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Post by Travis on Feb 26, 2007 12:47:45 GMT -1
BATTLE ROYALE 2 : REQUIEM
Three years have passed since the events of the first film, and Shuya Nanahara, survivor of that game has since risen to be a renown international terrorist, posing a threat to those same adults responsible for the BR Act. The twist this time is that the BR Act has now been modified, and the chosen class now do not have to kill each other, but must infiltrate Nanahara's base and kill him.
While the first Battle Royale film was a pure 'high concept' film, boasting original ideas and memorable characters, the sequel is an overly ambitious mess. The writers have looked to broaden the scope markedly, and the whole 'game' that made the first film such a success has been sidelined, comprising about 20 minutes of the film, and used as a mere plot device, before dull and contrived philosophical musings start to dominate proceedings.
As the film builds to a finale, the military are sent in and a series of unremarkable and uninvolving battle scenes, marred further by an overly prolific use of jump cuts, ensue.
3/10
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Post by Neko Bazu on Feb 26, 2007 12:59:42 GMT -1
I was horribly disappointed by BRII too; I think I would probably have scored it a 2.5 Even your note of its reference to the original film was a touch generous, I think - it's barely glossed over, almost as if someone read the script and went, "Oh crap... hey guys, we missed something..." - I'd say an equivalent would have been if John Conner had just been name-dropped a couple of times in Terminator 2. I'd been told by many people not to waste my time watching it, because it was painfully bad. That was an untrue remark though; for it to be painfully bad, it would have got me worked up. It was instead deflating and disinteresting - I was hoping for at least piss-poor entertainment that I could get indignant about, but it failed even on that front.
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Post by Travis on Feb 26, 2007 13:04:05 GMT -1
And that wasn't the worst film I've seen this weekend!! BTW, tagging the other girl on in the last scene.....well that was just too painful to take!! Can you shed any light on Bad Guy, Neko. That's currently on my rental list. Oh, and I've got Audition coming through the post, I thought I'd give it another chance at £5. The orginal dvd release was barely watchable. I was horribly disappointed by BRII too; I think I would probably have scored it a 2.5 Even your note of its reference to the original film was a touch generous, I think - it's barely glossed over, almost as if someone read the script and went, "Oh crap... hey guys, we missed something..." - I'd say an equivalent would have been if John Conner had just been name-dropped a couple of times in Terminator 2. I'd been told by many people not to waste my time watching it, because it was painfully bad. That was an untrue remark though; for it to be painfully bad, it would have got me worked up. It was instead deflating and disinteresting - I was hoping for at least piss-poor entertainment that I could get indignant about, but it failed even on that front.
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Post by Neko Bazu on Feb 26, 2007 13:33:10 GMT -1
Just saw your review for that other one; not pretty! If I'm not mistaken, that's the lowest rating a film's been given on here! Not seen Bad Guy, but if I may be so bold as to put forward a recommendation, I rather like Uzumaki. It's not got the most amazing plot, but it's still enjoyable for its creativity - it was always intended to be surreal, and they pull that off nicely. A town of people become obsessed with spirals, and their obsessions eventually kill them; it's like a free licence to get weird that's seized upon with utmost glee. For enjoyment value, I'd rate it an 8, but if you want to get criitcal about the plot etc, it's nearer 6, IMO. In fact, I may watch it again sometime this week just so that I can put a proper review up ;D
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Post by The Lucky C on Feb 26, 2007 13:47:21 GMT -1
You not a fan of Audition Trav? I enjoyed it enough to buy it (or at least write an essay on it giving me a valid excuse to buy it), although I have always been a big fan of Takeshi Miike.
I feel that BR2 has been done a bit of an injustice here as well, I'd have given it 6/10 personally. Whilst there are flaws and gaping plot holes, there is a lot to commend about the film. I liked the idea of the linked necklaces, and the whole film is about the directors experience of World War 2 as a child. Whilst the direction is clumsy, remember that the original director died halfway through shooting the film, hence the mix-up.
However, the film is far from perfect, and the scene with Nanahara blowing up the buildings at the beginning and then attempting to justify his actions is frankly sickening, and seemingly portraying the USA as the bad guys of September 11th. I feel the film missed an opportuniy here, and prefer to look at the situation as though it was the government that blew up the buildings in order to frame Nanahara.
Whilst we're on the topic of wasted opportunities, there are many that glare throughout the film. The whole character of Kitano's daughter for one, she never quite lives up to her potential. And the entire film seems at odds with the closing lines of Battle Royale "If we ever have to pick up a weapon again, it won't be an easy choice" (although the book does make mention that Nanahara and Noriko would come back to fight the government at the end of it).
Despite these flaws, I still think the film has a lot to commend for it, and it was interesting, if not a complete work.
6/10
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Post by Travis on Feb 26, 2007 17:47:10 GMT -1
Evening C.
As I say, I'm giving Audition a second chance, for two reasons really. Firstly is because when I watched it initially, having heard so much about it, I was expecting an unrelenting and visceral gorefest - and in fairness, when it comes, it really comes - but in actual fact, as I remember it, the film took an awfully long time to click into gear in that respect. I know that Japanese horror movies often spend a lot of time on context and characterisation, but on this occasion it did seem excessive.
Secondly, the original DVD had an absolutely dire (sub-VHS) transfer, and pedantic as that may sound, it really does affect my enjoyment of a movie.
So this time I'll be watching the film better prepared, and be able to make a more conclusive judgement. I really didn't rate it at the time, but with a lot more experience of Japanese cinema now, and lower expectations, I'm hoping for better things.
As for BR2. I just felt everything was substandard, the first 30 minutes was essentially a retread of the original, with the odd tweak (linked necklaces included), the arrival at the island was wholly derivate (and far inferior) to Saving Private Ryan, though the directorial change may have had an effect. As I say though, the philosophical statements and discussions didn't really engage, and the final battle was a far lesser spectacle than anything in the original.
Couldn't agree more over the role of Kitano's daughter, I thought that would bring a really intriguing dynamic to the film, but the character was swiftly marginalised within the story.
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Post by The Lucky C on Feb 27, 2007 13:28:23 GMT -1
Couldn't agree more over the role of Kitano's daughter, I thought that would bring a really intriguing dynamic to the film, but the character was swiftly marginalised within the story. It's a wasted opportunity which is kind of symbolic of the whole film. I enjoyed it enough though. I'd be interested by the special edition version - apparently it clears up a few questions.
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Post by Travis on Mar 2, 2007 12:34:55 GMT -1
PORCO ROSSO
Set in 1930's Italy, Porco Rosso is the name bestowed upon a bounty hunter pilot, the most respected in the skies, and one who just happens to be just that little bit distinctive. Once a dashing young man by the name of Marco, Porco lives under a curse that has given him the head of a pig and spends his days collecting money for hunting down air pirates, and visiting the bar of his sweetheart Gina. However, when a flash American pilot appears on the scene, intent on making a name for himself by shooting down Porco, he must enlist the help of a feisty young engineer to ready his plane for the battle.
As well as being amongst Miyazaki's best work, it is also one of his most notable, for two reasons. It was the first Ghibli production not to have a 'human' lead - and Pom Poko, a film purely about raccoons, is the only other made since - and secondly, while Miyazaki's clear admiration for the female of the species runs through all his works, this is undoubtedly his most overtly feminist piece.
Although the lead is male, he is a pig, and not only in terms of appearance; he's portrayed both as being a womaniser and a sexist, and the narrative at times implies that his personality and appearance may be linked. Secondly, all the female characters are very strong, especially in terms of the two leads. There is Gina, she owns, runs and performs in her bar, and is universally adored by all the men who visit, she can manipulate their behaviour in any way she desires, but is never seduced herself. The young engineer Fio, meanwhile is a young teenage girl who's has proved herself to be not only the equal, but superior to her brothers at her craft, and ultimately proves to be the driving force behind Porco in his final showdown.
As always the story is terrifically animated, and it unfolds at a snappy pace as it builds to the showpiece climax. Again, thankfully Miyazaki forfeits the saccharine 'Disney' ending, instead plumping for something altogether more appropriate.
9/10
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Post by Travis on Mar 4, 2007 14:50:30 GMT -1
BAD GUY
A controversial Korean film that has split audiences and critics alike, Bad Guy is one of the cinemas most unconvential love storys. Essentially the antithesis of everything Pretty Woman stood for, it has been criticised on grounds of taste and misogyny as much as it has received acclaim; and both viewpoints hold some validity.
When Han-Ki, a quiet moody pimp, sees Sun-Hwa sat on a bench, he is immediately drawn towards her. However, when he sits by her, she appears repulsed and hastily moves, before leaving with her boyfriend. Frustrated Han-Ki forces himself onto Sun, kissing her before being dragged off by police. Fuelled by rejection (or infatuation), Han thinks up a pick-pocketing scam which forces Sun into prostitution and under his watchful eye. As time passes, Han's infatuation grows, and Sun finds herself increasingly drawn towards the man responsible for her incarceration.
I personally found the film fascinating, thoughtful and brave, even if you find yourself questioning the morality and motives of the characters. Worth seeking out.
8/10
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Post by The Lucky C on Mar 13, 2007 11:25:29 GMT -1
one from the Middle Eastern Appreciation Thread (if one existed...)
PARADISE NOW
The story of two childhood friends who grow up in the occupied areas of Palestine. Bitterness and loathing of their Israeli neighbours grows, until one day they are called by an old mentor to undertake a suicide mission in Tel Aviv. Whilst Kahled takes to the task with initial enthusiasm, Said adopts a more reserved approach to the job. Both characters have their doubts about what they're doing, and both face problems along the way.
Paradise Now doesn't seek to glorify or condemn suicide bombers in the middle east, more explain the motivation behind them. Whilst the film is well made and does go into the reasonings behind the infitada, it's not too deep, and assumes that you know a degree of the history behind the hostility between Israel and Palestine.
Worth watching, but once some background reading has been done. 7/10
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Post by Travis on Mar 13, 2007 11:34:46 GMT -1
Saw this recently too, and was a little disappointed. Being a political and religious philistine I was more interested in it as a emotional character study, and for that I thought it was merely adequate. I'd recommend the Iranian football film 'Offside', though beyond that my Middle Eastern cinema tastes are pretty sketchy to say the least. one from the Middle Eastern Appreciation Thread (if one existed...) PARADISE NOW The story of two childhood friends who grow up in the occupied areas of Palestine. Bitterness and loathing of their Israeli neighbours grows, until one day they are called by an old mentor to undertake a suicide mission in Tel Aviv. Whilst Kahled takes to the task with initial enthusiasm, Said adopts a more reserved approach to the job. Both characters have their doubts about what they're doing, and both face problems along the way. Paradise Now doesn't seek to glorify or condemn suicide bombers in the middle east, more explain the motivation behind them. Whilst the film is well made and does go into the reasonings behind the infitada, it's not too deep, and assumes that you know a degree of the history behind the hostility between Israel and Palestine. Worth watching, but once some background reading has been done. 7/10
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Post by Ninja Squirrel on Mar 13, 2007 12:54:32 GMT -1
I have the Host winging its way to me soon which looks cool the Korean version of Tremors as I call it ;D
Last one I watched and was glad to buy was Brotherhood don't know it it has been done on here but I liked it as it was a good account of the Korean war.
8/10 better than Saving Matt Dillions Career
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Post by Neko Bazu on Mar 13, 2007 13:14:35 GMT -1
Anime series review time!
Burn Up: Excess
Released in 1997, this is the final installment in the Burn Up series (that I know of), and by far the best of them. The series focuses on the exploits of a secret police team called WARRIOR; a group of elite specialists formed from ordinary police officers to take on jobs that would otherwise be too much for the Neo-Tokyo police force to handle.
Unlike many other items reviewed in this thread, this series makes it clear from episode one that it's not intended to be taken as an insightful look into humanity, an inspiring tale of personal triumph, a prophecy of doom or anything else of the sort. While it does occasionally delve into some more serious moments, the primary intention is for the viewer to have fun - and it delivers.
Consisting of just twelve episodes (though the final one is double-length, effectively taking the series to the requisite 13 mark), Burn Up: Excess never really has time to indulge in any serious character development or intricate plots, though it somehow still manages to provide plenty more than the bare minimum required to hold it together. Instead, you find yourself being fed generous portions of high-powered action, dosed up to your eyes in pantie- and bra-shots and given a large side of impressive weaponry and technology, served up by pretty girls in uniform. And some not-so-pretty pre-op transexuals.
(It should be noted at this point that, while the above suggests this is a 'for the lads' anime, every female friend that has seen this has enjoyed it too - it's too comical to be sexist, offensive or anything else, almost poking fun at itself at times.)
There is a satisfyingly wide range of characters in this series (including Rio, the muscle of the team who's always short on money, Maya, the gun nut, Lilica, the computer genius, Nanvel, the team's inventor, and Yuji, the one male in Warrior who is an expert pilot, self-professed leg-lover and infatuated with Rio) who are sometimes one-dimensional (often only breaking out of their usual role for one or two episodes) but play off each other superbly, managing to mix together running jokes and fresh reactions in a way that few other series manage and that keeps the whole series feeling alive, as opposed to stale and repetitive.
The animation is simple, but sheds the dated look of the earlier installments of Burn Up and instead is fresh and vivid. In truth, it feels appropriate for the series - were the animation to be any better, it would leave other areas feeling like they were lacking.
Throughout the series, team Warrior battles against gun-runners, extortionists, thieves and arsonists, corrupt politicians, stalkers and international terrorists, with the final few episodes revealing the link between all of them and their ultimate goal, building up first to a false climax, then the real one which leaps to a suddenly desperate and seemingly impossible scenario, providing a satisfying ending with just enough feel-good factor to close the series satisfactorily without hamming it up.
The seiyuu (voice-actors) in the Japanese version are excellent, though the subtitles on the official release sometimes feel a little flat, not quite capturing the mood and sometimes ruining jokes by translating a little too literally. Unless your Japanese is fluent, the dubbed version is the one to watch - again, with above-par voice acting (Maya is perhaps the only let-down, though her voice is moreso a little annoying than badly done) from an experienced cast whose masses of other work includes titles such as .hack, Ghost in the Shell, Neon Genesis Evangelion, the 'Lord of the Rings' games, X-Men, The Mummy, Alien: Ressurection, Full Metal Panic, Saiyuki and - bizarrely - Worms 3D. The jokes are translated much more fluently, and provide far more genuine laugh-out-loud moments.
Whether you're looking for an introduction to anime or are a long-term fan, this is a series worth watching. It's by no means among the best released, but is a lot of light-hearted fun - you could do a lot worse.
7/10
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Post by Neko Bazu on Mar 16, 2007 16:50:56 GMT -1
Byosoku 5 centimeter - Oukashou
Oukashou is part one of a three-part film being released this month (each part is approximately half an hour long), and I've just finished watching it. I wanted to put my review up right now, because I'm afraid this feeling will slip away otherwise.
This is anime. That is the best summary I can offer.
The artwork is amazing. The characters are of a quality that even the likes of Studio Ghibli would flaunt with pride, and the backgrounds are breathtakingly beautiful. I honestly cannot do justice to describe them in words, and even screenshots seem flat. When you're actually watching it, it's just... it's like life has been breathed into it.
The characters are of the breed you can't help but immediately fall in love with and empathise with. There's no outrageous personalities here; they're just two adolescents in love, separated by distance. It's something we can all imagine - maybe even identify with - and it's brought across beautifully. You don't even have to consider what the characters might be feeling like, because you're feeling it too. When they hurt, you hurt. When they're happy, you shed a tear of joy with them. Anxiety, frustration, feeling distraught and elated; they all carry out of the screen and into you.
The story is touching and genuinely moving, and brought a wavery smile to my face at the end - God knows I only had things to smile at, but the tears wanted to fall at the same time.
I couldn't praise this enough. I cannot think of enough words to describe how wonderful this is. Nothing is perfect, but this would get my nomination for the closest thing to it in any poll.
It's available for download now (I can send torrents to people who want them, and am planning to upload it later), and I strongly urge you to go and look at it.
10/10, no questions asked.
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Post by Travis on Mar 18, 2007 9:47:24 GMT -1
Nice one Neko, I'm downloading it as I type!
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Post by Travis on Mar 18, 2007 9:49:46 GMT -1
Nice one Neko, just seen this. I'm now downloading it as I type!
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Post by mortontheblade on Mar 18, 2007 14:49:26 GMT -1
east anglian news - now theres a news programme!
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Post by Travis on Mar 30, 2007 10:53:59 GMT -1
ONLY YESTERDAY
A film that's rather different from the more typical Studio Ghibli output, Only Yesterday tells the tale of a twenty-something office worker by the name of Taeko, a woman at a crossroads in her life. Taking a trip to the countryside, she reflects upon her life, and particularly her childhood, pondering what's happened to her dreams and whether she could truly consider herself a contented soul.
Although, as always the animation is beautiful, and the contrasting colour schemes work well to differentiate the past from the present, the film lacks the charm of other Ghibli productions. Although it does provide insight into both the pressures of growing up and the issues regarding growing older, the film seems way too ponderous. Perhaps the fact that it has only recently been released in the UK, and that on the back of Ghibli's other successes suggest that it has a limited appeal.
That said, the final sequence of the film which runs with the closing credits does provide one of those great signature Ghibli moments, providing a moving and perfectly judged, if somewhat inevitable climax.
6/10
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Post by thales on Mar 30, 2007 11:04:02 GMT -1
are we reviewing asian films here then rather than the film board
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Post by Neko Bazu on Mar 30, 2007 11:15:56 GMT -1
are we reviewing asian films here then rather than the film board It certainly looks that way, yeah. Either place works though, I'm pretty sure everyone interested in this thread looks on the other one too!
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