Japanese DVD recommendations
#1
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Japanese DVD recommendations
After reading some of the recommendations in the Korean DVD thread, I have been wanting to try some Japanese movies but need some recommendations. I usually prefer romantic or comedy movies but I do watch Action or Horror movies if they are well done.
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I tried looking for "Shiki-Jitsu" at a few of the sites I order for and could not find it. Where can i get a copy of it on DVD?
I already have "All About Lily Chou-Chou" but have not watched it yet.
Thanks for the suggestions so far, I hope to get as much enjoyment out of the Japanese movies as I have been getting from the Korean DVD's I bought.
I already have "All About Lily Chou-Chou" but have not watched it yet.
Thanks for the suggestions so far, I hope to get as much enjoyment out of the Japanese movies as I have been getting from the Korean DVD's I bought.
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I have always seen it listed as Shiki-Jitsu, but cdjapan lists it as shikijitsu:
http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/detailview.html?KEY=KIBF-5077
Things of interest: Shunji Iwai plays the lead part in Shiki-Jitsu and he is in real life the director of movies like All About Lili Chou-Chou and Swallowtail & Butterfly. The main actress, Ayako Fujitani, is the author of the story that the movie is based on and isthe daughter of, believe it or not, Steven Seagal.
http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/detailview.html?KEY=KIBF-5077
Things of interest: Shunji Iwai plays the lead part in Shiki-Jitsu and he is in real life the director of movies like All About Lili Chou-Chou and Swallowtail & Butterfly. The main actress, Ayako Fujitani, is the author of the story that the movie is based on and isthe daughter of, believe it or not, Steven Seagal.
Last edited by fnordboy; 09-30-03 at 12:43 AM.
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Originally posted by Fandango
I'm confused, what part does Steven Seagal play in Shiki-Jitsu exactly?
I'm confused, what part does Steven Seagal play in Shiki-Jitsu exactly?
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If you like Korean movies like My Sassy Girl and The Classic, you might like Shunji Iwai's Love Letter. A little less melodramatic (and more ironic and bittersweet) than your typical Korean tear-jerker but a very good film.
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The best Japanese films to get are VERSUS and RETURNER both fantastic action films, both brilliant in every way. Worth every expensive bit of money they cost, they cost a lot. both well worth it.
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When is the R1 of Returner coming out, or has it even been announced yet? I saw an ad in the latest Newtype (USA) for the theatrical release of Returner, so I am assuming it will be coming out eventually.
bluntman72- You might also be interested in checking out the Jam Films DVD. It has several short films by some of Japan's hottest directors right now. Ryuhei Kitamura, the director of Versus, has a great short film on it. Other directors on the disc include: Joji Iida, Shunji Iwai, Tetsuo Shinohara, Rokuro Mochizuki, Yukihiko Tsutsumi, and Isao Yukisada. Shunji Iwai's short is very good also.
http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/detailview.html?KEY=HSB-10
Also, I haven't seen this yet but Maaya Sakamoto, an anime voice actress and singer, is in her first live action role in a short film that is coming out soon on DVD. I am definitely picking this up, sounds like it will be interesting, it is called 03 Cross:
http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/anime/topic...oto/index.html
bluntman72- You might also be interested in checking out the Jam Films DVD. It has several short films by some of Japan's hottest directors right now. Ryuhei Kitamura, the director of Versus, has a great short film on it. Other directors on the disc include: Joji Iida, Shunji Iwai, Tetsuo Shinohara, Rokuro Mochizuki, Yukihiko Tsutsumi, and Isao Yukisada. Shunji Iwai's short is very good also.
http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/detailview.html?KEY=HSB-10
Also, I haven't seen this yet but Maaya Sakamoto, an anime voice actress and singer, is in her first live action role in a short film that is coming out soon on DVD. I am definitely picking this up, sounds like it will be interesting, it is called 03 Cross:
http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/anime/topic...oto/index.html
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I highly recommend Suna no Onna/Woman in the Dunes (Hiroshi Teshigahara/1964)--an unforgettably creepy film. There is an inferior R1 version from Image, but I can vouch for the Japanese release from Asmik. A comparison between the two is available at DVD Beaver.
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I havent seen Classic yet but My Sassy Girl is one of my favorite movies.
I have Returner and Versus but I have only watched Returner so far and thought it was very cool.
Anyone know of any romantic comedies or crazy comedies.
I have Returner and Versus but I have only watched Returner so far and thought it was very cool.
Anyone know of any romantic comedies or crazy comedies.
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Originally posted by bluntman72
Anyone know of any romantic comedies or crazy comedies.
Anyone know of any romantic comedies or crazy comedies.
#14
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When is the R1 of Returner coming out, or has it even been announced yet? I saw an ad in the latest Newtype (USA) for the theatrical release of Returner, so I am assuming it will be coming out eventually.
When is the R1 of Returner coming out, or has it even been announced yet? I saw an ad in the latest Newtype (USA) for the theatrical release of Returner, so I am assuming it will be coming out eventually.
The movie isn't worth $24.95. Just buy the Hong Kong disc. Review here:
http://www.dvdfile.com/software/revi.../returner.html
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The movie is well worth $25
I paid a lot more than that for my special edition Japanese version, I think I paid about $55, and its worth every penny!
its just a superb film, and dvdfile talk a load of crap in there review.
I paid a lot more than that for my special edition Japanese version, I think I paid about $55, and its worth every penny!
its just a superb film, and dvdfile talk a load of crap in there review.
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The Japanese release is far from being merely just somewhat superior...Very expensive, but if you are a fan of the genre the packaging and presentation more than make up for it. Not recommended for first time viewers perhaps.
At any rate, the forthcoming US disc via Columbia will be the one to pickup. I'm amazed that Tai Seng has been allowed to distribute the Universe disc in the US given that Columbia has owned the rights to this title before it was even released to the Japanese market.
At any rate, the forthcoming US disc via Columbia will be the one to pickup. I'm amazed that Tai Seng has been allowed to distribute the Universe disc in the US given that Columbia has owned the rights to this title before it was even released to the Japanese market.
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If the US dvd has subbed extras I may invest in it when its in the sales, as the Japanese special edition whilst being wonderful, hasnt got subbed extras, and a subbed commentary and the hours of documentary footage would be great with subs also.
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I might also suggest picking up Twilight Samurai. Very well made Japanese movie. Not action packed, but a good story.
I'll second watching Versus. Very fun movie to watch. I just ordered Returner recently, so I have yet to see that one.
I'll second watching Versus. Very fun movie to watch. I just ordered Returner recently, so I have yet to see that one.
#19
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Originally posted by Romerojpg
The movie is well worth $25
I paid a lot more than that for my special edition Japanese version, I think I paid about $55, and its worth every penny!
its just a superb film, and dvdfile talk a load of crap in there review.
The movie is well worth $25
I paid a lot more than that for my special edition Japanese version, I think I paid about $55, and its worth every penny!
its just a superb film, and dvdfile talk a load of crap in there review.
If we're talking blind buys here, the movie is worth $10. I would not recommend that anyone spend $25 on this movie without having seen it first. It's fun in a "Sure, I'd buy that for 10 bucks" kind of way, but to call something so silly and derivative "a superb film" is pretty far out there.
If this kind of movie is your thing, then hey spend as much as you want on it. But I would never recommend that someone who has not seen the film should waste their money on an expensive edition when they are likely to come out of it with a "Meh...." reaction like I did.
Last edited by Josh Z; 10-04-03 at 09:47 AM.
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Battle Royale
Audition (someone already mentioned Miike)
Branded to Kill (hence the name, Rice Sniffer!)
Tokyo Drifter
Versus was ok .. the plot kind of detracts from the violence and zombie battles. A helluva lot of attitude, cool characters and bloodshed. Hey, the mix of sword play and gun battles never looked better mixed together. It's fun, but only if you're into this sort of genre.
Any older Kurosawa films
Audition (someone already mentioned Miike)
Branded to Kill (hence the name, Rice Sniffer!)
Tokyo Drifter
Versus was ok .. the plot kind of detracts from the violence and zombie battles. A helluva lot of attitude, cool characters and bloodshed. Hey, the mix of sword play and gun battles never looked better mixed together. It's fun, but only if you're into this sort of genre.
Any older Kurosawa films
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I enjoyed Dark Water - some might say its a little derivative of the Ring, but its still an enjoyable watch.
Audition - I liked it, but I found that it dragged at times, though you can't imagine a more terrifying conclusion
Battle Royale - Essential
Suicide Circle - I need to watch it again, it was good, but has a very open ending, as in you can pretty much interpret what you want.
What gets me, is my sister is living in Japan, but I've seen more Japanese movies then she ever will!
Audition - I liked it, but I found that it dragged at times, though you can't imagine a more terrifying conclusion
Battle Royale - Essential
Suicide Circle - I need to watch it again, it was good, but has a very open ending, as in you can pretty much interpret what you want.
What gets me, is my sister is living in Japan, but I've seen more Japanese movies then she ever will!
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Originally posted by weakerthans
Audition - I liked it, but I found that it dragged at times, though you can't imagine a more terrifying conclusion
Audition - I liked it, but I found that it dragged at times, though you can't imagine a more terrifying conclusion
Spoiler:
It's definately worth a watch ... especially for a glimpse of Eihi Shiin's intro to big screen. Hope to see more of her.
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