INITIAL D

Alternate Title: Tau man ji D
Country: Hong Kong, China
Release Year: 2005
Genre: Racing / Action / Drama
Language: Cantonese
Running Time: 107 minutes

[Cast]
Jay Chou
Anne Suzuki
Edison Chen
Anthony Wong
Shawn Yue
Chapman To
Jordan Chan
Kenny Bee

[Director]
Andrew Lau



I must admit when I first heard of a live-action movie of INITIAL D was being made I thought "Finally!"

I'm sure that it will be a hit especially among teens, and adults alike. I was even excited when the news broke out that they had casted Anne Suzuki to play as Mogi, the female lead opposite Takumi in the Intial D Anime series. I didn't even have a problem when they said Andrew Lau was going to be producing, and directing it, after all he's produced quite a few successful Hong Kong films as of late.

Andrew Lau has directed some of the most memorable and ultra box office money making Hong Kong films like the romantic comedy classic FEEL100% (1996) the CGI laden THE STORMRIDERS (1998), along with A MAN CALLED HERO (1999), and THE DUEL (2000) These three movies are responsible for CENTRO DIGITAL's success, Hong Kong's answer to the U.S. based world famous SFX house INDUSTRIAL LIGHT and MAGIC.

I will also add that CENTRO DIGITAL is responsible for the CGI effects for the ultra box office successful Hong Kong movies like Stephen Chow's SHAOLIN SOCCER (2001), and KUNG FU HUSTLE (2004) to name a few. But anyways, back to the review.

Andrew Lau has also directed modern classics like INFERNAL AFFAIRS TRILOGY (2003-2004), and THE YOUNG AND DANGEROUS SERIES (1996-2000), he's probably reached the epoch of his directing, and producing career with these two series' alone. Fortunately, for us asian movie conoussieurs he's still at the top of his game...

...until now...

...as for my thoughts on the Hong Kong produced INITIAL D, which is of course based on the ultra successful manga by Shuichi Shigeno, here's my review of the movie.

Are you ready?
Here we go....

...now I am a huge fan of the INTIAL D Anime series. I am truly a huge fan... why? well because I personally love Japanese Animation before it was even embraced worldwide i'm talking 20 years back! So I know my Anime....I've seen countless of them, which is probably a good idea for me to start reviewing Anime on this blog as well....hmmm what an idea!!!

Anyhow, I also have seen the entire INTIAL D Anime series which made me all the more excited. I really expected a lot from the flick I mean my expectations were pretty high considering you have someone like Andrew Lau directing it. I mean this guy has made some of the greatest Hong Kong movies ever, some are my personal favorites of mine like the ones mentioned above.

So...

...what I'm about to say will only matter if you are familiar with the Anime series, but if you're not then it should'nt matter however it might still tick you off since there is a pretty big discrepancy with the language issue. What am I talking about? Well...I've mentioned before that this movie is based on the Japanese Anime and Manga series.

That's just it! it's Japanese! Or at least it was supposed to be anyway...

When a movie is based on the famous series Manga, Animation, Novel, or whatever...it is critical that the origin of that particular story is properly represented. Period.

In this case you have pretty much an all-Chinese cast, with the exception of Anne Suzuki.
That is probably the biggest mistake Andrew Lau made in the making of the movie. It's a Japanese story, which takes place in Japan, that has an all-Japanese cast of characters.

The question is...

Why did Andrew Lau use an all-Chinese cast to portray as Japanese characters?
I mean the movie does take place in Japan right? The Anime and Manga characters were Japanese in origin so why cast Chinese actors?

To make matters worse, and this really irritates me...they have all of the Chinese actors as the Japanese Characters speak in Cantonese? I mean don't get me wrong I have nothing against Chinese, or Japanese, or their beautiful intricate languages.

My argument is this people;

If the characters they are portaying and playing as is Japanese, and you know this because all of the characters have Japanese names. Jay Chou's character is Takumi, Edison Chen is Ryousuke Takahashi, the great Anthony Wong as Takumi's father Bunta Fujiwara, Jordan Chan as Kyouichi Sudou, and so on.

Why.....Oh Why are they speaking in Cantonese???

I know the cast is Chinese playing as Japanese characters in a Japanese story, that is the problem. However if they are playing a Japanese characters even though their actors they should speak in Japanese!!! Period.

You know what this reminds me of???

Have you ever watched those old WWII movies from the 50's, the japanese in those movies although they really are japanese they would speak in perfect english?

Why?

I don't know maybe the Americans were too just lazy to read subtitles I don't know.

Another thing that cracks me up is when the US Troops are fighting the Germans, and one of the German soliders would talk to the American Troops not in german but in perfect english!

How's that for authenticity!

Same thing with the recent release of MEMOIRS OF A GEISHA (2005) now please explain to me why they are speaking in english when the movie takes place in Japan? In the turn of the century no less! Shouldn't they be speaking their native language? in this case Japanese?

Now that movie also included some of China's finest actresses Zhang Ziyi, Gong Li, and of course Michelle Yeoh. I didn't have a problem with their casting, but when a movie like that especially it being a period film it's very important for the characters to be speaking in their native language, because it makes it more absorbing to the viewers making everything all the more authentic.

That's what I meant.

Authenticity.

A perfect example is Ang Lee's CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON. Now this is how it's done people
!
It's an American made Chinese period film. Columbia Tristar produced it. Ang Lee directed it the way it should be directed. Chinese period film which had of course an all Chinese cast, and they spoke the native language, Mandarin. It was executed properly, the way a period film should be done.

Now imagine if Ang Lee had all the characters speak english?

Would it be believable still?
Nope.

Would it be an absorbing, period story as it was?
Probably not.

In order for a story to believable the director must use the language that corresponds with the characters. In this case, Mandarin is the language that is consistent with the characters being portrayed which of course is Chinese.

MEMOIRS OF A GEISHA is the perfect example of a badly directed, poorly executed film and you can add INITIAL D, to that list.
MEMOIRS OF A GEISHA has been 'American-ized', so too has INITIAL D has been 'Hong Kong-ized' should there be a such a word. If not, I just invented it!

I could only imagine the 'gasps' and 'sighs' that would've echoed throughout a japanese cinema house. The poor japanese INITIAL D fans must've demanded their money back after they saw this flick. Not just the language issue, or the casting of an all Chinese cast. It's also the badly written script, the way they tried to compress, and shortcut the whole entire series.

For instance, none of the characters were ever given justification for their actions. The Anime and Manga explained why the each of the characters did what they did, but the movie doesn't explain anything at all! Also, Jordan Chan one of my favorite Hong Kong actors appeared to be stiff and was trying a little too hard to be...well...to be a bad-ass. The role was just not for him!

Jay Chou didn't even come close as Takumi. Come to think of it, none of the characters were convincing as the characters they were supposed to be portraying.

Anthony Wong, the veteran of Hong Kong Cinema did a decent performance as Bunta Fujiwara. Thanks to his priceless experience, he was able to pull it off but only barely.

Anne Suzuki, is really the only exception. She played as Mogi, and she was pretty convincing considering well that she's Japanese whose portaying a Japanese character but still her Chinese voice over sounded a little older than she is, and try as I might I just can't imagine her speaking in Cantonese.

Unless she's someone like Takeshi Kaneshiro a Japanese who can speak in Cantonese, Mandarin, and Japanese.

To be honest, I was never a fan of voice overs to begin with. I prefer watching a movie in its original uncut state, with it's original unedited original language. However, I am aware that most Hong Kong movies are dubbed in both Cantonese, and Mandarin.

This I can tolerate since with the exception of two different dialects they are both still a Chinese spoken language. However, what Andrew Lau and Company did to have the Japanese characters speak in Cantonese is utterly ridiculous!

It's simple really...

...this movie should have never been made!

Not this way anyway. It was just doomed from the start. About the only thing one can enjoy from this flick are the racing scenes. The racing scenes are awesome, and plentiful! Especially for fans of DRIFT racing, they'll definitely get a kick out of this flick!!!

Also whenever they would show Takumi shifting, and changing gears. The way the camera would pan-down to his left hand, and the way his feet would step on both the gas and the break it's just like the Anime. They got the shot down-pact. Unfortunately that's the only scene in the movie that kinda reminded me of the Anime.

Oh and let's not forget the stereotypical soundtrack that was used. Now I do like all kinds of music. I like Rap, Hip-Hop, R&B, Classical, Pop, etc. But why did they have to use god-awful wanna-be rap music in this flick? Why not just stick to the Bass-Thumping Techno music that was in the original Anime? The soundtrack in the film is as important at it's story.

I thought Andrew Lau and company would know this element by now? Oh man....did they drop the ball on this one. I do hope someone hopefully a Japanese Movie Studio pick up the rights to make this awesome series into a REAL Movie worth seeing.

Keep in mind that this wasn't Andrew Lau's first foray into making a movie based on a Japanese Manga, Anime, or a Videogame. Andrew Lau's first attempt was THE AVENGING FIST (2001) based on the very popular videogame TEKKEN. As much as I wanted to like that movie because it featured an all-star cast, bottom line is the movie was a complete, and total crap!

(F.Y.I) This is not Andrew Lau's first racing movie either...nope!

Back in 1999 he made a racing gem titled THE LEGEND OF SPEED.
Now this movie is 10 times better than INITIAL D, for the simple reason that it has a good story. Watching this movie made you care about the characters, it featured awesome racing scenes probably not quite up to par with the racing scenes in INITIAL D but....still it was adequate, and believable. INITIAL D only had one cutie pie Anne Suzuki, probably the only reason to see INITIAL D to be honest! But in THE LEGEND OF SPEED, you get a bunch of cutie pies, especially Kelly Hu, and Hong Kong's finest, a very young Cecilia Cheung!

In conclusion, INITIAL D was a very big disappointment for me with Andrew Lau at the helm I expected a lot from him, and from the movie. None of my expectations were met...at all!!!!

As I said before, I have nothing against the casting of Chinese actors playing Japanese characters. Unfortunately that decision doomed the project from the start.

My suggestion:

They should have stayed true to the Anime Series and casted an all Japanese cast.
Andrew Lau could have still directed it with Japanese Actors, I don't know for the life of me why he short-changed himself. The same thing can be said for the aforementioned TEKKEN based AVENGING FIST(2001). He did the exact same thing in that project and look what happened...total crap!!!

Andrew Lau and Company should have taken their time.
The whole movie feels like it was rushed for some reason.
The obvious high budget production seemed to be there, but what in the hell happened?

Oh and that crappy-ass music....whose idea was it to use wannabe rap music in this flick, honestly? stick to the original people! INITIAL D is also famous for its thumpin' TECHNO Soundtrack, use that.

If it ain't broke...then don't fix it!!!

Plain, and simple.

Anyhow...

...if you're a fan of the INITIAL D Manga and Anime series don't expect too much from this flick, or you too will be disappointed.

Just enjoy the movie for what it is, and expect nothing in return because you won't get anything from it...oh wait, that's right you will get something from it!

Know what it is...

...total disappointment.

HOUSE OF FURY

Alternate Title: Jing mo gaa ting
Country: Hong Kong, China
Release Year: 2005
Genre: Martial Arts / Comedy
Language: Cantonese
Running Time: 102 minutes


[Cast]
Stephen Fung
Anthony Wong
Gillian Chung
Charlene Choi
Daniel Wu
Michael Wong
Josie Ho
Wu Ma
Jake Strickland

[Action Director]
Yuen Woo Ping

[Director]
Stephen Fung





HOUSE OF FURY...
...should be titled HOUSE OF FUN, because that's what this movie is...

...100% FUN at the movies!!!

This movie just absolutely blew me away!!!

Watching it from the beginning to the very end is without a doubt, an absolute blast!!!

I'm saying this without an ounce of hesitation.

Everyone... I mean everyone that I've shown this movie to, absolutely enjoyed it as well. So for sure I know it's not just me. I have nothing negative to say, it's just an awesome time at the movies literally!!! It's one of those flicks you just pop in the DVD player and automatically be entertained for the next hour and half or so.

It features a dynamic cast that if you have been watching Hong Kong flicks for awhile now, you'd definitely recognize the all-star-cast lineup. But you don't have to be familiar with any famous Hong Kong actors to be able to enjoy it, because what this movie is about can be described in four words. ACTION, ACTION, and ACTION!!! That's right. This movie features mind-blowing action scenes, and jaw-dropping martial arts action...and a touch of comedy.

At the helm Yuen Woo Ping, the legendary action director at the controls of the action choreography for this movie the end result. Ultra-fast action. The pacing is fast, and never dull. I can't say enough, this movie is freakin' awesome. You have to be dead to not enjoy and like this flick. Stephen Fung whose also the director did an excellent job.

From the get-go he never intended this movie to be too serious, he added an enormous amount of 'fun' scenes. For instance, the classic brother and sister fights there is a scene where Stephen's character (he plays the brother) and (Gillian Cheung who plays the sister)....Fight. 'LITERALLY' over the TV remote. They do crazy acrobatic martial art moves, leaping over the dinner table, fighting on it, it's just plain crazy. That sort of scenes are fun because it is so unexpected, you just don't see those things everyday. It kinda makes you wish you can do that as well in real life.

Also he never over-indulges the viewer either. The movie doesn't have for instance, a ten mintue fight scene. That gets old and tiring really quick, at least for me anyway. It's a nice refreshing touch to have small exciting action scenes, than long boring ones. As I've said before, the pace of the movie moves smoothly. This is very good, because there is almost never a boring or a slow scene in the movie. Oh and did I mention the action scenes? There are TONS of them!!!

There are quite a few mind-numbing action sequences. Stephen and Gillian, and even Athony Wong shows us their ass-kicking sides. I never knew they could move that fast, and their execution of their movements are so fluid you'd think they were real martial artists. Then again, maybe they are. I'm not quite sure but who really cares. This much is true, they can all thank Yuen Woo Ping, he makes everyone look good!

The simple plot keeps the storyline moving smoothly and never gets confusing. It helps us focus on the characters and their ordeals, and how they deal with it. Gillian Cheung and Charlene Choi are always pleasing to the eyes. They're just so cute!!! Especially when Gillian does her awesome Tai Chi moves in one of the many action scenes. She's just ultra-sexy. Stephen is not bad either, that boy can move. It's also nice to finally see Josie Ho showcase her martial arts prowess, we got a brief taste of it from the 2003 Twins Effect. However...

...what really surprised me is the young white boy who looks like he's nine years old, he's real name is Jake Strickland he plays Michael Wong's son. This boy is a natural talent in the martial arts. Wait 'till you see him in action...man it'll blow you away. Seriously. He's also the youngest to ever have been accepted to be in the prestigious, and world famous 'Jackie Chan Stunt Team', a.k.a JACKIE CHAN STUNTMEN ASSOCIATION.

How very cool indeed!!!

This is one of those movies that will last through the passage of time. It's an instant classic in my opinion.
What's more the cast really looked like they were enjoying themselves. They were having fun, and you can really tell that by watching all of them in action.

It's simple.

This movie rocks!!!

It's a definite must-see, and anyone who watches it will not be disappointed. Kudos to Jackie Chan for producing it, to the cast and crew and especially to Stephen Fung for directing this flick the way he did, and to Yuen Woo Ping who never ceases to amaze me.

Hands down a definite Martial Arts classic.

SWING GIRLS

Alternate Title: Girls Meet Jazz!!!
Country: Japan
Release Year: 2004
Genre: Comedy / Drama / Music
Lanuage: Japanese
Running Time: 105 minutes

[Cast]
Juri Ueno
Naoto Takenaka
Eriko Watanabe
Yukari Toshima
Yuta Hiraoka
Nagisa Abe
Yuika Motokariya

[Director]
Shinobu Yaguchi





Watching SWING GIRLS, makes me feel good!

It's the type of movie you can watch anytime of the day. The acting performance of the young japanese cast is so wholesome, and loveable, you just can't help but fall in love with their characters. I waited in anticipation of the DVD release of the movie because I really enjoyed the last movie director Shinobu Yaguchi directed back in 2001, WATERBOYS.

What I just said about SWING GIRLS, can also be said for WATERBOYS, because in a sense they are practically the same movie with a few tweaks of course. Knowing this however did not deter me from enjoying this fun, japanese comedic movie romp.



Director Shinobu Yaguchi really seems to understand adolescents, and growing up in rural Japan. He absorbs the japanese teenage culture and he presents to us the viewer what we would otherwise not have seen or even be aware of. The different cultural aspects is another boundary to overcome when dealing in humor. Fact is what may seem funny and hilarious to one culture might not be for another. Director Shinobu Yaguchi however gets over this hump with little or no problems at all. He is able to present to viewers from other countries, the type of humor the japanese people find hilarious with little or no loss of humor.



He shows us that not all japanese teens are brand chasers, and not everyone is into buying expensive labeled apparels nor are they obsessed with demonic anime characters with 10,000 tentacles. Director Shinobu shows us that japanese teens, are also into simple things like Synchronized Swimming, and in this case Jazz. He also shows us that not all japanese teens are into high-tech stuff either that, they are also into simple things like taking a part-time job, pawning stuff you don't need anymore, and forming your own Jazz band.

Just like the boys in WATERBOYS tackling Synchronized Swimming, Shinbou Yaguchi does with SWING GIRLS with cute high school japanese girls taking the challenge in learning how to play wind instruments. I personally remember playing the clarinet back in my junior high days I, for the life of me cannot even make a lousy sound on that thing. That's why I chose to play the violin but enough about me back to the review.

Tomoko, played by Juri Ueno is the main character of the movie. Her character's antics and mischiefs is what Alfred Hitchcock would call The MacGuffin.

(The MacGuffin is a device that was employed by Hitchcock in order to create motivation and drive for the characters in a given film. info from tdfilm.com)

Tomoko drives the story and flow of the film. It was her idea to convince the girls in her summer make up math class to join the band. Summer make up class is another word for Summer School F.Y.I. However with no intention of ever learning really but to instead play hookie, little did she know that she and the girls would actually enjoy playing in the band.

How ironic indeed.



Tomoko and her four friends gets in and out of trouble and it is the joy of watching them deal with their current situation that makes the pacing and the story a pleasure to watch. There is so much events and key funny scenes in this movie you'll literally will have to watch it numerous times to be able to enjoy everything that is happening in the film.

You will quickly get attached with the five main characters in the film. Tomoko, the leader she plays the Saxophone, Nakamura, the bumbling pianist, Sekiguchi, she plays the Trombone she and Tomoko are my favorite! there's also Tanaka, she plays the Drums, and Yoshie, she plays the Trumpet. Together they are the nucleus in what is to become the big band Jazz that is going to be lead by Tomoko, and taught by Ozawa and no one will dare stand in their way.

This movie is so much fun I've watched it I don't know how many times and still, I enjoy every minute of it. I personally love the scene where they go picking matsutake mushrooms out in the woods and what ensues is probably one of the funniest scene ever incorporated with a classic tune from the last century. I must say I laughed my jaws off and ended up teary eyed it's that funny!!!

Naoto Takenaka plays as Tadahiko Ozawa their Math Teacher turned Jazz teacher, his performance in this movie is so funny so hilarious you simply like the guy, he has a simple humor about him he's hilarious in a quiet subtle way just like the character he played in WATERBOYS as the Dolphin Trainer. Having Naoto Takenaka in any movie is a major plus.

You don't have to like Jazz in order to enjoy SWING GIRLS, you don't even have to like music period. The sheer amount of joy you'll get watching this movie is enough to glue your eyes unto the television for its entirety. If you happen to like Jazz however there's no question you'll get a kick out of this simple, hilarious, japanese comedy. As you watch you'll slowly see how the girls develop and become the full-blown Jazz artists they all worked so hard to become, the performance towards the end of the film is simply breathtaking, I swear it made the hair on the back of my head stand on end not to mention it gave me goose bumps.

Director Shinobu Yaguchi also shows us the things that we all went through growing up for instance, begging our parents to buy us that expensive 'thing' we want. Of course the majority of the parents out there would've said "...the last time we bought you something you never stuck with it!" or something similar anyway. He also shows us the lengths we all took as a teenager to get the things we did want.

Everyone can relate to Tomoko's trials and the things that she goes through in the movie. Friends that stuck with her through the end, and discovering the shallow acquaintances whom she thought were friends. This movie is chock-full of japanese humor, simple and effective punchlines are scattered throughout the movie and never tries too hard. It doesn't have to because the different scenarios are so full of different jokes and madcap hilariousness that the viewer only has to pay attention, and they will be taken for a very refreshing japanese comedic ride.

Thank God for Shinobu Yaguchi for bringing us another japanese comedy gem.
SWING GIRLS, like WATERBOYS is like a bottle of spring water, it's ahhhh.....so refreshing!!!




Also:

If you are the type of viewer who likes to listen to music soundtracks like me, you definitely have to own the SWING GIRLS ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACK (UNIVERSAL) It's around ¥2600 here in Tokyo, that's about $20.00 USD. Might be more if you're outside Japan, but it's well worth it! You'll enjoy the soundtrack as much as you enjoyed the movie, especially if you loved this awesome flick...guaranteed!!!

FIST OF LEGEND

Country: Hong Kong
Release Year: 1994
Genre: Martial Arts
Language: Cantonese / Japanese / Mandarin/ English
Running Time: 103 minutes

[Cast]
Jet Li
Chin Siu Ho
Ada Choi
Shinobu Nakayama
Yasuaki Kurata
Billy Chow
Paul Chang

[Action Director]
Yuen Woo Ping

[Director]
Gordon Chan





Jet Li, along with Jackie Chan, Michelle Yeoh, Chow Yun Fat, and all the other spectacular martial artists slash actor, and actresses are without a doubt, the hardest working people in the entertainment industry, in Hong Kong, Hollywood, and any other parts of the world for that matter.

With that being said, all of us that watch these martial arts classics are well aware that they do their own stunts.

The true dedication to their craft truly shines on screen. Wether they're leaping on their own, or strapped on a high wire they're simple yet difficult acrobatics are just a wonder to behold on screen and beyond.

If there is ever a film that truly defines the masterful skill, and passion for Jet Li's martial arts movie career: FIST OF LEGEND is that film.

Period.

Although I believe The Tai Chi Master comes a very close second but, that is another review. Fist of Legend is a remake of the Bruce Lee classic: Fist of Fury, and a very worthy remake to say the least. Fist of Legend stretches the boundaries of what makes a true martial arts classic, it has everything a martial arts afficionado could ever want: great story, and plot, awesome cinematography, 100% authentic stunts, jaw dropping martial arts choreography, excellent pace execution mixing action, and romance, perfect chemistry between the cast members, and their roles, an over all perfect performance.

Storywise it's faithful to the original Fist of Fury, of course with little variations here and there which I won't mention in this review, so have fun identifying them. Pretty straightforward story, Chen Zhen (Jet Li) comes home to Jingwu Mun and finds out that his sifu was killed during a duel with the master of the Kokuryu (Dark Dragon) clan.

With deep knowledge of his sifu's unequaled skill, and superiority in the martial arts, he could not have lost so easy a battle. Thinking that there might have been foul play involved, he begins his investigation but only to be deemed sacriligious, and disrespectful after digging up his master's corpse in order to conduct an autopsy. From here on out jealousy, intrigue, plot twists, and incredible fight sequences ensues. Everything from internal conflicts, to the Japanese Imperial Army are all trying to silence Chen Zhen's ultimate quest for justice.

Now on the technical side of things, director Gordon Chan's screenplay keeps the story and plot interesting, while Yuen Wo Ping's martial arts mastery keeps the fighting sequences very fast, and fluid.

The setting is very well done with the exact replica of the century its representing. The costume design cannot be authentic enough, from Master Funakoshi's kenpo attire, to Mitsuko's gorgeous kimono, General Fujita's Imperial Army uniform, to Chen Zhen's all black neru banded collar suit. The soundtrack is very well done by the use of exotic sounds of bamboo flutes, percussions, and drums. The fighting sequences are to sum it up, is impossible to describe into words.

The choreography is truly Yuen Wo Ping's masterpiece. His signature trademark 'dust on impact just adds more depth to the already spectacular fighting sequences. With his choreography, Jet Li's high octane martial arts delivery, (although Jet Li's the star, he's by no means the only one that has awesome moves in his repetoire.) Yasuaki Kurata as Master Funakoshi's double aerial kick must be seen to be believed, and Billy Chau's, General Fujita versus Jet Li's, Chen Zhen at the final battle inside the dojo is a true spectacle to behold.

This is by far the only final battle sequence that can ever give Bruce Lee's legendary final battle against Han, in Enter the Dragon, a run for its money. Even still Bruce Lee was and still is the man that started it all, and as far as I'm concerned Bruce Lee is and his classic films are unfadable, and definitely untouchable

In conclusion having seen this movie a million times and counting, I personally cannot express enough my deepest emotions to recommend this modern martial arts classic to everyone. Any age, any sex, martial arts fan or not unless the person is dead and not breathing, everyone that has the appreciation for solid piece of film making will get a kick out of this Jet Li flick.

BATTLE ROYALE

Country: Japan
Release Year: 2000
Genre: Action / Thriller
Language: Japanese
Running Time: 114 minutes

[Cast]
Takeshi Kitano
Tatsuya Fujiwara
Aki Maeda
Taro Yamamoto
Masanobu Ando
Kou Shibasaki
Chiaki Kuriyama
Takashi Tsukamoto

[Director]
Kinji Fukasaku




Where do I begin with this Masterpiece. This movie has the best opening sequence I have ever seen to date. Even the music that plays at the very beginning, a symphonic, operatic, horrific, melodious tone. Pefectly setting the mood for what the audience is about to experience.

The movie is so good, it will keep you guessing, until the very end. Kinji Fukasaku, keeps the pace moving quickly, while the characters in the movie interacts, giving us just enough information about each one of them. Subtle, yet brilliant scriptwriting. Add to that a superb Cast.

They really look like the kids they portray. Which is more painful when you see them killing each other, playing the game they are all forced to play.

It basically sets a new standard in depicting violence in the movies. Fear, tension, betrayal, chaos, & and nail biting suspense. Not to mention loud screams, sighs of painful gestures, and someone saying "Dam, that must've hurt!"; while watching BATTLE ROYALE. As mentioned above, the movie opens with an operatic music as the TOEI pictures logo opens the movie. A prologue explains that by the dawn of the millenium, the nation collapsed.

85% of the population were out work, and at only 15% employment, the youths started boycotting shool, and causing widespread havoc. The adults fearing the youths, prompted to pass a reform act to set the youths straight, deliquent or otherwise. Hence, the new law is called "The Millenium Educational Reform Act"a.k.a "The B R act" a.k.a " Battle Royale."

One of the elements I enjoyed in viewing BR especially for the first time, is its use of classical music. I mean it's the exact irony of it all, that makes it all the more interesting, and enjoyable. Where else can you see two young students fighting to the death, while listening to Bach's Air for a G string. Fukasaku-san's mind is twisted, and beautiful. Another element is the use of comedy, and dark humor.

As I watched Kitano-san, (played wonderfully with disturbing delight by Takeshi Kitano) as he tells these kids that their very life is threatened, Kitano-san explains it in such a vicious, and yet hilarious way. The whole movie pretty much takes place in a deserted island, where the unfortunate students where taken after their abduction.

There isn't a whole lot of negative things to mention about BR's production standards except maybe for its plot holes, although I can mention a couple, (which I will refrain from mentioning) it will not hurt the premise of the storyline one bit. At least to me anwyay. In fact, you will be totally absorbed in the movie you won't even notice it. As you will pretty much be biting your nails among other things, for you will be totally enraptured by its cringingly painful death scenes of young Japanese 9th graders.

But by no means you should watch this masterpiece just because of its controversial premise, that's just the icing on the cake. It should be watched for its energizing direction, its arresting formula, that will horrify, and entertain the viewer(s). The pace of the movie, moves at such a mathematical precision, that will keep you in awe, as you are captivated by the ordeals of the characters, and the horror they are experiencing.

You will find yourselves cheering for your favorite characters, as they endure obstacles after obstacles. And sadistic though it may sound, these are 9th graders we are watching after all as they kill each other off. You will be treated to one of the most spectacular, most talked about, and most contoversial film ever made, by any film company. Do yourself a favor, do not pass this one up. This is the movie for the ages. The most shocking, as it is disturbing.

In conclusion, BATTLE ROYALE is without a doubt a definitive cult classic in Japanese Cinema. Just as Miike's DEAD OR ALIVE messed with your senses on its opening credits, so does BATTLE ROYALE on its entire 114 minutes of running time. Fukasaku-san, has definitely made his mark in shock cinema, and BATTLE ROYALE is that mark.

I have never seen a movie that totally changed my whole perspective towards Japanese Filmmaking. It's because of these type of flicks is why I enjoy, and love Asian Cinema. No other film has ever made an indelible mark on my mind, and I have yet to see another movie that will do so. In short, no one should miss viewing the testament of Fukasaku-san's movie career. The Japanese movie masterpiece that is BATTLE ROYALE.

GO

Country: Japan
Release Year: 2001
Genre: Drama / Romance
Language: Japanese / Korean
Running Time: 122 minutes

[Cast]
Yosuke Kubozuka
Kou Shibasaki
Shinobu Ootake
Taro Yamamoto
Tsutomu Yamazaki

[Director]
Isao Yukisada


"JAPANESE MELODRAMA ABOUT DISCRIMINATION, TEENAGE LIFE, ADOLESCENTS, AND FALLING IN LOVE!"


I first heard of GO at an online chat group someone mentioning it as a quasi-semi-controversial Japanese movie about discrimination, about being different, about being a Japanese-born Korean growing up in Japan.

So after awhile a few months or so I finally found a copy, so here is my review.
I believe this is one of those movies that you have to pay special attention, in order to be able to watch and absorb everything the movie is going to throw at you.

The movie throws at the viewer so many different scenarios of being a teenager in rural Japan, peer pressure, good ole' school fights, dissaray teenage views on life, and what's more?

Being different.

The movie tells the story of a Japanese born Korean named, "Lee Song Ji" who calls himself "Sugihara" among his Japanese friends, is sent to a North Korean School to learn everything that is about North Korea, its history, culture, and of course the Korean Language. As he grows up, he becomes more obsessed and confused at the same time about his own identity. Wether to accept his Korean background or change it to a Japanese one. After quitting the North Korean School, and quickly enrolls himself to a Japanese school, and in no time was immidiately invovled in school brawls.

After claiming the No.1 title in school for being undefeated, he gains more courage to accept who he is. He also befriends a Yakuza's son, who invites him to a birthday party. It's in this party that will completely change his views on life, and love. And Sugihara's friends...little does he have is a reflection of his life, and himself. As a Japanese born North Korean, the struggles he's enduring as a outsider is not against the outside world, not even among his friends, and peers but, against himself. The struggle for an identity.

In my opinion, if one wanted to fully understand the exact difference, and pinpoint the problems that these two races has had in the past. Well, one is going to have to turn to the history books. I, for one is not about to do that. Personally, I just want to review such a fantastic, and truest of the truth of a movie. It captures the very essence of what, and how it is to be different, and the honest confusion that goes along with it.

Sugihara never asked to be born in a foreign country, in this case it is Japan, in an unamed city. He never asked to be sent to a North Korean school, to learn everything there is about his motherland. And yet, there he is doing daily traditional soldier marches, there he is having to listen to his teachers on how he has to become a doctor, or a lawyer so that he could take that skill back to serve his country. North Korea.

Within himself, clearly Sugihara's confused about his own identity. Having endless thoughts whether or not to accept his Korean background, or become Japanese. Heck he's already got a Japanese name for starters. Just when things starting to boil over, Sugihara's Dad, a North Korean refugee who fled to Japan in order to raise his family safely suddenly comes into the scene. To rescue Sugihara from his torment...well....sort of.

His Dad helps him make his choice in his own tried, and true way. Then, and only then we are introduced to an even bigger obastacle for Sugihara. That is when he meets a gorgeous Japanese High School Girl. What will he do? What will he say? And more importantly, What will happen if he reveals his real background of being a Korean to her? Ahh...you'll just have to watch, and find out!!!

I was really impressed by this movie, everything from the cast, storyline, and production. I found it to be an unconventional love story. By that I meant although this is all in all, a love story per se. The movie wasn't just focused on that aspect. It had every emotional hurdles to be dealt with by Sugihara. Being different, having two identities, being born in a foreign country, racial discrimination, parental problems, and....falling in love.

In conclusion, the movie is a triumph for it questions the very meaning of being ones' self. It shows that the simplest answer can be the most difficult to accept, in other words you are who you are. Deal with it! I have never seen a more natural acting than the cast in this movie, and I have never seen a more honest story. GO! another Japanese movie gem, do not miss this one!!!

VERSUS

Country: Japan
Release Year: 2000
Genre: Martial Arts / Fantasy
Language: Japanese
Running Time: 119 minutes

[Cast]
Tak Sakaguchi
Hideo Sakaki
Chieko Misaka
Kenji Matsuda
Yuichiro Arai

[Director]
Ryuhei Kitamura



"JAPANESE ZOMBIE ACTION EXTRAVAGANZA!!!"

If there is one thing that I love about movies, the main thing I focus on the most...is its presentation. VERSUS, is that movie. Courtesy of Kitamura-san with his cunning ability in presenting us a smartly directed action flick.
Smart because of the fact that, despite it's low budget production. You are still treated to one of the most spectacular samurai, zombie, action extravaganza.

Everything from the storyline, right down to the cinematography which features awesome dynamic camera angles. One thing you'll notice right away, is how fast the action sequences are.

The fist fights as well as the sword duels, are simply breathtaking. It is definitley Hong Kong Cinema influenced. From the martial arts sequences that echoes Yuen Woo Ping's grace, to the blazing gun fights that shouts that of John Woo's execution. And sword duels that screams both Ching Siu Tung, and Kurosawa.

The plot is simple to follow, and the whole movie takes place in a forest somewhere in the remote regions of Japan. The forest is believed to be a portal to another dimension, that brings the dead back to life. And behind it all is one bad ass who wants to harness its power.

The story jumps back and forth between the old feudal Japan, and the present. There are a number of interesting yet mysterious characters thrown together, and each one is unique. Some are serious, some are hilarious, others are both.

The plot, although serious in its theme, isn't shy about throwing in a few funny scenes here and there. As a matter of fact viewing VERSUS, will no doubt at times make you think you are watching a live-action anime. And throughout the length of the movie, you are kept pretty much in the dark about who these characters are until the very end. However you won't think of that because of the sheer excitement that you get from all the action that is going on.

VERSUS features some of the best editing I've seen, and the soundtrack is awesome featuring a mixture of rock and roll, funk, techno riffs during the action scenes, and a slower more haunting melodies during key moments. The costume design is nothing short of amazing. Not only the characters are different, their fashion sense also speaks their personality. I absolutely love the outfit our hero wears during the feudal Japan scenes.

Another element I enjoyed about VERSUS is the straightfoward story that lies on the surface, yet what you will witness at the very end of the flick will pretty much blow your mind, and will change how you felt towards the characters you've met previously.

So...the old myth of producing crappy flicks because of low budget restraints has just been re-written by Kitamura-san. He proved that by having a vision, initiative, style, presentation, and using old formulas, one can still produce high quality movies. In short, VERSUS is a remarkable, piece of low budget filmmaking. It is a testament of how a movie should be made even along budget restrictions.

Kitamura Ryuhei really took his time in producing this action masterpiece, the design, structure, and foundation of the production truly shines on screen. Not to mention the amazing performances by the cast. In short, you will have one of the most enjoyable viewing experiences of your life, because VERSUS is truly a tour de force in filmmaking. An instant cult classic.

DEAD OR ALIVE

Alternate Title: D.O.A
Country: Japan
Release Year: 1999
Genre: Action / Crime
Language: Japanese
Running Time: 105 minutes

[Cast]
Riki Takeuchi
Sho Aikawa
Renji Ishibashi
Hitoshi Ozawa
Shingo Tsurumi
Kaoru Sugita
Ren Osugi
Susumu Terajima

[Director]
Takashi Miike





"A KINETICALLY CHARGED, VISUAL MASTERPIECE FOR THE SENSES!!!"

Takashi Miike is without a doubt the most explosive Japanese director period. His movies has managed to shock, disturb, and entertain millions of people worldwide.

Simply put there's always something to see in a Miike flick, and Dead or Alive is probably the epitomy of that statement.

The movie does not waste time, from the moment the credits starts rolling you are visually treated to one of the most explosive introductions of any characters in a movie. It will mess with your senses, the honest truth is you will probably enjoy it. Or hate it, the fact is if this movie manages to entertain, sicken, and disturb you, Miike has done his job.

As a director I find him very unforgiving towards his characters, and very unapologetic to his audiences. And that's exactly what has set him very far apart from other directors out there. Dead Or Alive is another testament of Miike's directive genius. With DOA, Miike shows the different perspectives, and the lives of very different people in the Japanese Yakuza underworld.

The story focuses on the relationship between the Yakuza, the Chinese Triads, and the Tokyo Police, and a band of would be bank robbers. And how they deal with each other. Each group, each individual has a certain path, and a goal to achieve.

Because of their position in life, and the difficulties of what life has to offer. Some of the characters are forced to do what they have to do may it be good or bad, in order to better themselves in a way they see fit. Miike shows you the two sides of the coin, of every major character.

Honor, Trust, and Loyalty is what drives the plot of the story. But of course a Miike flick is not complete without his direct unforgiving touch. And that's exactly why people should see his movies. To see what he's going to do next. DOA certainly delivers the goods. The story is straight forward. The action is absolutely fantastic.

There's absolutely plenty of things to see in DOA, none of which you will forget for a long while. Excellent acting performance from the characters, One of the two main leads Sho Aikawa did an excellent performance as the devoted yet troubled detective Jojima, and Takeuchi Riki is definitely one to watch.

His super cool, suave look is perfect for the role as the fearless Ryuichi. One should definitely watch his peformance in another Miike directed flick "FUDOH".

Dead Or Alive is highly recommended to any action fan aficionados. Along with an entertaining story to boot, no shortage of action, awesome soundtrack, and those unforgetful Miike scenes. You will defintitely be taken for a ride of your life!

This is one for the record books folks!!!

Dead Or Alive is without a doubt, a solid masterpiece in every sense of the word. Dead Or Alive is a Japanese Cinema bliss of epic proportions.

JAKARTA

Country: South Korea
Release Year: 2000
Genre: Comedy / Mystery
Language: Korean

[Cast]
Sang Jung Kim
Da Hun Yun
Chang Jung Lim
Hee Kyung Jin
Jae-Eun Lee
Se Jun Kim
Jun Gyu Park

[Director]
Cho Sin Jung



SATISFACTION...

...is what you will get after viewing this Korean movie delight.

Right from the very beginning without hesitation, it throws you right in the middle of the action. Apparently we (the audience) are to be witnesses to one of the most organized, disorgarnized bank heist in history! Or is it?

Well in Korean movie history anyways because not only do we bare witness to a single group of baddies planning their next heist of the century. We have not one,.. not two,.. but three groups! That's right, three groups of would be bank robbers planning their next bank heist of the century.

But there's just one single solitary problem, and it's a big one. It's that all three of them have the SAME plan, to rob the SAME bank, at the SAME time! Now what could be more disastrous than that? It's hilarious madcaps, beautiful plot twisters, and muliple maybe even triple backstabbings ensues.

The formula to make an entertaining action, caper, comedy is well thought out in JAKARTA. Because you have three groups of bank robbers who not only will have to compete with the cops and the law, but also with each other.

The first of these groups are three happy go lucky bandits who are very thorough at the planning of the bank heist. The second group are two ex-cops turned thugs who both want to have an early retirement nest egg. The third group is the vice president of the bank itself who wants the easy way out, with the help of his secretary who would do anything for him.

All I can say is WOW! this movie will keep you guessing right through the very end, although it throws hints all the while. No matter how good one is at solving the mystery, it isn't as good, and satisfying as it is when revealed.

The movie keeps you at such a steady pace but as you keep watching, the movie switches into a higher gear, and it will never slow down. To mention anymore details would be to ruin one's viewing pleasure, so I'll stop now.

Technically there isn't anything bad that to mention about JAKARTA. As with any other Korean productions the quality certainly is of high values. One thing I also noticed in Korean movies is that, there's always a number of interesting characters.

There's no shortage here. Upon viewing JAKARTA, I can guarantee you'll be laughing you're pants off! Not to mention brilliant mind benders scattered throughout the flick. Another Korean gem!

SHIRI

Country: South Korea
Release Year: 1999
Genre: Action / Drama
Language: Korean
Runtime: 125 minutes

[Cast]
Suk-Kyu Han
Min-Sik Choi
Yoon-Jin Kim
Kang-Ho Song
Johnny Kim

[Director]
Je-Gyu Kang


Shiri is the definitive Korean Blockbuster of the late 1990's. It mixes espionage, action, drama, intrigue, not to mention simple but effective plot twists. After viewing this flick I never look at a simple fishbowl ever again. Shiri, has it all. Tremendous believable stunts. The obvious high production values. Absolutely glorious talents. The locale is gorgeous, and not to mention awesome costume design.

The set pieces are all too authentic, making the viewer believe that all the blood, and guts are, well......*real blood and guts! The absolute attention to detail to the all the fire arms, and the way to operate it is just awesome. With all this said, unfortunately Shiri is not without flaws as well.

First of all, as I'm sure Kang Je Gyu wanted to include all the formulas of what makes a great flick. Action, Romance, Intrigue, Special Effects, Plot twists. In doing so he did succeed, however for an Action flick that has a romantic element thrown in the mix if not executed properly could ruin a story, because sadly after experiencing an awesome action sequence the pace of the movie slows down quite tremendously for the romance part, even though while adding plot to the story, it all but affects the flow of the movie, and not necessarily in a positive way.

Personally I also felt that the movie is longer than it should have been. Again the romantic scenes just adds up unnecessary running time. I believe that while Kang Je Gyu added these romantic scenes, he should've not spend too much time on it because let's face it. This is an action flick after all. Of course I always favor any director to add their own touch, and ideas onto the movies they direct. It's just sometimes not all of those ideas are exactly the good ones.

The cast is perfect for the movie. I don't think anyone else can play the heroic double duo Han,Suk Kyu (Tell Me Something*1999), as the dashing agent along with his brother/agent partner Song,Kang Ho (The Foul King*1999). As for the female lead Kim,Yun Jin is perfect as the double agent caught in the crossfire between two countries.

Lastly, for the villain Choi, Min Sik (Failan *2001) plays the smooth debonair leader of the North Korean rebels who strives for the unification of both North, and South Korea. Choi, Min Sik strikingly resembles Al Pacino, an excellent actor in his own right indeed.

I believe this film should be viewed by anyone who is old enough, the movie does show gruesome decapitations especially in the opening sequence of the film (probably the best opening sequence to date, certainly bloody.) The story, plot, performance, action scenes, special effects, acting, and the movie as a whole, does the Korean movie industry justice.

From the set pieces, set design, locale, costume design, right down to the soundtrack, and the presentation of the film, the movie is a stunner. My only gripe is that the movie's fast paced flow was slowed down by the unecessary addition of a romantic formula that should've been much a counter-point in the plot as it was intended to.

KICK THE MOON

Country: South Korea
Release Year: 2001
Genre: Comedy
Language: Korean
Runtime: 118 minutes

[Cast]
Sung-Jae Lee
Seong-Won Cha
Hye-Su Kim
Jong-Su Lee

[Director]
Sang-Jin Kim



Kim Sang-jin has got to be one of the finest Korean Directors to come along . His movies are so full of variety one cannot simply just enjoy his movies by just one sitting.

His movies just like "Attack The Gas Station", are filled with so many different and interesting characters which makes his movies itself like doorways to other dimensions, earthly dimensions that is because his characters also deals with everyday ups and downs just like everyone else in this world. Which is a good thing, because then it helps the viewers identify, and relate to the characters on screen.

The movie centers around two very different people who by chance on that one strange, and faithful night. During a simple high school gathering, was suddenly attacked by a rival high school. Gangsan High who is lead by a young Gi dong-choi, the leader of the Gangsan gang and one of the two main characters leads the charge for the honor of his school.

While a big brawl is happening, a young nerd, Young-joon and who is also the second of the two main characters, and who idolizes Gi dong-choi watches as his hero battle the rival high school of what became the legendary brawl of Gangsan High. It's also the night that will change the lives of these two teenage boys forever.

Fast forward 20 years later. an older, Gi dong-choi (played by Cha Seung-won) now a respected high shcool gym teacher who disciplines his students like an army General suddenly meets up with Young-joon (played with a suave performance by Lee Sung-jae*Attack the Gas Station) who is now a very high ranking officer of the Korean Mafia, who was sent by his superior to take over his hometown 'Gyeounju. Suddenly find themselves competing against each other for the affection of Ju-ran (played hilariously by Kim Hae-soo) a spunky, outgoing very attractive sister of one of Gi dong's students, and the owner of a local noodle house.

Enter: hilarious mix ups, madcap pranks, hilarious and painful disciplines, a variety of consequences one may get if they are caught fighting, and again, hilarious multiple back stabbings, like 'Attack the gas station, you will meet a variety of different and interesting characters, even more so than Attack the gas station, truly a delight!

As for the technicalities of the movie the acting is superb, the cast is perfect, the production values are obviously high, the setting and locale is spectacular, the costume design is marvelous, soundtrack is perfect and most importantly the plot, script, writing, is a work of art of its own. Even after multiple viewing, I still cannot find any bad points about the movie. There's just simply so many different flavors in the movie that nothing but good points can be said.

Kim Sang-jin is truly a director to watch out for. His knack for directing, and storytelling is like none-other I've ever seen, and or witnessed before by other directors. His remarkable artistry of directing different characters, mixing up different interesting situations, his awesome comedic taste for hilariousness, and his simple almost quiet touch of formula in his films that tugs at the heart of every viewer is without a doubt must be felt to be believed.

Kick The Moon, will certainly be enjoyed by everyone, by any age that's mature enough to understand the story and humor, and the emotions being acted by the many characters in the movie. Kick The Moon is a solid piece of a movie, filled with wit, hilarious attitude, masterful storytelling, and flawless execution. Another Kim Sang-jin classic.

RESURRECTION OF THE LITTLE MATCH GIRL

Country: South Korean
Release Year: 2002
Genre: Science Fiction
Language: Korean
Runtime: 126 minutes

[Cast]
Eun-Kyeong Lim
Hyun-Sung Kim
Jin-Pyo Kim
Sing Jin

[Director]
Sun-Woo Jang



About a year ago I was at the monthly SCI FI convention in L.A. and I happened to glance at a single solitary DVD on the vendors' shelf. So I asked what It was, and the vendor showed me the fancy packaging of a cute Korean girl on the cover.

It appeared to be a scifi flick, so I bought it even though it didn't have any *English subtitles* because after watching the trailer, I was hooked. That was a year ago, and finally after obtaining a subtitled version of the flick, I finally watched it last night. And here it is...my own personal review. Which is a long time coming.

With much anticipation I quickly popped the disc into the DVD player. The movie opens explaining a revamped futuristic version of the fairy tale story of the little match stick girl, who wanders the street aimlessly selling match sticks, however no one buys any from her and so after awhile she freezes to death and while thinking happy thoughts about her grandmother she dies.

Exciting right? Wait there's more!

In an alternate South Korean space and time, someone creates a computer game. The game is based on the fairy tale and the objective is to locate the little match girl, and prevent her from selling any match sticks [the match sticks are replaced with disposable lighters instead]. And keep her alive long enough so that she freezes to death and dies while thinking of her grandmother but, in order to win this game, instead of her grandmother, she'll have to be thinking of the player.

Sounds easy enough right?

...well with so many players in the game after the little match girl, it'll be next to impossible to keep her long enough to die, much less to have her thinking of you while she dies. And that's exactly what our hero needs to accomplish. The movie had a lot of potential. An attractive young cast, a decent plot, and a very high budget.

Sadly however, someone still dropped the ball!

I just don't get it!

This movie had a great character, the little match girl who sells lighters seeing that no ones paying attention to her she gets mad, finds a gun, and kills anyone who refuses to buy from her. But that's all we get, no character development of any kind. Except when a flashback clip showing someone killing the love of her life. To which had nothing to do with the plot.

And there is no explanation how she got into the game. She's just a one dimensional character. Even the hero is one dimensional. He frequents an arcade which is run by a cute girl. Who very much resembles the little match girl whom he follows and suddenly gets sucked into the game.

Huh?

Again no explanation!

Throughout the movie you'll meet a few one dimensional characters, be treated to familiar but creative action scenes. And of course, special effects, and explosions.Which is to me probably the only reason to watch this flick.There's several scenes that are memorable.

I love the scene when the little match girl wanders the subway with a basket of lighters in one hand, and a semi automatic in the other, and when she is refused by several of the bystanders after trying to sell them a lighter, she sprays all of them full of lead with the submachine gun...

Very cool!!!!...

...but...why couldn't the rest of the movie be like this?

The very problem of ROTLMG is that, it focuses too much on the game plot. And not enough on character development. If the movie showed more stylized violence like the one mentioned above...why this would probably be one of the coolest movies ever made.

Except I don't think the director, the writer, or whoever wrote the script knew what he or she was writing about. They tried to include a lot of different plots, and subplots that just made the whole movie convoluted. To sum it all up, the whole movie was a complete and utter mess!!!

So in conclusion, the things that I liked in this movie are the eye candies which is the main character which is the little match girl, and the special effects. That's about it! No wonder this movie was dubbed "the most expensive South Korean movie flop ever made!" ...understandably so.

The DVD from CJ entertainment is pretty much flawless. Everything from the 16x9 anamorphic print, to the dts/5.1 dolby digital surround. Not to mention the extras you'll never understand, unless of course you can speak Korean. The only gripe I have with the DVD is the absence of English Subtitles.

Which makes me think that, the filmmakers are in a way discouraging English speakers to not see this high budget disappointment. Of course that is my own personal assumption. Still for what its worth, I still think that another South Korean high budget disaster "YESTERDAY" still is to this day my vote as the King of Korean Box-Office flops.

So yes, I did enjoy "RESSURRECTION OF THE LITTLE MATCH GIRL" more, way more than "YESTERDAY!" that's not saying much because anything is better than "YESTERDAY"

The English Subtitled" DVD version. Which I got from a used DVD retailer, of all places. It doesn't take much to know that it is a bootleg version. And while it is a bootleg version.

The English subtitles on it had a few misspelled words, but nonetheless helped me understand what's being said. A very passable action flick, and by the word 'passable' I meant that unless you are a huge Korean Action aficionado you, and everyone should avoid watching this flick like the plague.

ATTACK THE GAS STATION

Country: South Korean
Release Year: 1999
Genre: Dark Comedy
Language: Korean
Runtime: 113 minutes

[Cast]
Sung Jae-Lee
Oh-Seong Yu
Seong-Jin Kang
Ji-Tae Yu
Yeoung-gyu Park

[Director]
Sang-Jin Kim


Attack The Gas Station is a movie definitely on a class by itself. I mean what other movie out there that takes place pretty much completely inside and around a Gas Station?

The movie starts out by introducing four teenage punks bored out of their minds, decides to... well... attack and rob a gas station...over...and over...and...over.

The delinquents inflicts torture on the three young teenage employees of the gas station, and the leader of the punks develops a certain connection with the owner of the establishment by torturing him over, and over.

Right from the start, the viewer knows that these guys are completely disturbed, and as the movie progresses the viewer will learn that the owner of the Gas station is not very nice either and as for the three teenage employees, it will not be so easy.

They will be tortured over, and over. Also the entire movie setting is at night. After seeing this movie, I've thought twice about calling for Chinese food ever again.

The pace of the movie is very well executed. For a movie that takes place completely inside and around a gas station, appropriately named "Oil Bank" the director must place all sorts of different situations for the characters to deal with in order to get the story going and the director succeeds in doing so, by placing dynamic camera angles, dressing his characters with different outfits that reflect their personality.

The introduction of different characters interesting, or otherwise, and believe me there are a lot of them! so be prepared for the joyride.

Knowing the fact that this movie centers around four different, irate, not to mention socially disturbed teenage boys will probably turn many conservative viewers off. But as the immortal saying goes "never judge a book by its cover!"

Anyone that watches this movie will certainly get the full reward of laughter, because the movie has so many familiar and funny scenes that happens in everyday life, one may even relate with what happens to the characters in the story.

With so many different characters it's very interesting, even hilarious to watch it unfold on the screen. But of course the movie does everything to explain why each character are the way they are, and do the things they do. Certainly it leaves no stone unturned. Moral messages are scattered about as well so have fun identifying them.

I also like the idea of the director's decision in adding pop-up thought bubbles on certain scenes to help explain to the viewer what is going on inside a certain character's mind. Very nice, and hilarious indeed!!!.

Now on the technical side. The acting is very believable, a few touches of exaggeration here and there but it is only done so for comedic effect. The costume design is very nice, especially the different colors for the four main characters.

The addition of many different characters only add spice to an already crazy-cool plot. The soundtrack is well done, the set pieces are authentic, and the chemistry between each character is flawless.

In conclusion, Attack The Gas Station; will be enjoyed by anyone who watches it. For the simple fact that, anyone will find a hilarious scene in the movie that they can relate to. Even if you don't you will still end up watching a movie that is very original, smartly written, very unapologetic, and one that you have never experienced and seen before.

It will be for sometime before another movie will shine as bright as this one in the dark humor category, but in a meantime Attack The Gas Station will certainly entertain as well as tickle the funny bones.

TELL ME SOMETHING

Country: South Korea
Release Year: 1999
Genre: Pyschological Thriller
Language: Korean
Runtime: 118 minutes

[Cast]
Han Suk-kyu
Shm Eun-ha
Seon Jeung-hang

[Director]
Yoon-Hyun Chang




Tell Me Something is in the same vein as SEVEN, simply because of it's dark, wet, feel of the film. A semi-noir stylistical visual presentation.

As far as comparison however to SEVEN, this is where it stops because TMS focuses solely in its character development. The pace of the movie is steady if a little slow at times but that is done so that the audience remains focused on what's happening in the plot on screen.

To simply captivate the viewer, and at the same time make he/she think, to guess what's going on. And that is after all the sheer enjoyment of watching TMS. It never stops, there's always a twist in every turn. From the beginning to the very end.

One thing to keep in mind while viewing TMS, is the constant clues being thrown at the viewer. Like the scattered remains of body parts of the victims being found randomly throughout the city. The story is a giant jigsaw puzzle if you will, tiny clues that is everywhere which makes the viewing of TMS an absolute delight.

For the entire one hundred and seventeen minutes you will be transported to a world of constant fear, because everyone is a suspect. Who is exactly commiting these crimes, and why. Just as SEVEN delved into the serial killer's human or in this case, inhuman psyche. So too does TMS.

Even though you are presented to the TMS world through the eyes of a troubled detective, it's the characters around him that adds the formula to the already complex storyline.
Besides the brutal, at times gory scenes of horror being presented.

There are a number of different flashbacks that help explain, and keep the flow of the story at a steady pace. There are times where the characters would convey their emotions through the expressions on their faces, without uttering one single word.

There is also something about the movie that will keep you at a constant feeling of uneasyness, this is where TMS excels in the most. It plays with your emotions, it sort of forces you to watch a certain character, and study them well. The soundtrack used in the movie adds more depth, and helps to heighten the ambience of the film.

In short, TMS is a film that should be given at least a single viewing. Although It requires multiple viewings for that heightened effect. I had to watch it twice in order to absorb, and understand all the clues, and piece them together. Simply put, this is no action extravaganza.

The ride is pretty slow, and requires thinking, but the reward is definitely worthwhile. Tell Me Something is most definitely the sleeper hit of 1999. It has visual flare, grace, coupled with a very multi layered story that will definitely keep you on your toes.

Tell Me Something is a movie that you will either love, or hate. But will definitely leave a lasting impression in your worst nightmares.