Reviews written by Hawaiicritic
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Cobalt Blue (DVD) (First Press Limited Edition) (Premium Edition) (English Subtitled) (Japan Version)
Cobalt Blue (DVD) (First Press Limited Edition) (Premium Edition) (English Subtitled) (Japan Version) DVD Region 2
(1)Our Price: US$82.25Usually ships within 7 - 14 daysRelated promotions:November 27, 2009 A unusually bad Okinawan filmI saw this film at 2009 Hawaii International Film Festival. Talk about disappointing film. No coherent plot nor any human connections were established in the film. Usually good Ms. Masami Nagasawa is totally "not in" this film. I don't blame her in that more and more of her films- she plays the same doomed or partially doomed heroine. I mean she is a talented actress, whose talent is getting wasted on these same "junsui ai" (pure love) films. Kuranosuke Sasaki does his best to save this film, but to no avail. This film like the heroine was doomed from beginning to due to poor script, no connection to Okinawa and her people, and just bad acting or lack of good acting by the cast. This is one bad Okinawan film.
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Tegami (Letter) Standard Edition (Japan Version)
Tegami (Letter) Standard Edition (Japan Version) DVD Region 2
(1)Our Price: US$50.25Usually ships within 7 - 14 daysRelated promotions:November 8, 2007 Tale of redemption and familyA very spellbinding film about the impact of criminal behavior that goes beyond the act of crime. This film depicts the price of stigma of having a family member of an inmate in prison for murder. This film does not preach the right or wrong of the crime and instead ask "Is it all right to discriminate or stigmatize a family or members of a family, who are associated by no choice of their own with a criminal". Do we need to punish the convict and his/her family? Although set in Japan, this story has some universal theme of social stigma, redemption, family, and finding your own identity.
Society is very unkind, yet there are brief moments of inspiration and kindness that makes these individuals go on. Takayuki Yamada does great job in his role as Naoki. Erika Sawajiri is really a talented actress, although her rating has gone down considerably. Highly recommended film. For contrast, It should be watched together with Korea's "Maundy Thursday".
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Traces of Love Director's Cut Limited Edition DTS
Traces of Love Director's Cut Limited Edition DTS DVD Region 3
(3)Our Price: US$21.99List: US$37.99Save: US$16.00 (42%)Related promotions:1 people found the following helpful
April 25, 2007 Journey of healingOutstanding and heart wrenching film that will leave you with greater appreciation of the present and the past. Director Dae seung Kim makes a masterpiece that is poignant and yet very uplifting. The story stems with the actual disaster in Korea in 1995 and it's emotional impact a decade later. This is not the usual Korean romance/disaster film with weepy and tear jerking sentimentality. Instead it is about taking journey of healing and acceptance with the deepest loss you may have in your life and moving on. By taking this journey, the film's protaganist finds his healing and a road to his future. It is a journey that is skillful accompanied by his lost love one that only Director Kim can pull off. Ji Tae Yoo is magnificent as a loss torn Protaganist Hyun Woo with Ji Soo Kim providing a wonderful performance as his lost love Min Joo, ever present in his journey of healing. Ji Won Uhm completes the picture as a young woman Se Jin as a bridge for Hyun woo to Min Joo from the past and in the present. Outstanding film and cannot wait for Director Kim's next film. Really an upcoming Korean Cinema Master.
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The Professor's Beloved Formula Special Edition (First Press Limited Edition) (Japan Version - English Subtitles)
The Professor's Beloved Formula Special Edition (First Press Limited Edition) (Japan Version - English Subtitles) DVD Region 2
(2)Our Price: US$61.49Usually ships within 7 - 14 daysRelated promotions:November 23, 2006 Feelings + numbers = eternity"Hold an Eternity in a hour"
Outstanding film in which the fragility of the human feelings are expressed with numbers. This film also demonstrate the love of learning is only tempered by a show of compassion. Eri Fukatsu and Akira Terao teams up for awarding performances. Each performer demonstrates the character's inner strength and depth. Hidetaka Yoshioka makes a brillant turn as the "narrator" of the tale and inspires us all that learning is to experience life to it's fullest, even for 80 minutes worth of memories is eternal. This film will hold your feelings and affection for an eternity.
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Koko ni iru koto (Japan Version)
Koko ni iru koto (Japan Version) DVD Region 2
(1)Our Price: US$50.75Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:May 21, 2006 Very poignant film about lifeThis comedy drama is rather touching and off kilter than most Japanese corporate film. Although this is an "office drama", there is clear difference in how things are done in Tokyo versus Osaka. It is a very good cultural guide to the differences in corporate philosophy in Tokyo and Osaka. The performances were good by the leads, though not truly outstanding. The story slows down perilously in some parts, but manages to hold it together at the end. Highly recommended and just be thankful that you are "here" to read this review.
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Yokkakan no Kiseki (The Gift) (Japan Version)
Yokkakan no Kiseki (The Gift) (Japan Version) DVD Region 2
(1)Our Price: US$50.25Usually ships within 7 - 14 daysRelated promotions:April 4, 2006 A touching film about self-worth and forgivenessGreat and touching film about forgiveness and acknowledging your self-worth. Although the film's premise may seem to go into the realm of cornyness and silliness. Director Sasabe steady direction keeps it from tettering into such film. Strong performances from the three main performers. Although Hidetaka Yoshioka's performance was a little wooden. 14 year old Anna Odaka playing Chiori was outstanding and touching. Very good film. No english subtitles available on DVD.
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