Tag Archives: Japanese Cinema

Cyberpunk is Dead

Posted on November 24, 2019 by

By John Semley Source: The Baffler “It was an embarrasser; what did I want? I hadn’t thought that far ahead. Me, caught without a program!” —Bruce Bethke, “Cyberpunk” (1983) Held annually in a downtown L.A. convention center so massive and … Continue reading →

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Saturday Matinee: Millenium Actress

Posted on August 24, 2019 by

An enchanting Japanese animated film about a woman whose life is propelled by the yearning of her heart for a mysterious stranger. Review by Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat Source: Spirituality & Practice In the opening scene of this exquisite … Continue reading →

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Saturday Matinee: Kyoshin (aka Mirrored Mind)

Posted on August 25, 2018 by

Synopsis from Dejima Japanese Film Festival Renowned cyber-punk director ISHII Sogo strays from his roots, entering the realm of the subconscious with Mirrored Mind, a composed, contemplative and also a very personal film. Guiding us along with an actress who … Continue reading →

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Saturday Matinee: Izo

Posted on August 18, 2018 by

Synopsis from Wikipedia: IZO is a 2004 Japanese film, directed by Takashi Miike. The main character of the film is Izo Okada (1832–1865), the historical samurai and assassin in 19th century Japan who was tortured and executed by beheading in … Continue reading →

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Saturday Matinee: Grave of the Fireflies

Posted on February 3, 2018 by

Review by Roger Ebert In the waning days of World War II, American bombers drop napalm canisters on Japanese cities, creating fire storms. These bombs, longer than a tin can but about as big around, fall to earth trailing cloth … Continue reading →

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Saturday Matinee: The Twilight Samurai

Posted on November 11, 2017 by

“The Twilight Samurai” (aka Tasogare Seibei たそがれ清兵衛, 2002), is a realist Samurai drama co-written and directed by Yoji Yamada set in mid-19th century Japan. It stars Hiroyuki Sanada as Seibei, a low-ranking samurai widower struggling to support his daughters and dementia-afflicted … Continue reading →

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Saturday Matinee: Tokyo Blood

Posted on April 8, 2017 by

“Tokyo Blood” (1993) is an anthology film consisting of four experimental shorts directed by Gakuryû Ishii (formerly known as Sogo Ishii) thematically connected by the theme of entrapment in Tokyo’s urban landscape and desire to escape. The opening film, “Street … Continue reading →

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Saturday Matinee: Battle Royale 2

Posted on March 18, 2017 by

“Battle Royale 2: Requiem” (2003) is an under-appreciated yet boldly provocative sequel taking place three years after the events of the first Battle Royale. The protagonists of the previous film have joined other survivors of past Battle Royales to form … Continue reading →

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