“Kamen Rider Zo” (1993) was a remarkable addition to Keita Amemiya's expanding filmography. Despite a condensed runtime, the overall direction and execution were incredibly strong, which made up for that; hence, it remains one of the most favored pieces of media in the beloved superhero's extensive franchise and one of the director's finest films. It balanced fun sci-fi while respectfully honoring the thought-provoking themes the franchise is known for with a gritty edge, not to mention great creature designs. For Amemiya's second rendition of the cyber-enhanced grasshopper protagonist, he would switch gears with “Kamen Rider J,” a decent, if somewhat underwhelming, follow-up.
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It's worth noting that this film marked the last production to involve series creator Shotaro Ishinomori, who passed away four years later. Like its predecessor, it premiered at the Toei Super Hero Fair, and while not...
on Amazon by clicking on the image below
It's worth noting that this film marked the last production to involve series creator Shotaro Ishinomori, who passed away four years later. Like its predecessor, it premiered at the Toei Super Hero Fair, and while not...
- 4/8/2024
- by Sean Barry
- AsianMoviePulse
In the 1990s, the Heisei Godzilla films were the most successful and popular special effects projects in Japan at the time. Yet, a whole plethora of tokusatsu content was released during this decade. The King of the Monsters wouldn't be the only iconic character to be reimagined. Gamera would make a divine return after a long period in hibernation with Shusuke Kaneko's excellent “Heisei Gamera Trilogy.” Kamen Rider would see some unique renditions of him, such as Keita Amemiya's terrific movie “Kamen Rider Zo,” which celebrates the franchise while giving a more modernized spin on the material. Television would thrive with series like Chojin Sentai Jetman” and “Kyoryu Sentai Zyuranger.” Regarding Amemiya, he was prominently proactive during this period, both as a character designer and now as a filmmaker, even working on the two previously mentioned Super Sentai shows. His first picture, “Mirai Ninja,” would show what he could do regarding directing.
- 5/30/2023
- by Sean Barry
- AsianMoviePulse
While Kamen Rider is now a fixture of Japanese television, the long-running franchise went off the air several times between 1971 and 2000. The longest break was in the ‘90s, but there wasn’t a complete drought; the brave hero lived on in a strand of standalone films.
The 1950s is widely regarded as Japan’s golden age of filmmaking, however the V-Cinema period helped save the industry during the country’s economic bubble. This revitalizing and distinct era of direct-to-video films, roughly taking place between ‘89 and ‘95, celebrated Kamen Rider’s twentieth anniversary with one of the bleakest entries: Makoto Tsuji’s Shin Kamen Rider: Prologue. While a severe departure from Shōtarō Ishinomori’s creation, this ‘92 film is aimed at fans of the original TV show. Since they were all older, it only made sense to age Kamen Rider’s story as well.
In the classic series, Kamen Rider was created when a terrorist organization,...
The 1950s is widely regarded as Japan’s golden age of filmmaking, however the V-Cinema period helped save the industry during the country’s economic bubble. This revitalizing and distinct era of direct-to-video films, roughly taking place between ‘89 and ‘95, celebrated Kamen Rider’s twentieth anniversary with one of the bleakest entries: Makoto Tsuji’s Shin Kamen Rider: Prologue. While a severe departure from Shōtarō Ishinomori’s creation, this ‘92 film is aimed at fans of the original TV show. Since they were all older, it only made sense to age Kamen Rider’s story as well.
In the classic series, Kamen Rider was created when a terrorist organization,...
- 5/30/2023
- by Paul Lê
- bloody-disgusting.com
With the recent hit series “Kamen Rider Black Sun” and Hideaki Anno’s upcoming film, “Shin Kamen Rider,” Kamen Rider continues to flourish as one of Japan’s most popular and beloved tokusatsu characters. Created in the imaginative mind of manga artist Shotaro Ishinomori, the franchise began in 1971 with a successful television and manga series; the rest is history. Since then, the insectoid motorcycle-riding superhero has been reimagined in countless ways throughout the years. While not as frequent as appearances in tv shows, the franchise has also seen its fair share of movies. With the upcoming theatrical release of “Shin Kamen Rider,” it’s fascinating to look back on how Ishinomori’s creation has been depicted in cinema throughout the years. Generally speaking, the character’s track record in the film has ranged from serviceable to lackluster. Some, like “Kamen Rider: The First,” is at best a passable viewing experience,...
- 2/16/2023
- by Sean Barry
- AsianMoviePulse
Montreal’s Fantasia International Film Festival has shared the best in anime since its very first edition, and as its 23rd edition (11 July – 1 August) approaches, Fantasia’s Axis section, home to the festival’s animated films, proudly announces an extraordinary array of anime titles — all in competition for Fantasia’s prestigious Satoshi Kon Award for Achievement in Animation!
Fantasia has just announced its Closing Film, and anime fans will agree — extreme heat never looked so cool! In the embers of the globe-engulfing great flame war, the maverick firefighters of Burning Rescue confront the fiery terrorists of Burnish Mad. Director Hiroyuki Imaishi and writer Kazuki Nakashima, who’ve together previously on Gurren Lagann and Kill La Kill, are at the wheel for the first feature film from edgy anime studio Trigger, Promare. A raging riot of bright colours, daring design, crazy characters and whiplash action, Promare isn’t just the most...
Fantasia has just announced its Closing Film, and anime fans will agree — extreme heat never looked so cool! In the embers of the globe-engulfing great flame war, the maverick firefighters of Burning Rescue confront the fiery terrorists of Burnish Mad. Director Hiroyuki Imaishi and writer Kazuki Nakashima, who’ve together previously on Gurren Lagann and Kill La Kill, are at the wheel for the first feature film from edgy anime studio Trigger, Promare. A raging riot of bright colours, daring design, crazy characters and whiplash action, Promare isn’t just the most...
- 7/6/2019
- by Rouven Linnarz
- AsianMoviePulse
With a final wave of programming, the 2019 edition of the Fantasia International Film Festival has now released its full lineup, featuring over 130 incredible features from across the globe.
Fantasia International Film Festival
Montreal, Quebec – July 11 to August 1
In addition, the festival is also very proud to announce a record number of repertory titles, its esteemed 2019 jury, a horror film location bus tour through Montreal, and exciting, one-of-a-kind live events with producer Edward R. Pressman, “First Blood” director Ted Kotcheff, and iconic horror host Joe Bob Briggs.
Japanese horror icon ”Sadako” will open fantasia 2019!
Sadako
Twenty years ago, Fantasia celebrated the North American Premiere of Hideo Nakata’s “Ringu” and its sequel, which led to Dreamworks acquiring the franchise and is largely seen as having been the birth of J-Horror in the West. This Summer, the festival is proud to open its 23rd edition with the series’ latest sequel, “Sadako” (North...
Fantasia International Film Festival
Montreal, Quebec – July 11 to August 1
In addition, the festival is also very proud to announce a record number of repertory titles, its esteemed 2019 jury, a horror film location bus tour through Montreal, and exciting, one-of-a-kind live events with producer Edward R. Pressman, “First Blood” director Ted Kotcheff, and iconic horror host Joe Bob Briggs.
Japanese horror icon ”Sadako” will open fantasia 2019!
Sadako
Twenty years ago, Fantasia celebrated the North American Premiere of Hideo Nakata’s “Ringu” and its sequel, which led to Dreamworks acquiring the franchise and is largely seen as having been the birth of J-Horror in the West. This Summer, the festival is proud to open its 23rd edition with the series’ latest sequel, “Sadako” (North...
- 6/28/2019
- by Adriana Rosati
- AsianMoviePulse
One of Japan’s most significant cultural phenomenon, the eccentricities of everyday life is explained by the presence of spirits in objects which have become known as Yokai. This concept has been a major figure in numerous stories and plays throughout the years, to novels, TV shows and feature films which is the subject of gonzo-exploitation director Yudai Yamaguchi and Keita Amemiya’s joint anthology-styled love letter to the creatures.
“Rokuroku: The Promise of the Witch” is part of the Asian selection at Fantasia International Film Festival
Hearing about her grandfather, young Izumi decides to return to her hometown in order to be with him as her mother continually warns her about the stories he’s telling. As a series of strange incidents occur to neighbors around the village, she begins to reconnect with her childhood friend Mika who has the feeling that something terrifying is going to happen to her.
“Rokuroku: The Promise of the Witch” is part of the Asian selection at Fantasia International Film Festival
Hearing about her grandfather, young Izumi decides to return to her hometown in order to be with him as her mother continually warns her about the stories he’s telling. As a series of strange incidents occur to neighbors around the village, she begins to reconnect with her childhood friend Mika who has the feeling that something terrifying is going to happen to her.
- 7/28/2018
- by Don Anelli
- AsianMoviePulse
I had heard about director Keita Amemiya’s fantasy flick “Garo and the Wailing Dragon” last year, though I’d honestly forgotten all about it. However, it was recently brought to my attention that the film had dropped a new trailer earlier this month. Since I have nothing better to do on a Saturday night, I decided to check it out. Simply put: I’m intrigued. Granted, I’m not overly familiar with the “Garo” films or the television series. I’ve seen “Red Requiem,” though I always felt I was missing something. Or maybe there was nothing there to miss. No matter — the visuals in the “Garo and the Wailing Dragon” trailer have seriously piqued my interest. If it turns out the story is as deep as a bowl of cereal, then I’ll just turn off my brain and watch the pretty people jumping around in front of green screens.
- 2/2/2013
- by Todd Rigney
- Beyond Hollywood
After our post last week, if we haven’t quite seen enough of Keita Amemiya’s fantasy eye watering action film Garo and the Wailing Dragon, then how about a full length trailer to really show it off in all its bizarre, campy, gender bending glory!? Saying it looks like the Wizard of Oz on speed, doesn’t quite cover it. Garo 2 opens in Japan on Feb 23. Garo 2 full trailer Garo 2 official site...
- 1/14/2013
- 24framespersecond.net
The full official site for Japanese fantasy Garo and the wailing Dragon is now up and running, and much like its predecessor the second theatrical film of Keita Amemiya’s fantasy action film series is an eye watering, over the top, explosion of stylistic (and to be honest, plain damn nuts) imagery. Right now all there is to see is a high re version of the earlier released teaser trail, but we’ve also got a first look at an equally psychedelic new poster, to take a gander at. Garo 2 opens in Japan on Feb 23. Garo 2 official site...
- 1/6/2013
- 24framespersecond.net
The official website for Keita Amemiya‘s Garo the Movie 3D: Red Requiem has been updated with a full trailer featuring lots of action and copious use of CGI. There is a 1-second flash of frontal nudity, so those at work may want to avoid the 1:15 mark. The rest is safe.
The film is a spin-off of Amemiya’s 2005 tokusatsu television series, but boasts a bigger budget and better production values across the board. In the film version, a new character named Rekka, played by Mary Matsuyama, plays a central role along with the usual protagonist, Kouga Saejima (Ryosei Konishi).
The story involves a group called the Makai Knights who have secretly defended humanity for centuries by fighting demonic manifestations called “Horrors”. Chief among them is Kouga Saejima, a knight who holds the title of Garo and has the ability to transform into an incredibly powerful golden armored warrior...
The film is a spin-off of Amemiya’s 2005 tokusatsu television series, but boasts a bigger budget and better production values across the board. In the film version, a new character named Rekka, played by Mary Matsuyama, plays a central role along with the usual protagonist, Kouga Saejima (Ryosei Konishi).
The story involves a group called the Makai Knights who have secretly defended humanity for centuries by fighting demonic manifestations called “Horrors”. Chief among them is Kouga Saejima, a knight who holds the title of Garo and has the ability to transform into an incredibly powerful golden armored warrior...
- 8/23/2010
- Nippon Cinema
The official website for Keita Amemiya‘s Garo the Movie 3D: Red Requiem has been updated with a full trailer featuring lots of action and copious use of CGI. There is a 1-second flash of frontal nudity, so those at work may want to avoid the 1:15 mark. The rest is safe.
The film is a spin-off of Amemiya’s 2005 tokusatsu television series, but boasts a bigger budget and better production values across the board. In the film version, a new character named Rekka, played by Mary Matsuyama, plays a central role along with the usual protagonist, Kouga Saejima (Ryosei Konishi).
The story involves a group called the Makai Knights who have secretly defended humanity for centuries by fighting demonic manifestations called “Horrors”. Chief among them is Kouga Saejima, a knight who holds the title of Garo and has the ability to transform into an incredibly powerful golden armored warrior...
The film is a spin-off of Amemiya’s 2005 tokusatsu television series, but boasts a bigger budget and better production values across the board. In the film version, a new character named Rekka, played by Mary Matsuyama, plays a central role along with the usual protagonist, Kouga Saejima (Ryosei Konishi).
The story involves a group called the Makai Knights who have secretly defended humanity for centuries by fighting demonic manifestations called “Horrors”. Chief among them is Kouga Saejima, a knight who holds the title of Garo and has the ability to transform into an incredibly powerful golden armored warrior...
- 8/23/2010
- Nippon Cinema
The official website for Keita Amemiya‘s Garo the Movie 3D: Red Requiem has been updated with a new 34-second theatrical teaser to go with the 3D promo they showed off in Tohokushinsha’s booth at the Tokyo International Anime Fair back in March.
The film is a spin-off of Amemiya’s 2005 tokusatsu television series, but boasts a bigger budget and better production values across the board. In the film version, a new character named Rekka, played by Mary Matsuyama, plays a central role along with the usual protagonist, Kouga Saejima (Ryosei Konishi).
The story involves a group called the Makai Knights who have secretly defended humanity for centuries by fighting demonic manifestations called “Horrors”. Chief among them is Kouga Saejima, a knight who holds the title of Garo and has the ability to transform into an incredibly powerful golden armored warrior for a short period of time. However, as...
The film is a spin-off of Amemiya’s 2005 tokusatsu television series, but boasts a bigger budget and better production values across the board. In the film version, a new character named Rekka, played by Mary Matsuyama, plays a central role along with the usual protagonist, Kouga Saejima (Ryosei Konishi).
The story involves a group called the Makai Knights who have secretly defended humanity for centuries by fighting demonic manifestations called “Horrors”. Chief among them is Kouga Saejima, a knight who holds the title of Garo and has the ability to transform into an incredibly powerful golden armored warrior for a short period of time. However, as...
- 6/1/2010
- Nippon Cinema
Tfc pulled out all the stops promoting Keita Amemiya‘s upcoming 3D film adaptation of his 2005 tokusatsu television series at this year’s Tokyo International Anime Fair. In addition to setting up life-sized Makai Knights for the event, 3D glasses were handed out and a teaser trailer was screened in a special 3D theater set up in Tohokushinsha’s booth. Luckily for those of us on the other side of the world, it was later uploaded to the film’s newly-revamped official website.
“Garo the Movie 3D: Red Requiem” will pretty much maintain the theme of the original series, but with a few additions. One of those additions is a new character named Rekka played by Mary Matsuyama. Earlier today, Matsuyama spoke at the film’s news conference at TAF2010 and explained how her 8 years in ballet and rhythmic gymnastics helped her prepare for the intense action scenes including combat and wirework,...
“Garo the Movie 3D: Red Requiem” will pretty much maintain the theme of the original series, but with a few additions. One of those additions is a new character named Rekka played by Mary Matsuyama. Earlier today, Matsuyama spoke at the film’s news conference at TAF2010 and explained how her 8 years in ballet and rhythmic gymnastics helped her prepare for the intense action scenes including combat and wirework,...
- 3/27/2010
- Nippon Cinema
Oh, those wacky Japanese. The screwy trailer has arrived for the new Japanese giant monster flick Deep Sea Monster Raiga, a sequel to 2005's Deep Sea Monster Reigo. I had no idea Raiga even existed because, to the best of my knowledge, Reigo has yet to be released. Or has it? I'm clearly not as up-to-speed on my daikaiju cinema as I should be. I do know you need to see this trailer.
Deep Sea Monster Reigo started out as what amounted to a homemade project by Shinpei Hayashiya, an amateur filmmaker who got some notice in Japan and over here for a Gamera fan film he made. I'd been hearing about Reigo (the crew of a WW2 Yamato battleship battles a giant Zilla-esque sea monster) for years, but it never seemed like the film was coming out. Now, today, here's a sequel. Ummm... Okay. I'm clearly out of the loop.
Deep Sea Monster Reigo started out as what amounted to a homemade project by Shinpei Hayashiya, an amateur filmmaker who got some notice in Japan and over here for a Gamera fan film he made. I'd been hearing about Reigo (the crew of a WW2 Yamato battleship battles a giant Zilla-esque sea monster) for years, but it never seemed like the film was coming out. Now, today, here's a sequel. Ummm... Okay. I'm clearly out of the loop.
- 5/30/2009
- by Foywonder
- DreadCentral.com
Meatball Machine, an all out in your face gore-fest, sci-fi/horror is heading for release on UK DVD. Co directors Junichi Yamamoto and Yudai Yamaguchi (Battlefield Baseball) pull out all the stops on the bad taste front - in an assault on the senses that would keep any gore fan happy. Alien parasites invade the Earth, turning their hosts into bio maniacal killers, who seek and destroy each other to the bloody death! Throw into the mix a story of doomed (infected) star crossed lovers and you have a mix for total mayhem. Special Features include: "The Making of Meatball Machine"; the original "Meatball Machine" short film; "Meatball Machine: Reject Of Death" short film; The Making of Meatball Machine: Reject Of Death"; "What's About Doi?" short film; original Japanese trailer; Necroborg designs by character designer Keita Amamiya. Meatball Machine is released in the UK by 4digitalmedia in July.
- 5/13/2009
- 24framespersecond.net
BRUSSELS -- South Korean monster movie "The Host" won the jury's Golden Raven award Tuesday at the 25th annual Brussels International Festival of Fantastic Film.
Written and directed by Boon Joon-ho, "The Host" is the highest-grossing Korean film of all time, having sold 13 million tickets.
The two runners-up -- awarded Silver Ravens -- were the New Zealand horror comedy "Black Sheep", directed by Jonathan King, and Cho Dong-Ho's South Korean fantasy horror entry "The Restless".
The Pegasus public prize was won by Shusuke Kaneko's "Death Note", which is based on the Japanese manga comic series. The top prize for a European film, the Silver Melies, was awarded to mystery thriller "Dead In Three Days", from Austria's Andreas Prochaska.
The fest, which screened about 76 movies from 27 countries from April 5-17, hosted the world premieres of Lloyd Kaufman's "Poultrygeist", Michael Winnick's "Shadow Puppets" and Uwe Boll's "In the Name of the King" as well as the European premieres of Wisit Sasanatieng's "The Unseeable", Byeong-ki Ahn's "Apt" and Keita Amemiya's "Unholy Women".
Written and directed by Boon Joon-ho, "The Host" is the highest-grossing Korean film of all time, having sold 13 million tickets.
The two runners-up -- awarded Silver Ravens -- were the New Zealand horror comedy "Black Sheep", directed by Jonathan King, and Cho Dong-Ho's South Korean fantasy horror entry "The Restless".
The Pegasus public prize was won by Shusuke Kaneko's "Death Note", which is based on the Japanese manga comic series. The top prize for a European film, the Silver Melies, was awarded to mystery thriller "Dead In Three Days", from Austria's Andreas Prochaska.
The fest, which screened about 76 movies from 27 countries from April 5-17, hosted the world premieres of Lloyd Kaufman's "Poultrygeist", Michael Winnick's "Shadow Puppets" and Uwe Boll's "In the Name of the King" as well as the European premieres of Wisit Sasanatieng's "The Unseeable", Byeong-ki Ahn's "Apt" and Keita Amemiya's "Unholy Women".
- 4/18/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
BRUSSELS -- Danny Boyle space drama Sunshine and Carrie-Anne Moss starrer Disturbia are among eight films that will have their European premieres next month at the 25th annual Brussels International Festival of Fantastic Film.
The BIFFF, which runs April 5-17, includes 76 movies from 27 nations and will feature the world premieres of Lloyd Kaufman's Poultrygeist, Michael Winnick's Shadow Puppets and Uwe Boll's In the Name of the King along with the European premieres of Wisit Sasanatieng's The Unseeable, Byeong-ki Ahn's Apt and Keita Amemiya's Unholy Women.
Sunshine, which will open the festival, stars Cillian Murphy, Chris Evans and Michele Yeoh in an Alex Garland-scripted sci-fi tale about a mission to re-ignite the sun. Suspense thriller Disturbia -- a modern retelling of Alfred Hitchcock's Rear Window -- will close the fest.
The festival also is moving to Brussels' refurbished Tour and Taxis industrial heritage complex, which includes a specially built 1,200-seat movie theater, the biggest in Belgium.
BIFFF will include a Star Wars 30th anniversary convention, a retrospective of the early works of Japanese director Sogo Ishii, a Japanimation Day, body art galleries and the annual Ball of the Vampires.
The BIFFF, which runs April 5-17, includes 76 movies from 27 nations and will feature the world premieres of Lloyd Kaufman's Poultrygeist, Michael Winnick's Shadow Puppets and Uwe Boll's In the Name of the King along with the European premieres of Wisit Sasanatieng's The Unseeable, Byeong-ki Ahn's Apt and Keita Amemiya's Unholy Women.
Sunshine, which will open the festival, stars Cillian Murphy, Chris Evans and Michele Yeoh in an Alex Garland-scripted sci-fi tale about a mission to re-ignite the sun. Suspense thriller Disturbia -- a modern retelling of Alfred Hitchcock's Rear Window -- will close the fest.
The festival also is moving to Brussels' refurbished Tour and Taxis industrial heritage complex, which includes a specially built 1,200-seat movie theater, the biggest in Belgium.
BIFFF will include a Star Wars 30th anniversary convention, a retrospective of the early works of Japanese director Sogo Ishii, a Japanimation Day, body art galleries and the annual Ball of the Vampires.
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