Tag Archives: Keiko Kitagawa

Elevator to the Gallows (2010) – Japanese Movie – Review

Posted by amarmirch on

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Elevator to the Gallows is a remake of a 1950′s film noir classic. The 2010 Japanese version is a great murder-drama with just enough crime, thrills and sinister darkness.The plot revolves around murder for love, which is as interesting to watch unfold as is the aftermath. A chain of events intertwines and determines fates.

Full synopsis

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The cast was spot on for the character portrayals in this story. Michiko Kichise plays a mysterious and calculating woman which reminded me of her in the “Liar Game” series. Hiroshi Abe pulls off another great leading act. And my favourite Keiko Kitagawa plays Tetsuji Tamayama‘s girlfriend.

Original synopsis. Original French Theatrical Trailer — Elevator to the Gallows (1957)
2010 Japanese trailer:


Aside from the great cast and story, the other mentionable element is the great score. From early on in the film it gave me chills and reminders of “Psycho” (1960/ 1998). The movie goes from eerie-melancholy to crime-drama settings flawlessly through the music. The backdrops and background music definitely depict the deeper parts of the story.

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aparoo says 5/5, watch if you like murder-dramas and appreciate classic remakes

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Piecing Me Back Together (2010) – Japanese Movie – Review

Posted by amarmirch on

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Piecing Me Back Together aka. Matataki (“A Blink“) was based on a novel and stars Keiko Kitagawa (“Buzzer Beat,” “Dear Friends“)

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Its about a girl who loses her memory from a car accident — she survives and the boyfriend dies. She tries to regain her memories by piecing things together with her psychiatrist and a newly befriended lawyer. In hope to remember the accident (and final moments of her boyfriend’s life), she must work through a pile of emotions, confusion and the unknown.

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Its a sad yet heart-warming movie with a simple and perhaps typical story (accident, death, memory, life, etc..). In this case remembering and moving on work hand in hand, so its a movie about living and closure as much as it is about loss and grief.

Narrations, thoughts, dreams and flashbacks move the story along at a slow but steady pace. Watch it if you’re up for a bit of a tear-jerker and enjoy sad-romance & “life” movies.

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aparoo says 4/5: realistic direction, strong cinematography & Keiko = triple threat

Femme Feature: Keiko Kitagawa (#2)

Posted by amarmirch on

Can never have too much Keiko.

Girls should watch her in Dear Friends, the teen drama adapted from a manga.

aparoo says Dear Keiko, ski des!

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