war/ghost movie a while back that was supposed to be very good, know anything about that?
The poster had a picture of a group of soldiers on it, some of them were ghosts...
QuoteQuoteIchi The Killer is Miike's most infamous work. I've found that All Movie Guide rarely steers people wrong: http://www.allmovie.com/cg/avg.dll?p=avg&sql=2:235203~T2
Ichi is the one I've heard/read the most about & then Happiness.
Just thought of Audition, that's supposed to be very good...
QuoteI remember reading something about about a Korean war/ghost movie a while back that was supposed to be very good, know anything about that?
The poster had a picture of a group of soldiers on it, some of them were ghosts...
I don't know, but here's the one-sheet of the war film I mentioned:
(http://www.candyman.wz.cz/CSFD/taegukgi/Tae%20Guk%20Gi-front2.jpg%20 )
QuoteI don't know, but here's the one-sheet of the war film I mentioned:
(http://www.candyman.wz.cz/CSFD/taegukgi/Tae%20Guk%20Gi-front2.jpg%20)
Thanks Jaimoe, it's a bit pricey right now but I've added it to my shopping basket & will wait for it to go down!
I was looking @ amazon.co.uk, .com has it for $10! Bought!!!
Batman? :-?
QuoteQuoteQuoteIchi The Killer is Miike's most infamous work. I've found that All Movie Guide rarely steers people wrong: http://www.allmovie.com/cg/avg.dll?p=avg&sql=2:235203~T2
Ichi is the one I've heard/read the most about & then Happiness.
Just thought of Audition, that's supposed to be very good...
Ichi is brutal. I couldnt even watch it all. Then again I'm not a fan of horror/gore/slasher films.
I was going to say, "Get a room!" but then xmascriminal and mj came into the picture and things go a little wierd.
I'm good for making things go all weird!
QuoteQuoteI saw Sukiyaki Western Django the other day. A Japanese film but they speak english, didn't see that one coming.
Is that the one 'presented' by Quentin Tarantino?
What does that even mean? He just puts his name by the title to up the sales, right? ;)
Tarantino is in the film, he doesn't "present" it. I agree with the sales thing, occasionally the "presenter" will be a producer for the film but not that often.
QuoteQuoteQuoteI saw Sukiyaki Western Django the other day. A Japanese film but they speak english, didn't see that one coming.
Is that the one 'presented' by Quentin Tarantino?
What does that even mean? He just puts his name by the title to up the sales, right? ;)
Tarantino is in the film, he doesn't "present" it. I agree with the sales thing, occasionally the "presenter" will be a producer for the film but not that often.
When a movie says presented by Quentin Tarrantino, I think it just means that he liked the movie and wants to bring it to a wider audience. So, he helps distribute it in the US using his influence.
QuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteI saw Sukiyaki Western Django the other day. A Japanese film but they speak english, didn't see that one coming.
Is that the one 'presented' by Quentin Tarantino?
What does that even mean? He just puts his name by the title to up the sales, right? ;)
Tarantino is in the film, he doesn't "present" it. I agree with the sales thing, occasionally the "presenter" will be a producer for the film but not that often.
When a movie says presented by Quentin Tarrantino, I think it just means that he liked the movie and wants to bring it to a wider audience. So, he helps distribute it in the US using his influence.
Distributing, and putting his name on it = sales witch we already established I think.
Cinema is an art form but unfortunately its a business too.
I'm normally all for Quentin putting his stamp on movies he deems fit for a wider audience. He does have an unusual and interesing eye for films that float under the radar, like cult and foreign flicks. Anyone see Hard Core Logo? Quentin distributed this great Canadian faux rock bio-pic in the US. It's fantastic. Seek it out.
big Reiko Ike fan, 2 of my favourites:
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51DV54XH8EL._SL500_AA240_.jpg)
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51R5GNDZXJL._SL500_AA240_.jpg)
the Female Prisoner Scorpion movies are also excellent, especially this one:
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51QF7N9W7CL._SL500_AA240_.jpg)
oh, and this is mindblowing:
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51DYWVX26TL._SL500_AA240_.jpg)
QuoteI remember reading something about about a Korean war/ghost movie a while back that was supposed to be very good, know anything about that?
The poster had a picture of a group of soldiers on it, some of them were ghosts...
R-Point
didn't really like it. kinda boring.
QuoteQuoteCanadian actor Adam Beach steals the film with his portrayal of Ira Hayes.
He really does. That guy doesn't get enough credit. He's great in everything I've seen him in. By the way, Letters is better than Flags.
I've seen two films by Takashi Miike, The Happiness of the Katakuris and The Bird People in China and I really liked both of them. What should I get next? These movies, from what I understand, are not his typical style. Unless the films are really great, I'm not looking for the hyper-violent stuff, but stuff more in the vein of those two.
most of his other movies are really violent and fucked up.
whatever you do, do not watch Visitor Q!
Zebraman and Yokai War are not that violent but didn't really like them.
Katakuris is actually a remake of the korean movie The Quiet Family which is also really good.
i think it's even funnier. check that out.
QuoteQuoteQuoteCanadian actor Adam Beach steals the film with his portrayal of Ira Hayes.
He really does. That guy doesn't get enough credit. He's great in everything I've seen him in. By the way, Letters is better than Flags.
I've seen two films by Takashi Miike, The Happiness of the Katakuris and The Bird People in China and I really liked both of them. What should I get next? These movies, from what I understand, are not his typical style. Unless the films are really great, I'm not looking for the hyper-violent stuff, but stuff more in the vein of those two.
most of his other movies are really violent and fucked up.
whatever you do, do not watch Visitor Q!
Zebraman and Yokai War are not that violent but didn't really like them.
Katakuris is actually a remake of the korean movie The Quiet Family which is also really good.
i think it's even funnier. check that out.
I've seen The Quiet Family. Very good movie.
QuoteQuoteI remember reading something about about a Korean war/ghost movie a while back that was supposed to be very good, know anything about that?
The poster had a picture of a group of soldiers on it, some of them were ghosts...
R-Point
didn't really like it. kinda boring.
One to avoid then! Thanks Batman!
Quotemost of his other movies are really violent and fucked up.
whatever you do, do not watch Visitor Q!
Just looking at some of the reviews/comments on IMDB...ouch!
Anyone see any of the Lone Wolf and Cub samurai series? I've seen the first film, Lone Wolf and Cub: Sword of Vengeance. Great stuff: http://www.allmovie.com/cg/avg.dll?p=avg&sql=1:264075
QuoteAnyone see any of the Lone Wolf and Cub samurai series? I've seen the first film, Lone Wolf and Cub: Sword of Vengeance. Great stuff: http://www.allmovie.com/cg/avg.dll?p=avg&sql=1:264075
The only one I've seen is Shogun Assassin, which I just read on allmovie is an edited version of the first 2 movies? How strange!
I remember there were lots of banned 'video-nasties' that got taken off the shelves in the 80s. The video shop I worked in had them all in a box out the back & my mate & I watched them all (Shogun Assassin, Spit on Your Grave, Last House On The Left, Cannibal Holocaust etc)
One of the video stores that I'm a member of has all the Lone Wolf movies for rent and sale and all are new editions. I love snobby indie movie shops.
If were are really lucky the Japanese rental version has English subtitles (Shall We Dansu?) but that's rare.
If not then buying the movie is my only option.
I put Lone Wolf & Cub into hmv.co.jp's search engine...no movies came up but this did:
(http://img.hmv.co.jp/image/jacket/400/18/2/8/183.jpg)
http://www.hmv.co.jp/product/detail/1828183
i really liked shogun assasin but havent seen any more lone wolf movies
the last one i saw was the hidden fortress, i might get bashed for this but i think kurosawa is kind of boring ive seen rashomon, throne of blood, and of course seven samurai is there anything you guys can reccomend that might sway my opinion?
Quotei really liked shogun assasin but havent seen any more lone wolf movies
the last one i saw was the hidden fortress, i might get bashed for this but i think kurosawa is kind of boring ive seen rashomon, throne of blood, and of course seven samurai is there anything you guys can reccomend that might sway my opinion?
Yes, how about Hidden Fortress, Rashomon, Throne of Blood and of course The Seven Samurai?
In seriousness, if you don't like Kurosawa's style, then you may as well just move on. I think he's in the Top 5 greatest directors of all time, but I'm hardly in the minority with this opnion.
I find it impossible not to like and/or respect most of his films, but maybe you should try Yojimbo (remade by Sergio Leone), Ikiru, Ran or Kagemusha.
I have to confess that I haven't seen as many Kurosawa movies as I should have. Considering the fact that I started this thread that's pretty bad, isn't it?
I am working on it...I can't rent them here (no English subtitles) & they're just so expensive to buy. A poor excuse, I know...
My favorite Kurosawa is Ikiru. It's slow in places, but it's a really great movie overall.
QuoteAnyone see any of the Lone Wolf and Cub samurai series? I've seen the first film, Lone Wolf and Cub: Sword of Vengeance. Great stuff: http://www.allmovie.com/cg/avg.dll?p=avg&sql=1:264075
I've seen River Styx and Land of Demons, both are great.
have the other 4 too but haven't watched them yet.
QuoteMy favorite Kurosawa is Ikiru. It's slow in places, but it's a really great movie overall.
probably my favourite too.
also really like Kagemusha. Tatsuya Nakadai is so badass.
The more folks - *cough*dragonboy*cough - start watching more Kurosawa, the more you marvel at the greatness of Toshiro Mifune and Takeshi Shimura.
I also love the way Kurosawa shoots his samurai fight scenes: they are quick, brutal and then they are over, followed by long passages of quiet. Pretty realistic if you think about it. Samurai's were master killers and wouldn't get in epic and lengthy battles since they didn't have to. Beat Takeshi stages his gun/fights scenes in a similar fashion.
QuoteThe more folks - *cough*dragonboy*cough - start watching more Kurosawa, the more you marvel at the greatness of Toshiro Mifune and Takeshi Shimura.
I also love the way Kurosawa shoots his samurai fight scenes: they are quick, brutal and then they are over, followed by long passages of quiet. Pretty realistic if you think about it. Samurai's were master killers and wouldn't get in epic and lengthy battles since they didn't have to. Beat Takeshi shoots his gun battles in a similar fashion.
Haha I currently have this page open in another tab:
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_d?url=search-alias%3Ddvd&field-keywords=kurosawa&x=0&y=0
My wife is going to check for English subtitles next times she's @ the DVD store...
QuoteThe more folks - *cough*dragonboy*cough - start watching more Kurosawa, the more you marvel at the greatness of Toshiro Mifune and Takeshi Shimura.
I gotta say, I'm not a big Toshiro Mifune fan. I know that most of the world think he's one of the great actors, but he just overdoes every role so severely. However, I think Takashi Shimura is an excellent actor.
QuoteQuoteThe more folks - *cough*dragonboy*cough - start watching more Kurosawa, the more you marvel at the greatness of Toshiro Mifune and Takeshi Shimura.
I gotta say, I'm not a big Toshiro Mifune fan. I know that most of the world think he's one of the great actors, but he just overdoes every role so severely. However, I think Takashi Shimura is an excellent actor.
I think Mifune nails the over-the-top/larger-than-life samurai personna: overly-emotional samurai inflections are still used in Japan language. I've even tried using the dialect with an unaware old Japanese roommate of mine and he got angry with me when I said "hello" in Japanese with more menace than he was expecting: "Why are you talking in samurai?"
QuoteI'm normally all for Quentin putting his stamp on movies he deems fit for a wider audience. He does have an unusual and interesing eye for films that float under the radar, like cult and foreign flicks. Anyone see Hard Core Logo? Quentin distributed this great Canadian faux rock bio-pic in the US. It's fantastic. Seek it out.
Love that. Any other McDonald films worth seeing?
Picked up Rashomon from the library on the weekend, but haven't got around to watching it yet.
Watched Shall We Dansu? last night. Played a little like a Japanese TV drama at times but overall very entertaining.
This looks good: http://www.apple.com/trailers/independent/tokyosonata/
Agreed with DB that this is a must see:
(http://www.nipporica.com/images/Tampopo.gif)
This will appeal to you particularly if you enjoy comedies, westerns, and exploration of culture through food.
In the same vein, though different country, I recommend:
(http://images.amazon.com/images/P/6305428476.01.LZZZZZZZ.jpg)
Which is the film based on the novel which Common named his classic album after.
This was also a Beat Takeshi film I loved mentioned before I believe:
(http://birmingham.jp/img/event/Kikujiro-Posters.jpg)
It helps that I'm not a fan of violence/horror films if for that reason alone.
I love Miyazaki. Gotta put Monokehime at the top but Spirited Away blew me away for its pure imagination and use of color! :o
Since I read some Korean stuff in here (and yes, it is BULLSHIT that they are remaking Old Boy (it will suck)), one movie that blew me away was:
(http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a379/MissKazzy/memories_murder.jpg)
A film based on a true story of Korea's biggest serial killer who was never apprehended.
I love this thread. Please keep the recommendations coming. [smiley=thumbsup.gif]
Memories of Murder is great. I might watch that tonight just because you mentioned it.
And I also agree about Tampopo.
I watched the original Japanese Ju-on last night.
Not bad...I find it rather confusing though. Not as good as Ringu or my fav Japanese horror - Dark Water.