Kiyoshi Kurosawa’s “Doppelganger” lesser but interesting work
A typical Kiyoshi Kurosawa premise that allows him to explore creepy, unexplainable moods and atmospheres. … More Kiyoshi Kurosawa’s “Doppelganger” lesser but interesting work
A typical Kiyoshi Kurosawa premise that allows him to explore creepy, unexplainable moods and atmospheres. … More Kiyoshi Kurosawa’s “Doppelganger” lesser but interesting work
Many films have been made about the 47 Ronin story. No other piece of Japanese history has been portrayed this many times in 24 frames and Hiroshi Ingaki’s take is one of my favorites.
… More Capsule review: Chūshingura: Hana no Maki, Yuki no Maki (1962) – the best of the 47 Ronin
Ryusuke Hamaguchi stealth released two films in one year. His “other” film being the Wheel of Fortune and Fantasy, a methodical exploration of character that’s so honest with itself, paced so deliberately to invoke connection and a sense of realism. The anthology structure lets Hamaguchi grapple heavily with the themes through a variety of situations … More Wheel of Fortune and Fantasy Hamaguchi’s Subversive Anthology Film
Pitfall remains in between life and death, not fully existing in reality but not fading away into the tether. It’s a film with grand themes of abused labor in a villainous, soulless industry, while playing in the avant-garde of the afterlife. Director Hiroshi Teshigahara shows his personality in the surrealism and tells the majority of this story within this mood but keeping the narrative grounded in real world struggle. In his first collaboration with legendary novelist Kobo Abe, Pitfall is a film that toils with utter existentialism, and unfair and unjust treatment of human beings but then goes even further. It explores a culture of overworking, lack of freedom if one chooses to go against their company, and the complete alienation of the human condition. … More CERTIFIED WEIRD: Hiroshi Teshigahara’s “Pitfall” a surreal fight for workers rights
Hayao Miyazaki, a Weird Cinema favorite and beloved the world over by parents and children alike, is coming out of “retirement” to make what he calls his last film – How Do You Live?
… More Hayao Miyazaki out of retirement and set to release one last animated film: ‘How Do You Live?’
Ryusuke Hamaguchi is having a moment. His 2018 film Asako I & II carved a path, but his latest film that premiered at the Cannes Film Festival – Drive My Car – is making waves in Festival and award circles. The Best Screenplay winner at the 2021 Cannes awards is the Japanese Oscar submission for … More Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s Drive My Car gets new trailer and release date
We’re getting down to some unbelievable films. Pick any in part eight and I can guarantee you something unique or engaging in return. And for the love of god, keep watching films … More The Best Damn 501 Films Ever Made: Part Eight (150-101)