Reviews written by Allegretto
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Dareka no Negai ga Kanau Koro (CASSHERN Theme Song) (Japan Version)
Dareka no Negai ga Kanau Koro (CASSHERN Theme Song) (Japan Version)
(70)Our Price: US$9.75Usually ships within 21 daysRelated promotions:August 15, 2005 Gorgeous ballad with a somber message"Dareka..." is the theme song to the monster hit film Casshern, which was directed by Hikki's husband, Kiriya Kazuaki. It's a somber, thoughtful ballad with a powerful message: Hikki says the song serves as a reminder that whenever she's experiencing happiness, someone else is suffering heartbreak. "Dareka..." is one of Hikki's most gorgeous songs, and is definitely deserving of a spot on her next Japanese album.
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flower (Japan Version)
August 15, 2005 Definite step-up from 'Butterfly!'Ku's 17th single, and the first in a long time not written by the diva herself! I thought this song would be forgettable, but I was pleasantly surprised - it's really pretty and lush, and Ku's vocals are superb. 'Flower' isn't as nice as, say, 'Kiseki,' but it's a winner nonetheless - it's certainly a step-up from the uber-cheesy 'Butterfly!' The acoustic version, which features Ku singing to a piano and violin accompaniment, is lovely as well.
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SWITCH feat. Koda Kumi & Heartsdales / I ONLY WANNA BE WITH YOU (Japan Version)
SWITCH feat. Koda Kumi & Heartsdales / I ONLY WANNA BE WITH YOU (Japan Version)
(2)Our Price: US$13.49Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:1 people found the following helpful
August 5, 2005 We're goin' up and down...Lisa made her debut in 1999 as part of the rap/hip-hop group M-Flo. She left the group in 2002 to pursue a solo career. On "Switch," her eighth single, she's joined by R&B diva Kumi Koda and rap duo Heartsdales. I really love this song - it's catchy and funky, perfect for playing at parties or while cruising on a hot summer night.
The B-side, "I Only Want to Be with You," is a remake of a song originally recorded by the Bay City Rollers. Lisa sings it entirely in perfect, clear English, which is very cool.
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August 5, 2005 Gorgeous song, overrated PV
I love "Kingyo Hanabi" so much that I gave in and purchased the single. Not much needs to be said about this song - it's sad, moving, and GORGEOUS, a song all Ai fans know and love. I will say that the PV mildly disappointed me, in part because I'd been led to believe it was a touching, bittersweet work of art. Mostly it's just footage of Ai singing - no action until the end, and if you've seen the short film based on this song that came along with the CD/DVD version of 'Love Jam,' it's not some big, earth-shattering deal. No matter, though - the song doesn't need the PV to sell it.
After the seriousness of the lead track, Ai lightens the mood considerably with cute B-side "Coco-natsu Vacation."
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Violent Cop
Violent Cop DVD Region 2
(1)Our Price: US$58.25Usually ships within 7 - 14 daysRelated promotions:August 5, 2005 More-than-decent debut from Japan's greatest direcTakeshi Kitano's directorial debut isn't his best film by any means, but it's still pretty dang good. It's violent, but you gotta respect Azuma for taking the law into his own hands. (And you gotta LOVE Makoto Ashikawa's Kikuchi the rookie. Poor guy takes all the abuse!) This film also features the strangest car/foot chase ever - Azuma chasing a baseball bat-wielding nut through a residential area... set to a jazz score!
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A Century of Japanese Cinema - Getting Any ?
A Century of Japanese Cinema - Getting Any ? DVD Region 3
(2)Our Price: US$10.99Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:August 5, 2005 Underrated, underappreciated comedyBelieve it or not, Takeshi Kitano claims that this film - not 'Zatoichi,' not 'Sonatine,' not even 'Hana-Bi' - is his best work! I know many people think 'Getting Any?' is juvenile and stupid, but it's one of the funniest films I've seen - I LOVE the Zatoichi, 'Manpole,' and Yakuza skits. This film provides more insight into Kitano's true personality than any other, and it makes me long to see some of his television work. He has an awesome sense of humor!
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Postman Blues (Japan Version)
Postman Blues (Japan Version) DVD Region 2
(1)Our Price: US$33.99Usually ships within 7 - 14 daysRelated promotions:August 5, 2005 'Blues' a hitOf the Sabu films I own, this is my fave. 'Postman Blues' is a wonderful mix of action, humor, and romance (Sawaki and Keiko are so cute!). Any movie that gives the underappreciated Ren Osugi ample screen time rocks - he's awesome as Hitman Joe! And those cops... I wouldn't want them patrolling my town!
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Monday (Korean Version)
Monday (Korean Version) DVD Region 3
(1)Our Price: US$26.99List: US$33.99Save: US$7.00 (21%)Related promotions:August 5, 2005 Takagi's lost weekendWhile it runs a bit long - and has a VERY odd ending sequence - 'Monday' is still highly enjoyable. Several Sabu regulars appear, including Ren Osugi, Masanobu Ando, Susumu Terajima, and Naomi Nishida. Lead actor Shinichi Tsutsumi is hilarious, especially when his character is doing his drunken dance to Captain Funk's 'Twist and Shout!'
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Drive Deluxe Edition (Japan Version)
August 5, 2005 A 'Drive' through life'Drive' was my introduction to the coolness that is Hiroyuki 'Sabu' Tanaka. It's a fine film, but definitely not his best work. It runs a bit too long, and after repeated viewings, I still can't make sense of Asakura's encounter with those ghostly warriors. Still, lead actor Shinichi Tsutsumi did a fine job, and Ren Osugi and Susumu Terajima were extremely cool, as always. It was also very nice to see Kou Shibasaki play a 'good girl' role.
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Kofuku no Kane - Deluxe Edition (Japan Version)
Kofuku no Kane - Deluxe Edition (Japan Version) DVD Region 2
(1)Our Price: US$54.99Usually ships within 7 - 14 daysRelated promotions:August 5, 2005 Ringing the bell of happiness'Kofuku no Kane' is an unusual film in that its protagonist, Igarashi (portrayed by the fabulous Susumu Terajima), says nothing until the very end. All of the characters Igarashi encounters along his journey are intriguing, but I especially liked the old man in the hospital (the legendary Seijun Suzuki) and the 'innocent' single mother who's trying to forge a better life for herself and her children. 'Kofuku' is slow in parts, and is not my fave Sabu flick (despite Susumu's starring role status), but it's still an unique, enjoyable film.
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Moon Child (Japan Version - English Subtitles)
Moon Child (Japan Version - English Subtitles) DVD Region 2
(28)Our Price: US$33.99Usually ships within 1 to 2 daysRelated promotions:3 people found the following helpful
August 5, 2005 Don't believe the hypeIf you're a Gackt/Hyde fangirl, you'll LOVE this film. Otherwise, you won't be too impressed. 'Moon Child' is riddled with problems, from a silly script to a lack of a tangible driving force behind the story. G&H do well enough as their respective characters, Sho and Kei, but they obviously pale in comparison to their more experienced co-stars. (To be honest, I think Lee-Hom Wang turned in a better performance than either of the J-Rock gods. Perhaps that's why G&H fanatics hate him so much!) It was very cool to see Taro Yamamoto and Ryo Ishibashi in this film, and Anne Suzuki was adorable as a grown-up Hana. (And of course, there's my fave, Susumu Terajima, as Sho's brother, Shinji!) And despite what G&H's devotees say, there are NO homosexual overtones in this film. I really wish the fangirls would stop reading too much into things.
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Cursed (Hong Kong Version)
August 5, 2005 'Cursed' is cursedThe one thing 'Cursed' has going for it is its cast of characters. Our protagonist, Nao, is adorable, while the store owners are absolutely nuts! Otherwise, this film is a dud... highly unoriginal (it steals from 'Ju-on' and 'Ghostbusters,' among other films) and VERY boring. (I also have a MAJOR beef about the subtitles on the Hong Kong version... they are an English teacher's worst nightmare.)
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A Scene At The Sea (Hong Kong Version)
A Scene At The Sea (Hong Kong Version) DVD Region 3
(3)Our Price: US$12.49Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:1 people found the following helpful
August 5, 2005 Quiet masterpieceObviously there's not a lot of dialogue in this film. No matter - Shigeru and Takako's love runs so deep, words couldn't begin to express it. 'A Scene at the Sea' is a fabulous movie with a bittersweet ending. The bus stop sequence is highly memorable, and I love Joe Hisaishi's mellow score.
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Butterfly (Japan Version)
July 12, 2005 So-so singleKumi Koda's 16th single, "Butterfly," is the theme to J-drama "Cosme no Maho 2." You'd think the song would be sleazy, judging from the CD's cover, but it's not. It's similar to last year's "Cutie Honey," but not as campy... and not as good. It takes a few listens for the song to grow on you, and even then, it won't be a favorite. I HATE that creepy voice whispering "I wanna kiss you all over" or whatever.
"Your Sunshine" is my fave of the three tracks; in my opinion, this song deserved the single release over the blah title track. "Sunshine" is an upbeat number that will surely have a spot on Ku's next (original) album.
The final track, "Taisetsu na Kimi e," is a sweet ballad which is marred by the faulty English in the chorus ("I feel your heart just like my tension all the time... I'll be with, going on.") Ku singing "I love you" at the end is meltworthy. The instrumental version of this track is drop-dead GORGEOUS.
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hands (Japan Version)
July 12, 2005 HandsAfter the controversial "Girls ~Selfish" DVD single, Ku returns to the ballads with "Hands," a despondent, broken-hearted lament. Ku expresses the emotions behind this song really well; she truly sounds as if she's on the verge of tears.
The B-side is ballad "Through the Sky," which was used as the closing theme for J-Drama "The Sunday."
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Just Go feat. KODA KUMI (Japan Version)
Just Go feat. KODA KUMI (Japan Version)
(1)Our Price: US$15.49Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:July 12, 2005 Just GoI bought this single solely for Kumi Koda; I knew nothing about JHETT, although I figured he'd be doing most of the singing. JHETT definitely contributes significantly to "Just Go," but the song is all Ku's. Her vocals are tight, and the thumpin' beats are red-hot. "Just Go" is a perfect party song and makes for a more-than-suitable debut for the producer/composer.
The second track is "Leave it to Fate," a mellow instrumental featuring guest performer Roy Ayers. It's kinda plain, but certainly more preferable to the Coldfeet remix of "Just Go," which is cringeworthy.
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Kiseki (Japan Version)
July 12, 2005 Ku's 'Miracle'"Kiseki" ("Miracle" in Japanese) is the follow-up to summer single "Chase." The song is simply beautiful, as is its instrumental rendition. Love the high note Ku hits at the end of the bridge!
"Love Holic" has to grow on you, but it's a great pop jam; its first ten seconds are especially addicting. "Life" is a decent but otherwise un-noteworthy midtempo track (the instrumental version, IMO, is much better).
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LOVE & HONEY (CD+DVD)(Japan Version)
LOVE & HONEY (CD+DVD)(Japan Version) DVD Region 2
(4)Our Price: US$23.25Usually ships within 30 daysRelated promotions:1 people found the following helpful
July 12, 2005 The unofficial OST to 'Cutie Honey'"Love and Honey" is the "unofficial" soundtrack to the live-action "Cutie Honey" film. The title track is jazzy, light-hearted, and lots of fun. Ku sounds so flirtatious! "The Theme of Sister Jill" is sung in English. The version found on the CD/DVD release has two flaws: 1) It sounds too much like a Christmas carol, and 2) it's edited. (You can find the full version of the song on the CD-only version.) "Yogiri no Honey" reprises the jazzy flavor from the first track. "Into Your Heart" is a mid-tempo track that tries to be a club anthem, but doesn't quite cut it.
The PV of "Cutie Honey" is fast-paced and energetic. Love Ku's pink highlights! One quibble: What's up with that sleazy dance scene? It comes from nowhere and is completely unnecessary.
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Chase (Japan Version)
July 12, 2005 Hot summer single!"Chase" was released hot on the heels of the Cutie Honey-inspired "Love and Honey" CD/DVD single. The steamy beats of both the title track and its B-side make for a hot summer soundtrack.
"Chase," with its saxophone-driven melody, is an instantly catchy tune. The upbeat song describes Kumi's desire not to be chased, but to be the one doing the chasing. ;) Rapper Megaryu joins Kumi for "Heat," a strong, sexy dance track.
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