With exceptional frankness, director Mishima presented “Voice” to the public of Udine Far East Film Festival, revealing that the film – that she wrote as well – is inspired at large, by her own trauma of being sexually abused at the age of 6. Said frankness is something that comes undoubtedly from a long and painful path of recovery and the director has challenged herself navigating self-worth and guilt in her latest work.
Voice is screening at Udine Far East Film Festival
The film is in omnibus format, composed by three episodes of different style and far apart location, and a bridging conclusion. In the first episode, in a stylish house near lake Toya, in the North of Japan, a woman, Maki (Maki Carrousel) is preparing Osechi, a traditional New Year's feast that contains several dishes, all highly symbolic of good fortune, safety, good health and longevity. In doing so she follows the...
Voice is screening at Udine Far East Film Festival
The film is in omnibus format, composed by three episodes of different style and far apart location, and a bridging conclusion. In the first episode, in a stylish house near lake Toya, in the North of Japan, a woman, Maki (Maki Carrousel) is preparing Osechi, a traditional New Year's feast that contains several dishes, all highly symbolic of good fortune, safety, good health and longevity. In doing so she follows the...
- 4/27/2024
- by Adriana Rosati
- AsianMoviePulse
In the overwhelming plethora of yakuza movies that were produced from the Japanese movie industry, we have seen movies that portray the gangsters as heroic, as losers, or as they actually are, in a rather realistically dramatic fashion that has become more prevalent during the latest years. It is very rare, however, to watch a film of the category where the protagonist is a rather cunning coward, who spends all his energy trying to avoid becoming part of the action. This is exactly what happens in “Like a Rolling Stone” however, a film that also moves into drama/erotic paths and managed to win a plethora of local awards, mostly for the direction and the main protagonist, Eiji Okuda.
Tanaka is a yakuza whose main function is to collect protection money for his boss. Considering himself second in command, as soon as he is released from prison as the story begins,...
Tanaka is a yakuza whose main function is to collect protection money for his boss. Considering himself second in command, as soon as he is released from prison as the story begins,...
- 4/17/2024
- by Panos Kotzathanasis
- AsianMoviePulse
Since Metallic Rouge was announced at Fuji TV Anime Lineup Presentation 2023, it was clear that the new anime series from the prestigious Bones studio would be an emotive way to commemorate the first 25 years of the company made by ex-key members of Sunrise Studio (now Bandai Namco Filmworks). Most anime enthusiasts know Bones for series like My Hero Academia , Fullmetal Alchemist (both adaptations), Bungo Stray Dogs , Mob Psycho 100 and movies like Escaflowne, Cowboy Bebop and Josee, the Tiger and the Fish . But true fans of the studio’s vast filmography know that their original works had an important impact on the anime industry since their beginning. So, why is Metallic Rouge so perfect to celebrate Bones’ first 25 years? Impressive Original Stories As a futuristic mystery thriller, the strongest element of the story is how Toshizo Nemoto ( Log Horizon ) and Yutaka Izubuchi ( Space Battleship Yamato 2199 ) tell the story of...
- 2/2/2024
- by Julio Vélez
- Crunchyroll
Starting his career with an uncredited role in Akira Kurosawa's “Ran” in 1985, the first role anybody would have noticed Susumu Terajima would have been in Takeshi Kitano's 1989 debut “Violent Cop”, as a drug addict henchman. Since then, he has been a notable face in many a cops vs. thugs film, among others, now with over 200 credits to his name.
Having been a regular with some of Japan's leading directors, notably Kitano, Takashi Miike, Hirokazu Koreeda and Sabu, to name but a few, he is typically always the bridesmaid, never the bride. Terajima's career has been one of support roles, not often taking the lead, but his face is a reliable one, with many top directors turning to him, and any Japanese cinema connoisseur will need more than 2 hands to count the number of roles of his they've seen.
Here are some standouts from his career that has seen him play: a likeable,...
Having been a regular with some of Japan's leading directors, notably Kitano, Takashi Miike, Hirokazu Koreeda and Sabu, to name but a few, he is typically always the bridesmaid, never the bride. Terajima's career has been one of support roles, not often taking the lead, but his face is a reliable one, with many top directors turning to him, and any Japanese cinema connoisseur will need more than 2 hands to count the number of roles of his they've seen.
Here are some standouts from his career that has seen him play: a likeable,...
- 11/24/2023
- by Andrew Thayne
- AsianMoviePulse
Art House Films has taken distribution rights for France.
Japanese filmmaker Kiyoshi Kurosawa, who won best director at Venice in 2020 with Wife Of A Spy, has wrapped shooting French thriller Serpent’s Path starring Ko Shibasaki and Damien Bonnard.
The film, now in post-production, is an adaptation of Kurosawa’s 1998 Japanese feature of the same name, in which a man enlists a friend to help him exact revenge upon his daughter’s murderer. The original was written by Hiroshi Takahashi, co-writer of iconic horror Ring, and starred Teruyuki Kagawa and Show Aikawa.
In the French-language remake, the main character is...
Japanese filmmaker Kiyoshi Kurosawa, who won best director at Venice in 2020 with Wife Of A Spy, has wrapped shooting French thriller Serpent’s Path starring Ko Shibasaki and Damien Bonnard.
The film, now in post-production, is an adaptation of Kurosawa’s 1998 Japanese feature of the same name, in which a man enlists a friend to help him exact revenge upon his daughter’s murderer. The original was written by Hiroshi Takahashi, co-writer of iconic horror Ring, and starred Teruyuki Kagawa and Show Aikawa.
In the French-language remake, the main character is...
- 8/30/2023
- by Michael Rosser
- ScreenDaily
The whole world lost its mind at the turn-of-the-millennium, and it could be argued that sanity never returned. The dawn of the new century was a dark time, with fears over the dominance of tech creating mass hysteria (that now doesn't seem so hysterical). Despite this real-world panic, the years surrounding 2000 also happened to see a golden age in Asian cinema. It may not be an even tradeoff all things considered, but at least we had auteurs like Johnnie To, Park Chan-Wook, Takashi Miike, and Takeshi Kitano setting the tone for what 21st Century filmmaking could look like. The cyberpunk obsession of the time, reflected most potently in the Hong-Kong-and-anime-inspired “The Matrix”, also led to surge of interest in Woo-style kinetics and Asian sci-fi classics like “Akira” and “Ghost in the Shell”.
Now, more than two decades removed from the era's insanity, Y2K nostalgia has reached a fever pitch.
Now, more than two decades removed from the era's insanity, Y2K nostalgia has reached a fever pitch.
- 7/9/2023
- by Henry McKeand
- AsianMoviePulse
At one point in “Dead Or Alive 2: Birds,” two childhood friends who have reunited after decades of separation put on a wacky school play for a classroom of young students. They do silly voices and dance around in animal costumes. The children laugh, even as the performers make obscene gestures and simulate sex acts. The inappropriateness of it all doesn't seem to bother anyone–they're all having too much fun. As this is happening, a Yakuza-Triad gang war is breaking out in the city. Gangsters shoot and slash and brutalize one another. Killers defile their dead victims and bleeding men cry out for mercy.
This montage, like so much of “Birds,” is an encapsulation of Takashi Miike's many modes. It runs the gamut from wacky and tender to perverse and vicious, and this melding of styles makes it maybe the best entry point into an infamously scattershot filmography.
This montage, like so much of “Birds,” is an encapsulation of Takashi Miike's many modes. It runs the gamut from wacky and tender to perverse and vicious, and this melding of styles makes it maybe the best entry point into an infamously scattershot filmography.
- 7/2/2023
- by Henry McKeand
- AsianMoviePulse
Survival Style +5
Five bizarre stories with no apparent connection to one and other eventually become intertwined, resulting in surreal circumstances
Cold Fish
The film is loosely based on the exploits of two Tokyo serial killers, Sekine Gen and Hiroko Kazama, a husband and wife duo who owned a pet shop and murdered at least four people
Ichi The Killer
It portrays a story of feuding yakuza gangs primarily through the actions of a scarred and psychologically damaged man, Ichi (‘One’), who is manipulated into assaulting or killing rival faction members.
Note: Ichi The Killer is to this day still banned in many countries!
Gozu
Chaos ensues when a yakuza boss orders a young gangster (Hideki Sone) to kill an insane colleague (Shô Aikawa).
Love Exposure
Raised by an extremely strict Roman Catholic, a young man, who sneaks snapshots of women’s panties, meets a gal who becomes his Virgin Mary.
Five bizarre stories with no apparent connection to one and other eventually become intertwined, resulting in surreal circumstances
Cold Fish
The film is loosely based on the exploits of two Tokyo serial killers, Sekine Gen and Hiroko Kazama, a husband and wife duo who owned a pet shop and murdered at least four people
Ichi The Killer
It portrays a story of feuding yakuza gangs primarily through the actions of a scarred and psychologically damaged man, Ichi (‘One’), who is manipulated into assaulting or killing rival faction members.
Note: Ichi The Killer is to this day still banned in many countries!
Gozu
Chaos ensues when a yakuza boss orders a young gangster (Hideki Sone) to kill an insane colleague (Shô Aikawa).
Love Exposure
Raised by an extremely strict Roman Catholic, a young man, who sneaks snapshots of women’s panties, meets a gal who becomes his Virgin Mary.
- 1/19/2018
- by The0racle
- AsianMoviePulse
When you allow yourself to be immersed in the world of Takashi Miike you do so with the knowledge that you are going to be taken to some really messed up places. Then of course he tricks you and gives you something completely different. The Dead or Alive Trilogy is an example of three films where Miike takes you to the absurd, but also to the surprisingly sentimental.
Starting with Dead or Alive, we have the battle between Yakuza Ryuuichi vs Detective Jojima (Shô Aikawa). Ryu and his small group are looking to take over the Shinjuku underworld by taking out the Chinese and Japanese mafia kings. The only person who stands in his way is Jojima. While this battle is raging, we see the connection with family, which is a connection between the three films of the trilogy.
With Dead or Alive, the film starts in a way to...
Starting with Dead or Alive, we have the battle between Yakuza Ryuuichi vs Detective Jojima (Shô Aikawa). Ryu and his small group are looking to take over the Shinjuku underworld by taking out the Chinese and Japanese mafia kings. The only person who stands in his way is Jojima. While this battle is raging, we see the connection with family, which is a connection between the three films of the trilogy.
With Dead or Alive, the film starts in a way to...
- 3/28/2017
- by Paul Metcalf
- Nerdly
Beginning with an explosive, six-minute montage of sex, drugs and violence, and ending with a phallus-headed battle robot taking flight, Takashi Miike’s unforgettable Dead or Alive Trilogy features many of the director’s most outrageous moments set alongside some of his most dramatically moving scenes. Made between 1999 and 2002, the Dead or Alive films cemented Miike’s reputation overseas as one of the most provocative enfants terrible of Japanese cinema, yet also one of its most talented and innovative filmmakers. In Dead or Alive, tough gangster Ryuichi (Riki Takeuchi) and his ethnically Chinese gang make a play to take over the drug trade in Tokyo’s Shinjuku district by massacring the competition. But he meets his match in detective Jojima (Show Aikawa), who will do everything to stop them. Dead or Alive 2: Birds casts Aikawa and Takeuchi together again, but as new characters, a pair of rival yakuza assassins...
- 2/3/2017
- by Tom Stockman
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
To celebrate the release of Takashi Miike’s Black Society Trilogy - out on DVD & Blu-Ray from 16th January – we are giving away a Blu-ray copy courtesy of Arrow Video!
After several years spent working almost exclusively in the direct-to-video world of “V-cinema” in Japan, Takashi Miike announced himself as a world-class filmmaking talent with this trio of thematically-connected, character-centric crime stories about violence, the underworld of Japanese society, families both real and surrogate, and the possibly hopeless task of finding one’s place in the world. His first films made specifically for theatrical release, and his first for a major studio, the Black Society Trilogy was the beginning of Miike’s mature career as a filmmaker and they remain among the prolific director’s finest works.
Set in the bustling Kabuki-cho nightlife neighborhood of Tokyo, Shinjuku Triad Society follows a mixed-race cop (Kippei Shiina, Outrage) struggling with private issues...
After several years spent working almost exclusively in the direct-to-video world of “V-cinema” in Japan, Takashi Miike announced himself as a world-class filmmaking talent with this trio of thematically-connected, character-centric crime stories about violence, the underworld of Japanese society, families both real and surrogate, and the possibly hopeless task of finding one’s place in the world. His first films made specifically for theatrical release, and his first for a major studio, the Black Society Trilogy was the beginning of Miike’s mature career as a filmmaker and they remain among the prolific director’s finest works.
Set in the bustling Kabuki-cho nightlife neighborhood of Tokyo, Shinjuku Triad Society follows a mixed-race cop (Kippei Shiina, Outrage) struggling with private issues...
- 1/13/2017
- by Phil Wheat
- Nerdly
Toei's V-Cinema (straight to video) line began way back in 1989 with ‘Crime Hunter’ and has since produced countless cult action, yakuza, horror and exploitation hits such as; ‘Lady Battle Cop’ (1990), ‘The Fighting King’ and ‘Ju-on: The Grudge’ and now its celebrating it's 25th anniversary theatrical film to mark the event. 25 Nijyu-Go (aka 25 Twenty-Five) will star the king of V-Cinema, Show Aikawa and as one would expect, it looks like to be a riot of exploitationist violence (hoorah) and opens in Japan...November 1. 25 trailer...
- 9/26/2014
- 24framespersecond.net
Here's the full trailer for the live-action adaptation of the 1960s anime and manga classic, Tiger Mask. The character was created by Ikki Kajiwara, and the story centers on a wrestling hero who fights evil to protect the children of an orphanage.
The film stars Eiji Wentz (Brave Story) as the hero, Natsuna Watanabe (Gantz, Kimi ni Todoke) as the heroine, Ruriko and Show Aikawa (Zebraman) as Mister X. Here's a little more information on the film and its story, thanks to Anime News Network:
"Tiger Mask" is the alter ego of the character Naoto Date, a pro wrestler who goes against an evil wrestling organization and fights for children in an orphanage. In the new setup for the film, Date dons a special suit and "transforms" into Tiger Mask with enhanced mobility and muscle strength. His mask has also been redesigned with a nod to American comic action heroes such as Spider-Man and Batman.
The film stars Eiji Wentz (Brave Story) as the hero, Natsuna Watanabe (Gantz, Kimi ni Todoke) as the heroine, Ruriko and Show Aikawa (Zebraman) as Mister X. Here's a little more information on the film and its story, thanks to Anime News Network:
"Tiger Mask" is the alter ego of the character Naoto Date, a pro wrestler who goes against an evil wrestling organization and fights for children in an orphanage. In the new setup for the film, Date dons a special suit and "transforms" into Tiger Mask with enhanced mobility and muscle strength. His mask has also been redesigned with a nod to American comic action heroes such as Spider-Man and Batman.
- 9/16/2013
- by Joey Paur
- GeekTyrant
Related Content: Teaser Trailer For Live-Action Tiger Mask Second Teaser Trailer For Live-Action 'Tiger Mask' "Tiger Mask" is the alter ego of the character Naoto Date (Eiji Wentz), a pro wrestler who goes against an evil wrestling organization and fights for children in an orphanage. In the new setup for the film, Date dons a special suit and "transforms" into Tiger Mask with enhanced mobility and muscle strength. His mask has also been redesigned with a nod to American comic action heroes such as Spider-Man and Batman. The film also stars Natsuna Watanabe (Gantz, Kimi ni Todoke) as heroine and love interest, Ruriko and Show Aikawa (Zebraman) as Mister X. Tiger Mask was the basis for the popular character King from the video game Tekken. The original manga from Kajiwara and Tsuji ran from 1968 to 1971 and received an anime adaptation in 1969. The redesigned look for the wrestler is reportedly based...
- 9/13/2013
- ComicBookMovie.com
We're not overly familiar with this one but we soon will be. Here comes a teaser for the new movie directed by Ken Ochiai, based upon the manga series "Tiger Mask" by Ikki Kajiwara. The film has attracted a lively cast however, including the likes of Eiji Wentz (Kitaro and the Millennium Curse), Natsuna (Gantz), and Shô Aikawa (Dead or Alive). The Tiger Mask persona is instantly recognisable by its trademark mask, designed to look like a tiger's head, as well as the combination of high flying attacks and martial arts in the wrestling ring. This will be the third movie based on the manga, the first two arriving in the 1970s, though the Tiger Mask persona has continued to appear in wrestling arenas since that time. The Tiger Mask opens its cape and its doors sometime in November 2013. The teaser trailer doesn't give much away but it will certainly do for now.
- 9/8/2013
- 24framespersecond.net
As previously reported, Tiger Mask (タイガーマスク) follows lead Eiji Wentz (Brave Story) as Naoto Date, a character that gets mixed up in a shading wrestling operation and then breaks rank to oppose their forced acquisition of an orphanage. The film also stars Natsuna Watanabe (Gantz, Kimi ni Todoke) as heroine and love interest, Ruriko and Show Aikawa (Zebraman) as Mister X. Tiger Mask was the basis for the popular character King from the video game Tekken. The original manga from Kajiwara and Tsuji ran from 1968 to 1971 and received an anime adaptation in 1969. The redesigned look for the wrestler is reportedly based on American superheroes Batman and Spider-Man. Expect a full trailer to be released in the coming days. Related Content: Ghost In The Shell: Arise - First Full Trailer Debuts First Look At Live-Action Kuroshitsuji Anime Cowboy Bebop Director Says Live-Action Film Is...
- 7/24/2013
- ComicBookMovie.com
The Tiger Mask is a classic 1960s anime and manga created by Ikki Kajiwara. The story centers on a wrestling hero who fights evil to protect the children of an orphanage. The original manga ran from 1968 to 1971 in several magazines. In 1969, it was adapted into an anime TV series.
The film stars Eiji Wentz (Brave Story) as the titular hero, Natsuna Watanabe (Gantz, Kimi ni Todoke) as the heroine, Ruriko and Show Aikawa (Zebraman) as Mister X. Here's a little more information on the film and its story thanks to Anime News Network:
"Tiger Mask" is the alter ego of the character Naoto Date, a pro wrestler who goes against an evil wrestling organization and fights for children in an orphanage. In the new setup for the film, Date dons a special suit and "transforms" into Tiger Mask with enhanced mobility and muscle strength. His mask has also been redesigned...
The film stars Eiji Wentz (Brave Story) as the titular hero, Natsuna Watanabe (Gantz, Kimi ni Todoke) as the heroine, Ruriko and Show Aikawa (Zebraman) as Mister X. Here's a little more information on the film and its story thanks to Anime News Network:
"Tiger Mask" is the alter ego of the character Naoto Date, a pro wrestler who goes against an evil wrestling organization and fights for children in an orphanage. In the new setup for the film, Date dons a special suit and "transforms" into Tiger Mask with enhanced mobility and muscle strength. His mask has also been redesigned...
- 6/21/2013
- by Joey Paur
- GeekTyrant
Sneak Peek the first trailer from "Tiger Mask", the live-action adaptation of the 1960's anime/manga comics from Ikki Kajiwara and Naoki Tsuji, starring Eiji Wentz, Natsuna Watanabe and Show Aikawa as 'Mister X' :
"...'Tiger Mask' is the alter ego of 'Naoto Date', a pro wrestler who goes against an evil wrestling organization and fights for children in an orphanage.
"In the film, Date dons a special suit and 'transforms' into Tiger Mask with enhanced mobility and muscle strength..."
Click the images to enlarge and Sneak Peek "Tiger Mask"...
"...'Tiger Mask' is the alter ego of 'Naoto Date', a pro wrestler who goes against an evil wrestling organization and fights for children in an orphanage.
"In the film, Date dons a special suit and 'transforms' into Tiger Mask with enhanced mobility and muscle strength..."
Click the images to enlarge and Sneak Peek "Tiger Mask"...
- 6/19/2013
- by Michael Stevens
- SneakPeek
The film stars Eiji Wentz (Brave Story) as the titular hero, Natsuna Watanabe (Gantz, Kimi ni Todoke) as the heroine, Ruriko and Show Aikawa (Zebraman) as Mister X. This new interpretation focuses on lead hero Naota Date, who fights in opposition to an evil wrestling organization and to save a children's orphanage. Date was actually at one time a member of the evil organization, Tora no Ana, before setting down the path to become a hero. The original manga ran from 1968 to 1971 in such publications as Weekly Shōnen Magazine while the anime aired in 1969. Many real-life Japanese wrestlers have donned the 'Tiger Mask' persona over the years. The manga recently became popular again in Japan after a mysterious donation was made a few years back to a children's organization which sparked others to contribute in what became known as "The Tiger Mask" movement.
- 6/19/2013
- ComicBookMovie.com
A two-minute trailer has been added to the official website for Yasutaka Mori‘s Onobori Monogatari, a live-action adaptation of an autobiographical manga by Satoshi Karasuya.
The film stars musical theater actor Yoshio Inoue as Satoshi Katagiri, a 29-year-old aspiring cartoonist who moves from Osaka to Tokyo to follow his dream without the benefit of a well-thought-out plan. Unfortunately, the only magazine willing to publish his manga goes out of business within one week. Now unemployed, Satoshi struggles to reach his goal of becoming a successful cartoonist in Tokyo without any job contacts or savings to fall back on. Mika Hijii, Show Aikawa, and Norito Yashima also star.
“Onobori Monogatari” will be released by Tokyo Theatres Co., Inc. on July 17, 2010.
Sources: Official website, Cinema Cafe
Thanks to logboy for catching the update.
The film stars musical theater actor Yoshio Inoue as Satoshi Katagiri, a 29-year-old aspiring cartoonist who moves from Osaka to Tokyo to follow his dream without the benefit of a well-thought-out plan. Unfortunately, the only magazine willing to publish his manga goes out of business within one week. Now unemployed, Satoshi struggles to reach his goal of becoming a successful cartoonist in Tokyo without any job contacts or savings to fall back on. Mika Hijii, Show Aikawa, and Norito Yashima also star.
“Onobori Monogatari” will be released by Tokyo Theatres Co., Inc. on July 17, 2010.
Sources: Official website, Cinema Cafe
Thanks to logboy for catching the update.
- 4/13/2010
- Nippon Cinema
This looks more like a music video for the Zebra Queen (played by cutie Riisa Naka) than a proper trailer but I just assume Takashi Miike knows what he’s doing…
[See post to watch Flash video]
Synopsis via Nippon Cinema:
In the year 2025, Tokyo has been transformed into “Zebra City” and completely covered in black and white. Every morning at 5:00am, the sensational singing voice of a woman called Zebra Queen (Riisa Naka) can be heard resounding throughout the city. Suddenly, a man named Shinichi Ichikawa (Show Aikawa) awakes with no idea of where he is. In his confusion, he’s shot at by police and barely manages to escape. After falling unconscious again, he’s rescued by a man in a strange costume and soon finds himself in a small commune outside of the city. Their leader recognizes Shinichi as the school teacher turned super hero who saved Earth from an alien invasion 15 years ago before suddenly disappearing.
[See post to watch Flash video]
Synopsis via Nippon Cinema:
In the year 2025, Tokyo has been transformed into “Zebra City” and completely covered in black and white. Every morning at 5:00am, the sensational singing voice of a woman called Zebra Queen (Riisa Naka) can be heard resounding throughout the city. Suddenly, a man named Shinichi Ichikawa (Show Aikawa) awakes with no idea of where he is. In his confusion, he’s shot at by police and barely manages to escape. After falling unconscious again, he’s rescued by a man in a strange costume and soon finds himself in a small commune outside of the city. Their leader recognizes Shinichi as the school teacher turned super hero who saved Earth from an alien invasion 15 years ago before suddenly disappearing.
- 3/8/2010
- by Ulrik
- Affenheimtheater
Here comes stripey fury! It's a second trailer for Takashi Miike's Zebraman 2, the sequel to his 2004 hit that reunites the director with writer Kankuro Kudo and star Sho Aikawa in another very silly ode to Japanese hero culture.
Synopsis via Nippon Cinema:
In the year 2025, Tokyo has been transformed into "Zebra City". In the Zebraman's absense, a woman calling herself Zebra Queen (Riisa Naka) has formed a zebra army and instituted "Zebra Time" throughout the city by force. Shinichi Ichikawa (Show Aikawa) suddenly wakes up with no recollection of his past, but instinctively returns to his super hero ways.
Synopsis via Nippon Cinema:
In the year 2025, Tokyo has been transformed into "Zebra City". In the Zebraman's absense, a woman calling herself Zebra Queen (Riisa Naka) has formed a zebra army and instituted "Zebra Time" throughout the city by force. Shinichi Ichikawa (Show Aikawa) suddenly wakes up with no recollection of his past, but instinctively returns to his super hero ways.
- 3/8/2010
- Screen Anarchy
Looks like good ‘ol Miike just can’t get away from the super hero thematic, so after his live-action adaptation of Yatterman he now presents the sequel to his 2004 super hero comedy Zebraman. You can see the first teaser below, a short TV spot is available at the Japanese website. Zebraman 2 will open across Japan on May 1, 2010.
[See post to watch Flash video]
Synopsis via Nippon Cinema:
In the year 2025, Tokyo has been transformed into “Zebra City”. In the Zebraman’s absense, a woman calling herself Zebra Queen (Riisa Naka) has formed a zebra army and instituted “Zebra Time” throughout the city by force. Shinichi Ichikawa (Show Aikawa) suddenly wakes up with no recollection of his past, but instinctively returns to his super hero ways.
[via Nippon Cinema]...
[See post to watch Flash video]
Synopsis via Nippon Cinema:
In the year 2025, Tokyo has been transformed into “Zebra City”. In the Zebraman’s absense, a woman calling herself Zebra Queen (Riisa Naka) has formed a zebra army and instituted “Zebra Time” throughout the city by force. Shinichi Ichikawa (Show Aikawa) suddenly wakes up with no recollection of his past, but instinctively returns to his super hero ways.
[via Nippon Cinema]...
- 12/20/2009
- by Ulrik
- Affenheimtheater
After a four-year delay, American viewers are finally able to feast their eyes (in the comfort of their own home, that is, thanks to Anchor Bay’s DVD) on the much-anticipated Japanese film Tokyo Zombie. Written and directed by Sakichi Satô (who scripted Takashi Miike’s notorious Ichi The Killer), the film is a departure from the J-horror fare we have all become accustomed to. There is no long-haired little girl, no ghosts out for revenge, no dark palette. What we get instead is an undead, deadpan comedy.
After inadvertently killing their boss, ju-jitsu enthusiasts Fujio (Tadanobu Asano) and Mitsuo (Sho Aikawa) make a pilgrimage to Black Fuji to dispose of the body. A veritable dumping ground for everything from old refrigerators to mothers-in-law, the mountain of garbage harbors something dark within it’s folds of filth: toxic waste. Of course, it doesn’t take long for this biohazard to...
After inadvertently killing their boss, ju-jitsu enthusiasts Fujio (Tadanobu Asano) and Mitsuo (Sho Aikawa) make a pilgrimage to Black Fuji to dispose of the body. A veritable dumping ground for everything from old refrigerators to mothers-in-law, the mountain of garbage harbors something dark within it’s folds of filth: toxic waste. Of course, it doesn’t take long for this biohazard to...
- 4/16/2009
- Fangoria
Yes, kids, Tokyo Zombie is now on shelves and the time has come to announce the winners of our DVD giveaway contest. To win all you had to do was name three films that Show Aikawa starred in for Takashi Miike, which I realized was a stupid question that could be answered by simply saying “The Dead Or Alive trilogy” shortly after people started doing exactly that. I was thinking more along the lines of Gozu, Zebraman, Waru etc, myself, though I honestly don’t recommend watching Waru. It’s pretty bad. But I digress. Winners! Five of ‘em! Congratulations to: Chris Smith, Jordan Andrei, Eric Chu, Marc-Andre Goulet and the fabulously named Yasir Makhdoom.
- 4/8/2009
- by Todd Brown
- Screen Anarchy
Yes, it’s been a couple years since we first wrote about Sakichi Sato’s Tokyo Zombie - the slacker horror comedy written and directed by the writer of Takashi Miike’s Ichi The Killer and Gozu, starring Show Aikawa and Tadanobu Asano - but after lengthy delays the film is finally about to arrive on English friendly DVD via Manga Entertainment and Anchor Bay. And if you live here in Canada, you’re in luck: Anchor Bay Canada have given us five copies of the DVD to give away to Canuck Twitch readers. You want it? by April 7th naming three Takashi Miike films that Aikawa has starred in. I’ve already given you one, so it shouldn’t be too hard ...
- 4/5/2009
- by Todd Brown
- Screen Anarchy
In the tradition of "Shaun of the Dead," the horror comedy "Tokyo Zombie" is set hit DVD in the U.S. April 7, 2009, courtesy of Anchor Bay Entertainment. The film was written and directed by Sakichi Sato, who wrote Takashi Miike’s controversial, award-winning Ichi the Killer, and many observers have compared this film to Miike’s ground-breaking work in the horror genre. Tadanobu Asano (the Academy-Award nominated Mongol) and Show Aikawa (Zebraman, Specter, winner of the Japanese Professional Film Award) portray a pair of full-time slackers and wannabe jujitsu champions who bring the murdered body of their sleazy boss to Tokyo’s infamous toxic waste dump known as “Black Fuji.” But when an army of the undead rises from the foul, festering trash heap, our “heroes” must battle a non-stop barrage of hasty decapitations, perverted teachers, tasty snack foods (!), stormy romance and zombie professional wrestling. Yes, the fate of humanity...
- 2/23/2009
- ESplatter.com
Thanks to Anchor Bay Entertainment and Manga Entertainment, horror comedy sensation Tokyo Zombie is set for release on DVD this April 7, 2009.
It's been a while since we posted our Tokyo Zombie review, so it's understandable if you're a little fuzzy on the details. Here's the skinny straight from Anchor Bay: The film was written and directed by Sakichi Satô, who wrote Takashi Miike’s controversial, award-winning Ichi the Killer, and many observers have compared this film to Miike’s ground-breaking work in the horror genre.
Tadanobu Asano and Sho Aikawa portray a pair of full-time slackers and wannabe jujitsu champions who bring the murdered body of their sleazy boss to Tokyo’s infamous toxic waste dump known as “Black Fuji.” But when an army of the undead rises from the foul, festering trash heap, our “heroes” must battle a non-stop barrage of hasty decapitations, perverted teachers, tasty snack foods(!), stormy romance,...
It's been a while since we posted our Tokyo Zombie review, so it's understandable if you're a little fuzzy on the details. Here's the skinny straight from Anchor Bay: The film was written and directed by Sakichi Satô, who wrote Takashi Miike’s controversial, award-winning Ichi the Killer, and many observers have compared this film to Miike’s ground-breaking work in the horror genre.
Tadanobu Asano and Sho Aikawa portray a pair of full-time slackers and wannabe jujitsu champions who bring the murdered body of their sleazy boss to Tokyo’s infamous toxic waste dump known as “Black Fuji.” But when an army of the undead rises from the foul, festering trash heap, our “heroes” must battle a non-stop barrage of hasty decapitations, perverted teachers, tasty snack foods(!), stormy romance,...
- 2/19/2009
- by The Woman In Black
- DreadCentral.com
On their upcoming slate for April, it looks like Anchor Bay is importing Sakichi Satô's 2005 undead flick Tokyo Zombie . It's still early in the game for a proper announcement, but we do know that this title will hit DVD on April 7th. Synopsis: Fujio and Mitsuo always dream to go to Russia and become the strongest men in the field of jujutsu, a form of Japanese martial arts. Their lives turn upside down when zombies begin to walk down from Mount Fuji. Using jujutsu, Fujio and Mitsuo are determined to save Tokyo from zombie invasion! Update: Special features will include... Actors' interviews, Making of the Dead Featurette, Actor's in-store appearance, teasers and trailers! Tadanobu Asano ( Ichi the Killer ) and Show Aikawa ( Dead or Alive ) star.
- 2/19/2009
- shocktillyoudrop.com
A down on his luck Yakuza, shadowed by an unhinged cop and a vengeful gangster, finds solace in a make-shift family in this, the second installment of Takashi Miike’s Black Society Trilogy (Shinjuku Triad Society, Raint Dog, Ley Lines)
Unrelated in all but theme and tone, Miike’s central work in his unapologetically downbeat trilogy sees criminal figure, Yuji (Sho Aikawa), play out his own story in a similarly gritty style to that of its predecessor, Shinjuku: Triad Society. Set this time in the Taiwanese capital of Taipei, Rainy Dog focuses once more on a harsh and de-glamourised criminal underworld existing uncomfortably but firmly in the tips and veins of modern society. Though less kinetic and more dramatically involving than the first film, Rainy Dog shares its hopelessly brutal melancholy in a typically candid portrait of an unsavoury, and frankly depressing, underworld existence.
It never rains but it pours for unlucky protagonist Yuji.
Unrelated in all but theme and tone, Miike’s central work in his unapologetically downbeat trilogy sees criminal figure, Yuji (Sho Aikawa), play out his own story in a similarly gritty style to that of its predecessor, Shinjuku: Triad Society. Set this time in the Taiwanese capital of Taipei, Rainy Dog focuses once more on a harsh and de-glamourised criminal underworld existing uncomfortably but firmly in the tips and veins of modern society. Though less kinetic and more dramatically involving than the first film, Rainy Dog shares its hopelessly brutal melancholy in a typically candid portrait of an unsavoury, and frankly depressing, underworld existence.
It never rains but it pours for unlucky protagonist Yuji.
- 2/16/2009
- by Fiona
- Latemag.com/film
By Matt Singer
The figure of the superhero does not lend itself to independent movies easily or readily. While three of the top five grossing movies of 2008 center on the escapades of eccentrically dressed and extravagantly empowered individuals, there's a distinct lack of caped crusaders or men of steel for the arthouse crowd. Indie filmmakers may be the most qualified to tackle the spandex set in terms of imagination -- which may be the reason so many former members of their ranks, from Christopher Nolan to Guillermo Del Toro, have produced some of the genre's most memorable entries -- yet they have a special brand of kryptonite to contend with: low budgets.
With that in mind, I've watched as many indie superhero movies as I could find and assembled this easy-to-use list of five rules guaranteed to make yours a massive success. You can thank me later with some points on the gross.
The figure of the superhero does not lend itself to independent movies easily or readily. While three of the top five grossing movies of 2008 center on the escapades of eccentrically dressed and extravagantly empowered individuals, there's a distinct lack of caped crusaders or men of steel for the arthouse crowd. Indie filmmakers may be the most qualified to tackle the spandex set in terms of imagination -- which may be the reason so many former members of their ranks, from Christopher Nolan to Guillermo Del Toro, have produced some of the genre's most memorable entries -- yet they have a special brand of kryptonite to contend with: low budgets.
With that in mind, I've watched as many indie superhero movies as I could find and assembled this easy-to-use list of five rules guaranteed to make yours a massive success. You can thank me later with some points on the gross.
- 11/25/2008
- by Matt Singer
- ifc.com
Media Blasters Releasing
NEW YORK -- Representing a true change of pace from Takashi Miike's usual brand of ultraviolent horror and yakuza films, Zebraman is a family-friendly fantasy that finds the director working in an uncharacteristically gentle mood. This sweet tale of a mild-mannered school teacher-turned-superhero was made in 2004 but is only now receiving a U.S. theatrical release. It recently premiered at New York's Pioneer Theater.
The central character is Shinichi (Sho Aikawa), whose personal and professional lives are equally depressing. Not respected at the school where he works, he also has a cheating wife, a daughter who turns tricks and a son who gets bullied.
To relieve his frustrations, Shinichi frequently dons a homemade Zebraman suit, modeled after one worn by the title character of a failed cult television that he loved as a boy. Prowling around town while wearing it one late night, he encounters some space aliens, who unbeknown to the general population -- but not to the government, which has sent some Men in Black-style agents after them -- are trying to take over the planet.
Voluntarily assuming the role of protector of the city, Shinichi begins a one-man crusade against the disguised creatures, finding to his astonishment that he is beginning to develop actual Zebraman superpowers in the process. Meanwhile, he has begun to bond with a disabled student at his school and, more importantly, the boy's beautiful mother.
The film is seriously overstuffed with subplots and incidents (but hey, so are the Spider-Man movies), and the director is unable to sustain the thin, whimsical premise for the duration of the film's nearly two-hour running time. But it also has an undeniable charm, and the kitschy, CGI-enhanced special effects add greatly to the amusement factor.
NEW YORK -- Representing a true change of pace from Takashi Miike's usual brand of ultraviolent horror and yakuza films, Zebraman is a family-friendly fantasy that finds the director working in an uncharacteristically gentle mood. This sweet tale of a mild-mannered school teacher-turned-superhero was made in 2004 but is only now receiving a U.S. theatrical release. It recently premiered at New York's Pioneer Theater.
The central character is Shinichi (Sho Aikawa), whose personal and professional lives are equally depressing. Not respected at the school where he works, he also has a cheating wife, a daughter who turns tricks and a son who gets bullied.
To relieve his frustrations, Shinichi frequently dons a homemade Zebraman suit, modeled after one worn by the title character of a failed cult television that he loved as a boy. Prowling around town while wearing it one late night, he encounters some space aliens, who unbeknown to the general population -- but not to the government, which has sent some Men in Black-style agents after them -- are trying to take over the planet.
Voluntarily assuming the role of protector of the city, Shinichi begins a one-man crusade against the disguised creatures, finding to his astonishment that he is beginning to develop actual Zebraman superpowers in the process. Meanwhile, he has begun to bond with a disabled student at his school and, more importantly, the boy's beautiful mother.
The film is seriously overstuffed with subplots and incidents (but hey, so are the Spider-Man movies), and the director is unable to sustain the thin, whimsical premise for the duration of the film's nearly two-hour running time. But it also has an undeniable charm, and the kitschy, CGI-enhanced special effects add greatly to the amusement factor.
- 8/24/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Toronto International Film Festival
Known for his shocker horror pictures, including "Dead or Alive" and "Ichi the Killer", cult fave Miike Takashi mixes it up a bit with the gonzo "Gozu", a truly bizarre concoction that can best be described as a grotesquely surreal gangster sci-fi fantasy -- or, as Takashi likes to put it, "yakuza horror theater."
Proving no less visceral than his previous outings -- it certainly leaves no bodily fluid untapped -- the wildly unpredictable film should be warmly embraced by the midnight movie crowd who are already well aware of Takashi and his not-for-the-faint-of-heart offerings.
The title, which apparently refers to a hell-dwelling demon with the head of a cow and a human's body, pretty much sets the stage for the ensuing freak show.
When yakuza member Ozaki (Sho Aikawa) appears to be losing his grip (he offs a tiny Chihuahua, insisting that it's a rival gang's attack dog), the younger Minami (Hideki Sone) is ordered to bring him to a yakuza disposal site.
Somewhere along the way, however, Ozaki goes missing, and Minami embarks on a frantic search to find him. As he attempts to retrace his tracks, he encounters a carnival of weirdos including a heavily lactating older female innkeeper, a guy with a kooky skin condition and that aforementioned Gozu thingy.
Minami is eventually reunited with his yakuza brother, though he has apparently turned into a beautiful young woman, and then things really get nightmarish.
Although most definitely an acquired taste, the David Lynchian "Gozu" delivers the goods in dripping, gooey gobs, and it's nice to see that Takashi, reteaming with "Ichi the Killer" screenwriter Sato Sakichi, isn't averse to adding a little killer humor to his shock repertoire.
Known for his shocker horror pictures, including "Dead or Alive" and "Ichi the Killer", cult fave Miike Takashi mixes it up a bit with the gonzo "Gozu", a truly bizarre concoction that can best be described as a grotesquely surreal gangster sci-fi fantasy -- or, as Takashi likes to put it, "yakuza horror theater."
Proving no less visceral than his previous outings -- it certainly leaves no bodily fluid untapped -- the wildly unpredictable film should be warmly embraced by the midnight movie crowd who are already well aware of Takashi and his not-for-the-faint-of-heart offerings.
The title, which apparently refers to a hell-dwelling demon with the head of a cow and a human's body, pretty much sets the stage for the ensuing freak show.
When yakuza member Ozaki (Sho Aikawa) appears to be losing his grip (he offs a tiny Chihuahua, insisting that it's a rival gang's attack dog), the younger Minami (Hideki Sone) is ordered to bring him to a yakuza disposal site.
Somewhere along the way, however, Ozaki goes missing, and Minami embarks on a frantic search to find him. As he attempts to retrace his tracks, he encounters a carnival of weirdos including a heavily lactating older female innkeeper, a guy with a kooky skin condition and that aforementioned Gozu thingy.
Minami is eventually reunited with his yakuza brother, though he has apparently turned into a beautiful young woman, and then things really get nightmarish.
Although most definitely an acquired taste, the David Lynchian "Gozu" delivers the goods in dripping, gooey gobs, and it's nice to see that Takashi, reteaming with "Ichi the Killer" screenwriter Sato Sakichi, isn't averse to adding a little killer humor to his shock repertoire.
Toronto International Film Festival
Known for his shocker horror pictures, including "Dead or Alive" and "Ichi the Killer", cult fave Miike Takashi mixes it up a bit with the gonzo "Gozu", a truly bizarre concoction that can best be described as a grotesquely surreal gangster sci-fi fantasy -- or, as Takashi likes to put it, "yakuza horror theater."
Proving no less visceral than his previous outings -- it certainly leaves no bodily fluid untapped -- the wildly unpredictable film should be warmly embraced by the midnight movie crowd who are already well aware of Takashi and his not-for-the-faint-of-heart offerings.
The title, which apparently refers to a hell-dwelling demon with the head of a cow and a human's body, pretty much sets the stage for the ensuing freak show.
When yakuza member Ozaki (Sho Aikawa) appears to be losing his grip (he offs a tiny Chihuahua, insisting that it's a rival gang's attack dog), the younger Minami (Hideki Sone) is ordered to bring him to a yakuza disposal site.
Somewhere along the way, however, Ozaki goes missing, and Minami embarks on a frantic search to find him. As he attempts to retrace his tracks, he encounters a carnival of weirdos including a heavily lactating older female innkeeper, a guy with a kooky skin condition and that aforementioned Gozu thingy.
Minami is eventually reunited with his yakuza brother, though he has apparently turned into a beautiful young woman, and then things really get nightmarish.
Although most definitely an acquired taste, the David Lynchian "Gozu" delivers the goods in dripping, gooey gobs, and it's nice to see that Takashi, reteaming with "Ichi the Killer" screenwriter Sato Sakichi, isn't averse to adding a little killer humor to his shock repertoire.
Known for his shocker horror pictures, including "Dead or Alive" and "Ichi the Killer", cult fave Miike Takashi mixes it up a bit with the gonzo "Gozu", a truly bizarre concoction that can best be described as a grotesquely surreal gangster sci-fi fantasy -- or, as Takashi likes to put it, "yakuza horror theater."
Proving no less visceral than his previous outings -- it certainly leaves no bodily fluid untapped -- the wildly unpredictable film should be warmly embraced by the midnight movie crowd who are already well aware of Takashi and his not-for-the-faint-of-heart offerings.
The title, which apparently refers to a hell-dwelling demon with the head of a cow and a human's body, pretty much sets the stage for the ensuing freak show.
When yakuza member Ozaki (Sho Aikawa) appears to be losing his grip (he offs a tiny Chihuahua, insisting that it's a rival gang's attack dog), the younger Minami (Hideki Sone) is ordered to bring him to a yakuza disposal site.
Somewhere along the way, however, Ozaki goes missing, and Minami embarks on a frantic search to find him. As he attempts to retrace his tracks, he encounters a carnival of weirdos including a heavily lactating older female innkeeper, a guy with a kooky skin condition and that aforementioned Gozu thingy.
Minami is eventually reunited with his yakuza brother, though he has apparently turned into a beautiful young woman, and then things really get nightmarish.
Although most definitely an acquired taste, the David Lynchian "Gozu" delivers the goods in dripping, gooey gobs, and it's nice to see that Takashi, reteaming with "Ichi the Killer" screenwriter Sato Sakichi, isn't averse to adding a little killer humor to his shock repertoire.
- 10/13/2003
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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