Reviews written by Merrill King
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April Story (Korean Version)
April Story (Korean Version) DVD Region All
(13)Our Price: US$6.99List: US$16.99Save: US$10.00 (59%)Related promotions:April 24, 2002 A tender and beautiful little movie by Shunji IwaiI happen to believe that Matsu Takako is the most beautiful woman in Japan, so my views here may seem a bit biased :) But this 1998 film, sensitively directed by Shunji Iwai, is a very sweet story about a painfully shy 18-year-old girl who leaves her Hokkaido home for the first time, to attend a university in Tokyo. The reason for her enrolling in this paticular college becomes apparent only towards the end of the movie. April Story's cinematography is framed beautifully (I've never seen Tokyo look so good!), and Iwai tells the plot as well as he does in his masterpiece, "Love Letter." Matsu Takako is also quite good in the main role, and her "coming-of-age" beauty is simply stunning in many scenes, as Iwai fully intended. This is clearly not an action or sexy film of any sort. It is a quiet and delicate film that is well-crafted by a fine director. It's not just some idol shoot--April Story offers a very realistic portrayal of many aspects of college life in Japan, as seen through the eyes of an innocent college girl. The DVD is not exceptionally high resolution, but quite passable. The colors are very rich so you forget the clarity issue after awhile. There are some additional DVD features worth viewing, such as the music video, trailers (the Korean one is best), and a clever collection of screen shot/clapper board scenes. You'll see what I mean--They're very cute. This DVD makes sense of some of the music videos found on Matsu's Singles Collection VCD, as many behind-the-scenes clips were obviously taken from April Story and used in her early music videos. Both are must-haves for any Matsu Takako fan!
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The Harmonium in My Memory
December 18, 2001 Wonderful movie!This movie is set in 1963, but has a production date of 1999, so it's not that old. In fact, it was good enough to be shown at the '99 Cannes Film Festival. It is a moving drama with some humor, and well-portrays a girl's unreciprocated love for her handsome teacher. Jeon Do-yeon plays the young girl role so well. Be sure to watch the family photos during the closing credits--they help tell the conclusion of this excellent story.
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Interview (Hong Kong Version)
December 18, 2001 Good, but complexThis film has a definite French new wave flavor in how scenes are presented and then repeated in a more complete context so the viewer can better understand the story. It concerns a director and staff who interview people about their view of love for their movie, along with their behind-the-scenes work. But this is not a documentary--it is a love story. Shim Eun-ha is good as usual, deceptively mourning for a lost love; and the handsome worldly director who becomes fascinated with her. VCD transfer is decent.
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The Harmonium in My Memory
December 18, 2001 A very memorable film
This is a great portrayal of young love (for a teacher) amidst the crushing poverty found decades ago in the Korean countryside. The actress playing Hongyeon is brilliant, and the rest of the cast are also very good. This is a Korean classic that you should not miss. The VCD transfer is pretty good and well worth the money...
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Morning Musume Super Best (Overseas Ver.)
Morning Musume Super Best (Overseas Ver.)
(2)Our Price: US$15.99List: US$19.99Save: US$4.00 (20%)Related promotions:March 20, 2001 Unique collection of the best of MM's groupsI appreciate this album because I like all of Morning Musume's music and their sub-groups, the best is featured here. The accompanying VCD has seven of their MTV Japan videos: Summer song, Furusato (their best song, I think), and Love Machine. Also 3 songs by Tampopo (including Motto); and then a silly karaoke version of Love Machine. The VCD is not the best quality, but MM videos are mostly just posing instead of performing anyways, yet they're still entertaining. If you like MM at all, you'll love this collection and the bonus VCD.
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TRF Tour '98 Live In Unite!
TRF Tour '98 Live In Unite! VCD
(1)Our Price: US$16.99Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:March 20, 2001 Great and entertaining live album!I had only heard TRF's "Overnite Sensation" before buying this VCD, but I have really enjoyed this series of live performances and "behind-the-scenes" shots of how they perpared for the "Unite" tour. TRF is obviously a group of extremely talented and likeable individuals who put on one of the best live shows in Japan. Also great music support by their American backup musicians and guest dancers. No extended improvisations--just powered-up versions of their big hits in one of the best Nihongo live shows that I've seen. This VCD is the best way to get to know Yuuki, Sam, Etsu, Chiharu, DJ Koo, and the feel-good music of TRF!
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