Reviews written by Maximillian
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D-War (DVD) (Korea Version)
D-War (DVD) (Korea Version) DVD Region 3
(2)Our Price: US$28.99List: US$37.99Save: US$9.00 (23%)Related promotions:2 people found this review helpful
January 28, 2008 Brilliant Comic Gem!My friends and I rented this from our local video store hoping for a humorous, fun movie at the very least, and boy oh boy were we satisfied! Shim Hyung Rae's comic talents shine through in this laugh-a-minute riot fest that.... huh? This is supposed to be a serious movie? You've got to be kidding me!
In all seriousness, this movie is a complete joke. Full of nothing but unintentional hilarity, it's a wonder why anyone would greenlight such a disastrous project. From an underdeveloped, and frankly stupid, story, boring characters, horrid dialogue, and perhaps the worst editing in recent memory, D-War is a terrible, terrible film. Shim's dedication may be admirable, but he shows nothing but complete incompetence as a movie director. Seven years in the making? Something tells me he (and the money he miraculously procured) could have been put to much better use elsewhere.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Guilty (ALBUM+DVD)(Japan Version)
4 people found this review helpful
January 21, 2008 Still Rockin' After 10 Years!The news that Ayu has gone completely deaf in one ear makes her latest album Guilty a bit of a sad listen. Love her or hate her, there's no denying the sheer impact she's had not just on Japan's music scene, but on Japanese popular culture in general. For someone like Ayu whose life is intimately tied to creating music, the loss of hearing is an absolute tragedy. That she has decided to go on with her music speaks volumes about her dedication to her career and about her appreciation to her millions of fans.
So does this album get by on sympathy alone? Not at all! Contrary to other reviews that Ayu is "guilty" of not caring enough about her fans with respect to her musical compositions, the variety of tracks on the album make it one of her standout releases. From rock tracks such as "(don't) Leave me alone" to dark ballads such as "Marionette" to more upbeat pop/rock tracks such as "Glitter" and "MY ALL", there's no denying the amount of hard work and dedication that went into creating this album. Furthermore, to imply that she doesn't care enough about her fans in any way is ridiculous when you consider that she has released countless albums and singles and embarked on a number of massive tours at the expense of her own hearing. The album's musical interludes (some of her best yet, especially "Mirror" and "The Judgement Day") are ever present and serve again to section the album by theme. Listening to the entire album, there's no doubt that a lot of care goes into the track selection and track order.
Guilty is yet another quality release from the Queen of Japanese popular music. While containing a different style and mood compared to previous albums, it still maintains her unparalleled sense of what makes good music - well written lyrics set to engaging music that speak to audiences. Highly recommended overall, and great for those who are sick of Ayu's oversexed contemporaries.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
The Girl Who Leapt Through Time (2006) (DVD) (English Subtitled) (Hong Kong Version)
The Girl Who Leapt Through Time (2006) (DVD) (English Subtitled) (Hong Kong Version) DVD Region 3
(2)Our Price: US$15.49Related promotions:1 people found this review helpful
October 21, 2007 Superb Animated Feature!Take Groundhog Day and mix it with a bit of Japanese true love youth dramas and you have The Girl Who Leapt Through Time, a wonderful and touching animated film from Studio Madhouse and author Tsutsui Yasutaka. Klutzy Makoto, always late to class and more than a little scatterbrained, soon learns that she has the ability to travel back in time after a near fatal train accident. After mastering her ability, she wastes no time in using it for petty, personal matters related to school work, sisterly squabbles, and wanting to avoid awkward conversations with friends. When complications arise in her relationships with friends Kosuke and Chiaki, Makoto must set things right, but all her time jumping in the beginning came at a great cost.
With the time jumping element essentially acting as a plot device, the filmmakers can focus on the characters and the story. Once you accept the logic of the film, you can't help but get sucked into the characters and their plight. The end result is a heartfelt story of the importance of time not only to everyday matters, but to our ultimate happiness. Highest recommendation!
The quality of the DVD is pretty good. The picture looks great (especially on an HDTV), and the subtitles contain few errors. If I had to gripe about something, it's that the Japanese audio track on this Hong Kong release is only in Dolby Surround as opposed to Dolby Digital 5.1. Oh well, small price to pay to see this film at such an affordable price.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This)
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Full Alert (Remastered Version)
October 21, 2007 Excellent HK Action/DramaThis little known action/drama from Hong Kong director Ringo Lam features fine performances, expert direction, and a natural style that may be more appealing to those who are turned off by more well known and off-the-wall HK fare. Lau Ching-wan plays the tenacious Officer Pao, and he's on to Mak Kwan (played with subtle gusto by Francis Ng), a known criminal who is planning to rob the Hong Kong Jockey Club. In cahoots with a gang from China, Mak Kwan must avoid the cops at all costs if his plan is to succeed. This setup, while not eliciting copious amounts of action, leads to some excellent character development. Officer Pao, married with a young son, is dedicated without being a total loose cannon. Hints of naivete when he is confronted with tough choices and setbacks also add to his character. Mak Kwan, being a true sympathetic villain rather than a hardened master criminal, also has his reasons for doing what he does. Also featuring amazingly tense moments of conflict as well as a standout car chase through the streets of Hong Kong, Full Alert is a prime example of downbeat, complex cinema that also comments on the 1997 changeover to China. Highly recommended! Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This)
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talkin' 2 myself (SINGLE+DVD)(Japan Version)
talkin' 2 myself (SINGLE+DVD)(Japan Version) DVD Region 2
(7)Our Price: US$20.49Related promotions:7 people found this review helpful
September 21, 2007 Rock on, Ayu!!Rightly distancing herself from her oversexed contemporaries and newcomers like Leah Dizon, Ayu dishes out some fantastically composed rock songs with 'talkin' 2 myself' and 'decision.' A big departure from her drama-esque previous single, both the songs are more lyrically powerful and emotionally complex. As for the PVs, 'talkin' 2 myself' features Ayu and her backup dancers in a war torn area dancing up a storm while 'decision' sees a more standard approach as Ayu rocks out with the entire band in tow.
Overall, this is a great single from Ayu, one that I have already listened to multiple times and still have not tired of. Rock On!!Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
The Uchouten Hotel (Suite Dreams) (DVD) (Standard Edition) (English Subtitled) (Japan Version)
The Uchouten Hotel (Suite Dreams) (DVD) (Standard Edition) (English Subtitled) (Japan Version) DVD Region 2
(2)Our Price: US$38.99Usually ships within 7 to 14 daysRelated promotions:September 16, 2007 Highly Entertaining!From Koki Mitani comes The Uchouten Hotel, a tremendously entertaining, all-star comedy of the highest order. It's New Year's Eve, and the Avanti Hotel must prepare for a major midnight bash. With the film's midnight deadline looming, hilarity ensues with mistaken identities, tenacious prostitutes, disgraced politicians, inter-office romance, lost loves, and a hard-to-catch duck. With the ever-reliable Koji Yakusho in the lead, you know you're in for a good time.
In addition to creatively adapting elements of Grand Hotel, Koki Mitani injects the film with the pace, wit, and elegance of the golden age of Hollywood. Channeling the likes of Frank Capra's endearing charm and Howard Hawkes' lightning-fast dialog, the film proves to be hilarious, uplifting, and wholly engaging. Highly recommended!Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This)
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Hula Girls Memorial Box (DVD) (English Subtitled) (Japan Version)
Hula Girls Memorial Box (DVD) (English Subtitled) (Japan Version) DVD Region 2
(1)Our Price: US$68.49Usually ships within 7 to 14 daysRelated promotions:September 16, 2007 HULA GIRLS!!As Japan's submission for the 2006 Academy Awards, Hula Girls is an endearing comedy/drama that manages to be highly affecting despite the traditional story arch. Even without that international distinction, the film is a real winner.
Based on a true story, the film takes place in Iwaki, a small town in the north whose coal mine is about to be shut down. As the lifeblood of the town, the coal mine is indispensable to the local citizens. To attract money and attention, a mine official plans to construct a Hawaiian resort, complete with hula dancers - positions to be filled by local women. With the focus of the film always placed on the welfare of the town, the girls learn hula dancing from jaded teacher Hirayama (Yasuko Matsuyuki, in a fantastic performance) and come together as a group.
Again, the storyline itself follows the traditional underdog archetype, but thanks to director Lee Sang-Il, Hula Girls flows naturally without pandering or overstaying its welcome. An amazing, award-winning performance by Yu Aoi seals the deal. As Kimiko, she absolutely shines, displaying a wide array of genuine emotions in a very real, understated manner.
This is definitely a film to get and watch over and over. The combination of real emotions, historical significance, and perfect blend of comedy and drama make it one of Japan's standout films from 2006. The three disc set is worth every penny. Aside from excellent picture and sound quality (especially during the dance finale), a variety of lengthy, behind-the-scenes documentaries show the actresses through each stage of production as they learn the beautiful art of hula dancing. Filmed meetings between the filmmakers/actresses and real life figures behind the story also add a great touch of humanity to the entire package. Highly recommended!!Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This)
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Summer Time Machine Blues (DVD) (Standard Edition) (First Press Limited Edition) (English Subtitled) (Japan Version)
Summer Time Machine Blues (DVD) (Standard Edition) (First Press Limited Edition) (English Subtitled) (Japan Version) DVD Region 2
(2)Our Price: US$24.49Related promotions:2 people found this review helpful
September 16, 2007 Gem of a film!!Katsuyuki Motohiro's break from the Bayside Shakedown films is Summer Time Machine Blues, a wonderful, upbeat, and hilarious time travel comedy featuring a promising group of young performers.
After a wacky string of events results in the destruction of the Sci-Fi club's AC remote control, the sudden appearance of a time machine proves to be their saving grace. All they have to do is travel back to yesterday, steal the remote from themselves, and their problem is solved. Or is it? The allure of time travel proves too much for some of the group, and they deviate from their mission to relive yesterday while trying to avoid coming into contact with their past selves.
The result if hilarity, energy, and near 2 hours of good fun. As if that wasn't enough, the film makes sense! Thanks to some excellently delivered exposition/dialog from some of the characters, the concept of time travel and its possible disadvantages are made hilariously clear. Featuring members of the comedy troupe Europa Kikaku (also seen in Katsuyuki Motohiro's film Udon) and Swing Girls star Ueno Juri, Summer Time Machine Blues is a little seen gem of a film. With a brisk pace, energetic performances, and inventive concept, you can't go wrong with this film.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This)
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PING PONG (DTS Special Edition)(Limited Edition) (Japan Version - English Subtitles)
PING PONG (DTS Special Edition)(Limited Edition) (Japan Version - English Subtitles) DVD Region 2
(14)Our Price: US$42.99Related promotions:September 16, 2007 Fun and EngagingYousuke Kubozuka and Arata star as best friends and teammates Peco and Smile in this manga-based, contemplative look at table tennis. Participating in local competitions in the hopes of defeating heavy favorites China (Hong Kong actor Sam Lee), Akuma (Koji Ookura), and Dragon (Shido Nakamura), the two heroes suffer their ups and downs and finally come to understand themselves, each other, and the nature of sport.
The film succeeds in large part through fantastic editing and a very engaging visual style. Eschewing romance and a clear good versus evil motif, the film is also able to focus more on the deveopment and struggles of each character: Peco's determination, Smile's devotion, Akuma's desire to please, China's arrogance, and Dragon's inner struggle. As such, it rises above traditional sports films. This is helped by wonderful supporting performances from Naoto Takenaka and Mari Natsuki and director Fumihiko Sori's focus on friendship, hero worship, and the sheer enjoyment of competition.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This)
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September 16, 2007 Still one of the best
After going through my old orders, I decided to offer up a few reviews of products I purchased years ago. Deep Forest, DAI's third album, is a great mixture of musical styles - all of which the band excelled at. From rock-esque ballads such as Deep Forest (track 1) to really catchy and upbeat classics like Week! (track 8) to sometimes eclectic mixtures of techno/rock/jazz such as Kouzou Kaikaku (track 6), this was DAI at their best. This album is a requirement for anyone interested in contemporary Japanese music. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This)
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L.O.V.E U (Normal Edition) (Japan Version)
L.O.V.E U (Normal Edition) (Japan Version)
(1)Our Price: US$11.75Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:8 people found this review helpful
August 8, 2007 Boring, cliche, and triteLeah Dizon, despite having had moderate success with her previous singles, is yet another manufactured idol who substitutes sex and generic dance moves/lyrics for actual talent and the ability to perform. With this newest single, about a girl who'd rather daydream than study math (gee, sound original?), her nasal, boring voice belts out banal lyrics to the same song you've heard from countless other singers - singers who've done it all before and done it all better. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
The Big Heat (Hong Kong Version)
May 9, 2007 Gloriously ExcessiveThis early film from Johnnie To is rather routine in the story department (hard-boiled cops try to take down the most evil of gangsters), but the action is truly the highlight of the film, and not because it's dizzingly choreographed with balletic sequences. Rather, this action is hard-hitting and brutal. Occasionally delving into camp, bullet hits are followed by amputations and massive entry/exit wounds and cars become more deadly than you could possibly imagine. It's all fairly grim, but made with that endless Hong Kong energy that was so prominent in the 1980s. Recommended if you're really into the Golden Age of Hong Kong cinema.
This DVD (under Fortune Star's Legendary Collection) has a pretty standard 2.0 sound mix (both in Cantonese and Mandarin) with fairly intelligible English subtitles. You shouldn't have any problems understanding what's going on.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This)
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Curse Of The Golden Flower (DVD) (Hong Kong Version)
Curse Of The Golden Flower (DVD) (Hong Kong Version) DVD Region 3
(11)Our Price: US$10.99Usually ships within 7 to 14 daysRelated promotions:11 people found this review helpful
February 1, 2007 Overproduced, overacted messZhang Yimou's Curse of the Golden Flower represents the pinnacla of Chinese epic filmmaking; it's loud, garish, melodramatic, and downright silly. It's difficult to find much to like about the film. Taking Cao Yu's original play and transplanting it to the Tang (or late Tang) Dynasty for no other reason than to outfit the women in Victoria's Secret-esque attire strips the film of meaning and power. The production design, making use of pschedelic colors and outlandishly ridiculous designs, does nothing more than transform ancient China into some rejected Disney theme park add-on. The soap opera storyline and overstuffed performances generate more laughs than suspense or emotion. Poor Gong Li, who hasn't had a good film in almost 10 years, is reduced to playing second fiddle to her cleavage, spending the film trembling, crying, getting angry, then trembling some more. The rest of the actors/actresses fare no better. No standouts emerge as everyone chews up their scenery as though they're forced to act at gunpoint.
With this film, Zhang Yimou has cemented his status as a once-great director. His complete and total reliance on spectacle makes for films that are pretty to look at yet say absolutely nothing. "Gold on the outside, rot and decay inside". Rather than summarize the plot of the film, this statement more accurately describes Yimou's repeated attempts to win that elusive Oscar. Better luck next time.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Dog Bite Dog (DTS 2-Disc Version) (Hong Kong Version)
Dog Bite Dog (DTS 2-Disc Version) (Hong Kong Version) DVD Region All
(2)Our Price: US$16.99Related promotions:3 people found this review helpful
November 25, 2006 Brutal, unrelenting, engagingWatching Soi Cheang's Dog Bite Dog is like receiving a blow to the head with a heavy, blunt object. Its unrelenting nihilistic style will no doubt be a turn off for some, but those who manage to stick with it through the strong violence will find a film that manages to consistently shock and engage the audience thanks to some well-timed and well-performed moments of humanity and weakness. Performances from Edison Chen and Sam Lee are both excellent (surprise surprise for Edison Chen), with Sam Lee's rogue police officer coming away slightly better thanks to more dialogue. His obsession with catching Edison Chen's silent hitman after he brutally murders a police officer questions not just the brutal nature of police tactics, but the brutal nature of the human experience. Things come full circle in the climactic scene which is tragic and heart-wrenching without being forced.
Thematically, Dog Bite Dog is an ugly film. People are shot, stabbed, savagely beaten, run over, and strangled. There are few moments of brevity, and those that are in the film are emotionally overshadowed by inevitable confrontations. With this film, Director Soi Cheang shows us that the world is not a light romantic comedy. The world can be a very, very ugly place.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This)
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The Banquet (Hong Kong Version)
5 people found this review helpful
November 12, 2006 Poor attempt at worldwide fameThe Banquet represents Feng Xiaogang's entry into the wannabe wuxia pian club. Visuals (which do look great) aside, the film fails on so many levels. Action choreography by the sorely overused Yuen Wo-ping suffer from a lack of originality and end up falling into the liturgical dance category. Tan Dun's piano-centered music, while nice, seems out of place amidst the gallons of blood. And the performances, headlined by Zhang Ziyi and her constipation-inspired expressions, are flat, lifeless, and laughable.
Joining the ranks of Zhang Yimou and Chen Kaige, Xiaogang has crafted yet another martial arts film for Western consumption that looks great but is completely devoid of any real emotions or characters. In short, this film was made for the express purpose of winning awards, and Xiaogang maximizes all of the film's "attractive" points to make sure he gets as many awards as he wants. High-speed photography that would make John Woo jealous is used to the max, sets are ridiculously lavish to the point of unparalleled artificiality, and Zhang Ziyi is once again frequenly seen half-naked (nice body double though). This film is a joke.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Big Bullet (DVD) (Hong Kong Version)
1 people found this review helpful
November 5, 2006 Non-stop excitementAfter being demoted, Bill (Lau Ching-Wan) finds himself at odds with his higher-ups in the police department and is subsequently reassigned to a routine patrol unit under the watchful eyes of Jordan Chan's Jeff. When their ragtag group of officers (including the super cute Teresa Lee who packs a mean punch) finds themselves neck-deep in a shootout with Yu Rongguang's gang, they come together to stop a major heist at Interpol.
Fans of classic Hong Kong action films should find a home for Big Bullet. With an all-star cast (including Lau Ching-Wan, Jordan Chan, Francis Ng, Anthony Wong, and Yu Rongguang), an engaging story, and fantastic action choreography, you really can't go wrong with this film.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This)
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Kairo (DVD) (Hong Kong Version)
3 people found this review helpful
November 5, 2006 Truly disturbingIf you're looking for mindless scares, buy something else. With Kairo (aka Pulse), master director Kiyoshi Kurosawa has crafted a horror film like any other. It's almost an insult to consider it just a "horror" film as it is a a truly disturbing story about loneliness and isolation and is the most deeply affecting thriller I've seen in recent memory.
As with other films of Kurosawa such as Cure and Seance, his concern is not on cheap scares. With perfect pacing and unparalleled shot composition, Kurosawa captures the contemporary, machine-mediated human experience better than any director working today. There are no real ghosts. We're the only ghosts in this world. After I watched this film, I felt more alone and afraid than at any other time in my life. Highly recommended!Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This)
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Crazy Stone (Hong Kong Version)
1 people found this review helpful
November 4, 2006 Best Chinese film of the year!With China pumping out emotionally stunted martial arts farces like The Banquet, Ning Hao's low budget heist/caper film Crazy Stone is a true breath of fresh air. Relying on well-developed characters, a super clever story, and real instances of Chinese culture (such as the glaring economic disparity between the wealthy and the poor), the film succeeds on every level.
Taking place in Chongqing and featuring dialogue in the local Chongqing dialect, the film revolves around a precious jade stone unearthed at a factory and the various people who want to get their hands on it - from the three local thieves who spend their days conning people with Coke can lottery scams, to the factory owner's greedy son who tries to impress local girls by speaking in standard Chinese, to the goofily suave international thief who is robbed the minute he sets foot in Chongqing. With tongue firmly in cheek, what follows is a laugh riot as the various characters come into conflict with one another while the factory's lone security guard tries to keep the jade safe.
Highly recommended! Despite being influenced by the filmmaking styles of people like Guy Ritchie or Steven Soderbergh, Ning Hao has adapted international styles to create a true Chinese film that is both hilarious and affecting.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Election 2 (Special Edition) (Hong Kong Version)
Election 2 (Special Edition) (Hong Kong Version) DVD Region All
(3)Our Price: US$20.99Related promotions:1 people found this review helpful
November 4, 2006 Johnnie To is the best!Continuing with the same characters in the same world as his award-winning Election, Johnnie To's Election 2 is perhaps the most natural sequel in recent memory. With another triad election coming up, Simon Yam's Lok and Louis Koo's Jimmy (both of whom give terrific performances) begin vying for the position of chairman amid distractions from family, business partners, and police officers. While further dehumanizing triad figures, Johnnie To also takes more than a few swipes at mainland China along the way. Not only are these characters ruthless, heartless, and self-motivated, but they're also pawns themselves.
Johnnie To is easily the most accomplished and mature director working in Hong Kong today, and Election 2 continues his focus on strong characters and culturally relevant themes. As with Election, the violence is a part of this world, and it is not pretty, but stick with it to the end and you'll be rewarded with a realistic conclusion that feels neither forced nor pandering.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This)
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Re-Cycle (VCD) (Hong Kong Version)
Re-Cycle (VCD) (Hong Kong Version) VCD
(2)Our Price: US$8.49Usually ships within 7 to 14 daysRelated promotions:2 people found this review helpful
November 4, 2006 Film belongs to Angelica LeeAs one of the best actresses (if not the best) working in the Hong Kong film industry, Angelica Lee takes what could have been a potential doozy of a movie and elevates it above most other Asian thrillers in recent memory thanks to her beautifully restrained emotions and complete understanding of her character.
Off to a slow start on her new book titled The Re-Cycle, writer Ting-Yin is bothered by the appearances of an ex-flame and a rather spooky apparition floating around her apartment. As she begins to realize that the things she is writing are happening in reality (or vice versa), she is transported to a mysterious world upon leaving her apartment - a world filled with all things and people discarded and abandoned.
The Pang Brothers are back in rare form with this film, using a combination of unforced emotions, controlled pacing, and fantastic visuals. The world of Re-Cycle is amazing to behold, with both fear and awe elicited through the film's beautiful distortions. This is not a true horror film by any means, but its heartbreaking themes of isolation, selfishness, and loneliness will resonate with anyone, because in the end, what's truly scary is us and our own thoughts and actions.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This)
United States - English
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