Tag Archives: J-movie

Movie Review: An Assassin [Asashin] (2011) – Japanese Movie

Posted by amarmirch on

Asashin, An Assassin

‘An Assassin‘ (Asashin) is director Go Ohara‘s latest action film that can also be tagged as a Japanese film noir. With an underworld backdrop and a typical assassin plot (mistake, girl, destiny, survive) there is not much to be offered by the story. — Especially with what seems to be either an underdeveloped script or an attempt to show silence and brute force. The silence is mostly from weak dialogue with long pauses and long close-ups with extended facial expressions. This causes any emitted emotion from the scenes to simply wither away and make you wait, what seems like forever, til the next cut scene.

“Human drama that arises between a ‘Pitiless assassin’ and ‘One high school girl’. A fierce friendship with the one who risked his life.” (IMDb)

Japanese trailer (Twitch)

an assassin 1

But with all that, there are still some redeeming qualities to the film. For example, I only realised when “France” was mentioned the second time why the score was French strings. There are other symbolic gestures throughout the film which give it a raw-noir feel instead of simply a low budget and small production feel. More so, the low budget and small production is a notable element of the film adding to the raw-noir feel (as I call it) because it was filmed entirely at night in Sendai Miyagia, a famous shrine grove. Even the overzealous gun play and frequent cigarette smoking grows on the viewer as the film progresses. I know we all want guns that don’t have to be reloaded..

an assassin 3

Starring: Ryoma Baba //Sayuri Iwata // Yuki Kubota // Hassei Takano
Written by: Kubota Hiroyasu // Go Ohara

aparoo’s words: action, film noir, underworld, assassin, righteousness, romance, brotherhood, loyalty, fight, survive

aparoo says 3/5

Stream: Dramacrazy
Download: Asia Torrents

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Movie Review: Tokyo Sonata (2008) – Japanese Movie

Posted by amarmirch on

tokyo sonata cover 1

Tokyo Sonata is a melancholic dramedy in a class of it’s own.  Director Kiyoshi Kurosawa‘s sidestep away from bizarre horror flicks plotted him into a bizarre family drama with dark comedy undertones. It’s bizarre but full of intent and controlling of mood and pace, as is his other works. Tokyo Sonata has a conflict of beauty and tension throughout, as it makes a powerful depiction of Japanese society, culture, identity and family. If you thought your family was dysfunctional or even falling apart, think again.

Synopsis // Detailed synopsis

tokyo sonata family

It doesn’t take long to realize that internal and external conflicts associated with each character / family member act as greater destructive catalysts to the family’s make-up. So the viewer is dealing with both individual and greater whole self-destruction. The film has focus on finding ones true self and the forces that may or may not behind it. It also paints a picture of behaviour (and socioeconomics) in contemporary Japan, for better or worse. The characters and family as a whole are a defined parallel to Japan (seen by the Director and many others) as the businessman-father loses his job, the housewife feels a void, the older son is lost and defiant, and the younger son is trying to find his place (with himself and in the world) as he explores his true desires (or tries to).

“An ordinary Japanese family slowly disintegrates after its patriarch loses his job at a prominent company.” (IMDb)

tokyo sonata piano

“This film will portray a very ordinary family in modern Japan. I start from a point where lies, suspicion and a complete breakdown of communication already have established themselves within the family. Without a doubt, this is “modern” and this is also “Japan”. However, I would like to show a glimmer of hope in the end. Can I do that? Even if I could do so, would that be something that saves a conventional family? I just do not know now. Since I do not know, I have a strong desire to make this film.” — Kiyoshi Kurosawa (Director’s Statement)

Reviews: Midnight Eye // Japan Cinema // Rotten Tomatoes

Starring: Teruyuki Kagawa // Kyoko Koizumi // Kai Inowaki // Yu Koyanagi

aparoo’s words: family drama, dark comedy, Japanese society, individual identity, conventionalism

aparoo says 5/5

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photo credit: asianwiki.com

Movie Review: Villain [Akunin] (2010) – Japanese Movie

Posted by amarmirch on

villain poster

Villain, or Akunin,  is one of the best crime noir and emotional dramas that I’ve seen in a long time. Throughout the film I was questioning who was really being victimized and who was really being villainous. I found it a constant struggle to be sure I was sympathizing appropriately. I found it strange but rewarding to “feel” for a variety of characters who were tragically intertwined in this dark story. And I’m not the only one, as the film and it’s actors were nominated and won an array of awards, making it an acclaimed Japanese masterpiece directed by Zainichi Korean film director Lee Sang-il.

Who is the true “villain” here?

Villain is based on the 2006 novel “Akunin” written by Shuichi Yoshida who co-wrote the screenplay with director Lee Sang-il. The film showcases a superb cast led by Satoshi Tsumabuki and Eri Fukatsu. It also stars Hikari Mitsushima (“Sawako Decides“) and Akira Emoto (“April Bride“) who pulls off yet another convincing ‘father’ role. Kirin Kiki will make you cry, as much of the other content may bring you to tears (full cast). Tears out of a tragic love story, solitude, judgement and sadness. The film perhaps suggests that we are equally susceptible of being “the” victim or villain. It also dawns on the notion of ‘evil’ and whether or not people are truly bad.

villain 2

Part of me had the feeling the film was glorifying murder and just inserting a “murderers have feelings too” plot line, but that was progressively and eloquently dismantled as I found it to be more about the beauty of love and the sadness of no love. Sentiments surfaced along side gripping scenes with subtly deranged and moving music, which was the 1/5 non-actor/actress awards garnered at the 34th Japan Academy Awards. Villain is a ridiculously enjoyable film that raises very personal questions that attempt to waiver beliefs, judgements and even morals.

villain 1

Reviews: Film in Japan // Hollywood Reporter // Japan Movie Review // Beyond Hollywood

aparoo’s words: drama, crime, murder, victim, villain, blame, emotion, judgement, solitude, lonely, connection, souls, evil, good, bad,

aparoo says 5/5

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photo credit: avistaz.com // asianwiki.com