Reviews written by John Pettibone

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The Banquet (Hong Kong Version)
The Banquet (Hong Kong Version) DVD Region All
(10)Our Price: US$12.49Usually ships within 1 to 2 days1 people found the following helpful
December 11, 2006 Epic DramaFrom the first grand entrance of the Empress to the very ending this family tragedy is caught in brilliant color, sumpteous costumes, gorgeous sets, and subtle action that will keep you watching and re-watching this amazing film often. I received it yesterday and have so far watched it three times it is that entriging, and powerful. Watch the actors eyes that capture all the hatred, intrigue, pagentry and death one could ever hope for. Although lacking in lots of martial arts mayhem what does take place makes sense and moves the film along towards its violent and poisoned climax. The film will leave you questioning all the family's motives, and wanting to see it yet again. In addition a second "making of" DVD is included and watching all the backstage action makes you appreciate the finished film even more. You can not go wrong sitting down with "The Banquet"! Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Runin (Japan Version - English Subtitles)
Runin (Japan Version - English Subtitles) DVD Region 2
(1)Our Price: US$44.99Usually ships within 7 - 14 daysNovember 11, 2006 Lush, powerful dramaRunin is breathtaking. Set in the tropical lushness of a penal island the prisoners eke out their existence in a pecking order determined by how well you survive. New prisoners arrive by boat, and those living there long to escape, some try, some fail, but daily life is hard set against famine, disease, intrigue, love affairs that go unspoken, and always the coming and going of the tides much like life itself. Gorgeous photography, marvelous performances, great detailed subtitled dialogue what more could you ask for. You could never go wrong with this masterpiece - a real gem. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Gokudo no Onna Tachi- Joen (Japan Version)
Gokudo no Onna Tachi- Joen (Japan Version) DVD Region 2
(1)Our Price: US$60.49Usually ships within 7 - 14 daysApril 1, 2006 Women extract revenge to save their honorThis latest film in the Gokudo No Onna-Tachi series is certainly the most violent of them all. A slow building storyline with double crosses, theft, and murder culminates in one of the most violent confrontations between Yakuza gangs I have ever seen put on film, and at the center of it all are three women fighting for their rights and the honor of their men. The last ten minutes of this film even as the end credits roll is a symphony of sword and pistol action as two women going after a third exact a staggering body count. Bodies pile up, shoji screens are soaked with blood, lives hang in the balance all set against a background of serenity and quiet beauty, and just when you think it is over ... it is not! If you purchase no other modern crime drama this year, buy this one. You will not be disappointed! Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Porno Jidai Geki - Bohachi Bushido (Japan Version)
Porno Jidai Geki - Bohachi Bushido (Japan Version) DVD Region 2
(1)Our Price: US$52.75Usually ships within 7 - 14 daysNovember 5, 2005 A Ninja MasterpieceYou do not need English subtitles to enjoy this film by legendary Japanese director Teruo Ishii. It concerns a group of female ninja persoanl bodyguards to the Shogun who spend most of the film fighting enemies in the buff, and at night. We see how these women
are recruited, what happens to a few who turn out to be disloyal, but the bulk of the film is protecting the evil Shogun, and those that try (and fail) to kill him. One of the great 1970's masterpieces from this very talented director and sure to please everyone who wonders can women bodyguards and assassins fight without clothes?Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
October 12, 2005 Chiaki Kuriyama at her best
I received this book as a gift from a friend in Japan. The photographs are spectacular! There is no other word to describe it. Chiaki in all her costumes has never looked more beautiful. The color leaps off the pages, and you know why she remains so popular in Japan and throughout the world. A really sweet book about an amazing girl.
Add it to your Chiaki collection and enjoy this fine publication!Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Seven Swords (Limited Edition)
1 people found the following helpful
October 4, 2005 Heartstopping Action and then some ...From the opening slaughter of the innocents to the final duels this film is one heartstopping action scene after another. If you get no other Asian film this year buy this one, AND disc 2 which contains more than enough information on the characters, and the making of this film HAS English Subtitles so when the director and the actors talk about their efforts you know exactly what they are saying. GREAT FILM, beautiful packaging, excellent extras. Get it now! Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
On the Mountain of Tai Hang (DVD) (China Version)
4 people found the following helpful
September 29, 2005 Brilliant War FilmOn the Mountain of Tai Hang is one of a very few war films I have ever viewed that has you gripping your chair within minutes of its start, and has you still there almost two hours later. Beautifully filmed the battle scenes especially the hand to hand combat between these combatants has never to my knowlege been filmed with the exactness to detail and with the feeling that you are there a witness to these historic events. The fx work is superb and difficult to tell from the real action this film is masterful in its seamless blending of actors, action, and scale models. The easy to read subtitles add a lot to the production, and the sound is glorious dolby digital from rustling leaves to loud explosions to the cries of the dying it will leave you breathless with its power and expression. If you buy not one other film THIS IS THE ONE! Buy it and be forewarned ... to hang onto your seat! "Tai Hang Shan Shang" will blow you away! Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This)
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