Hybrid is probably the word to best suit Michael Arias’ “Tekkonkinkreet”. Based on Taito Matsumoto’s manga “Black & White”, it is the story of Yin and Yang brothers Kuro (“Black”) and Shiro (“White”) as they battle to save their home from adults, greedy bad guys and inner demons.
Tekkonkinkreet is screening at Japan Society
Treasure Town is an island in the middle of the city – a lawless neighborhood that nobody runs, but everybody claims. Children run the streets, to the annoyance of the yakuza; while the police holds little real power. But this is the chaotic order in place. That is until Hebi and his evil empire want to raze Treasure Town to the ground and build an amusement park in the name of profit. This evil force unites the inhabitants against this outsider as they gradually realize the plans in place, and it’s up to out two young heroes to fight back.
Tekkonkinkreet is screening at Japan Society
Treasure Town is an island in the middle of the city – a lawless neighborhood that nobody runs, but everybody claims. Children run the streets, to the annoyance of the yakuza; while the police holds little real power. But this is the chaotic order in place. That is until Hebi and his evil empire want to raze Treasure Town to the ground and build an amusement park in the name of profit. This evil force unites the inhabitants against this outsider as they gradually realize the plans in place, and it’s up to out two young heroes to fight back.
- 8/28/2022
- by Andrew Thayne
- AsianMoviePulse
Japan Society is pleased to announce its fall lineup for Monthly Classics and Monthly Anime, kicking off on September 2, 2022 with a 35mm screening of Kihachi Okamoto’s satirical chambara, “Kill!”. 2006 anime classic “Tekkonkinkreet” will screen on September 16, featuring a Q&a with screenwriter Anthony Weintraub (“The Animatrix”). For October, Hideo Nakata’s 90s J-horror classic “Ringu” screens on October 7th followed by Mamoru Oshii’s rarely-screened 1985 ethereal masterpiece “Angel’s Egg” on October 14th. Monthly Anime continues on November 4th with a 35mm screening of Hayao Miyazaki’s beloved “My Neighbor Totoro”.
Tickets: 15/12 students and seniors /5 Japan Society members.
Lineup and other details are subject to change.For complete information visit japansociety.org.
Kill!
Friday, September 2, 2022 at 7:00 Pm
Dir. Kihachi Okamoto, 1968, 114 min, 35mm, b&w. With Tatsuya Nakadai, Etsushi Takahashi, Yuriko Hoshi.
Kihachi Okamoto’s darkly satirical chambara opens in the midst of a pummeling windstorm on the outskirts...
Tickets: 15/12 students and seniors /5 Japan Society members.
Lineup and other details are subject to change.For complete information visit japansociety.org.
Kill!
Friday, September 2, 2022 at 7:00 Pm
Dir. Kihachi Okamoto, 1968, 114 min, 35mm, b&w. With Tatsuya Nakadai, Etsushi Takahashi, Yuriko Hoshi.
Kihachi Okamoto’s darkly satirical chambara opens in the midst of a pummeling windstorm on the outskirts...
- 8/20/2022
- by Rouven Linnarz
- AsianMoviePulse
The cinema of Hirokazu Koreeda is profoundly wonderful. His masterful storytelling and his elegant direction make for some unforgettable viewing experiences. Koreeda understands the complexions of human beings and brings them to the forefront in the scenarios he establishes in his movies. It would be hard to decide what is the director’s finest project. However, one thing is certain: his delicate feature “After Life” is a masterpiece.
Following the success of his film “Maborosi,” Hirokazu Koreeda proceeded with his next project. When constructing the concept for his next feature, the director took to his childhood memories of his grandfather, who gradually lost his memory during illness. These events would show the artist how important memory is to an individual’s identity. In conjunction with this, he would interview hundreds of people to prepare for this uniquely artistic work. Upon release, “After Life” would become a big hit and boost Koreeda’s popularity internationally.
Following the success of his film “Maborosi,” Hirokazu Koreeda proceeded with his next project. When constructing the concept for his next feature, the director took to his childhood memories of his grandfather, who gradually lost his memory during illness. These events would show the artist how important memory is to an individual’s identity. In conjunction with this, he would interview hundreds of people to prepare for this uniquely artistic work. Upon release, “After Life” would become a big hit and boost Koreeda’s popularity internationally.
- 8/6/2022
- by Sean Barry
- AsianMoviePulse
After being almost caught by the police in the apartment of a family he held hostage, serial-killer Anjuro Katagiri (Takayuki Yamada) is bow-arrowed in the throat by a young fellow who looks like he sprang out of a Duran Duran video. Pulling out the arrow from Katagiri’s flesh, the youth says something about the gravity bringing them together, about love and comradeship, before informing him he has been chosen. The killer is not only alive, but also rewarded with the ability to turn into a water demon after his blood has drenched the nearby pond. The angelic face with a strawberry blond mullet who made this possible is the actual supervillain of the story, a high-school student Keicho Nijimura (Masaki Okada), one of the superpower-bearers, who is choosing the army of foes for reasons revealed only in the film’s final five minutes.
A couple of days later,...
A couple of days later,...
- 8/14/2019
- by Marina D. Richter
- AsianMoviePulse
Dreams For Sale (Yume uru futari )
Directed by Miwa Nishikawa
Written by Miwa Nishikawa
Starring Yûsuke Iseya, Teruyuki Kagawa, Takako Matsu, Rena Tanaka
The financial downturn continues to provide fresh ingredients, more food for though in this bittersweet Japanese comedy drama, in which a stuggiling couple have just suffered an economic tragedy as an accidental fire has gutted their modest Shibuya situated izakaya restaurant. Kanya (Yûsuke Iseya) and Satoko’s (Teruyuki Kagawa) marriage was already under financial and emotional strain, and a night of lonely drinking leads to Satoko to sleep with a drunk woman he meets on the subway, the next morning she convinces him to take a stack of yen and put it too good use, as it was guiltily donated to her by her mortally sick lover unbeknownst to his wife and children. Initially furious Kanya suddenly has an eureka moment, and wonders if lightning can strike...
Directed by Miwa Nishikawa
Written by Miwa Nishikawa
Starring Yûsuke Iseya, Teruyuki Kagawa, Takako Matsu, Rena Tanaka
The financial downturn continues to provide fresh ingredients, more food for though in this bittersweet Japanese comedy drama, in which a stuggiling couple have just suffered an economic tragedy as an accidental fire has gutted their modest Shibuya situated izakaya restaurant. Kanya (Yûsuke Iseya) and Satoko’s (Teruyuki Kagawa) marriage was already under financial and emotional strain, and a night of lonely drinking leads to Satoko to sleep with a drunk woman he meets on the subway, the next morning she convinces him to take a stack of yen and put it too good use, as it was guiltily donated to her by her mortally sick lover unbeknownst to his wife and children. Initially furious Kanya suddenly has an eureka moment, and wonders if lightning can strike...
- 10/9/2012
- by John
- SoundOnSight
Today more cast members were announced for Miwa Nishikawa’s next film Yume Uru Futari. The new additions are Yusuke Iseya, Teruyuki Kagawa, and Tsurube Shofukutei.
Kagawa has previously worked with Nishikawa in both Sway and Dear Doctor, the latter of which starred Shofukutei.
Although Iseya hasn’t appeared in any of her films, they did work together on the set of Distance in 2001 when she was Hirokazu Kore-eda’s assistant director.
Today also saw the release of a new poster for the film. It features the two main stars—Sadao Abe and Takako Matsu—looking particularly shell-shocked with a small tagline under them which translates to something like “Humanity’s greatest enigma, man and woman”.
In the film, their characters are a married couple who conspire to commit marriage fraud. The targets of their scam are played by Lena Tanaka, Sawa Suzuki, Tae Kimura, Tamae Ando, and Yuka Ebara,...
Kagawa has previously worked with Nishikawa in both Sway and Dear Doctor, the latter of which starred Shofukutei.
Although Iseya hasn’t appeared in any of her films, they did work together on the set of Distance in 2001 when she was Hirokazu Kore-eda’s assistant director.
Today also saw the release of a new poster for the film. It features the two main stars—Sadao Abe and Takako Matsu—looking particularly shell-shocked with a small tagline under them which translates to something like “Humanity’s greatest enigma, man and woman”.
In the film, their characters are a married couple who conspire to commit marriage fraud. The targets of their scam are played by Lena Tanaka, Sawa Suzuki, Tae Kimura, Tamae Ando, and Yuka Ebara,...
- 4/27/2012
- Nippon Cinema
Last year, director Shion Sono chose to film his live-action adaptation of Himizu in an area devastated by the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami, incorporating the effects of disaster into the story. With his next film, The Land of Hope, he’s going a step further by making a human drama about a family living within the evacuation radius of a damaged nuclear power plant during the disaster.
It was previously known that the story would focus on three primary couples played by Isao Natsuyagi, Naoko Otani, Jun Murakami, Megumi Kagurazaka, Yutaka Shimizu, and Hikari Kajiwara—with Denden playing someone with important ties to the main family. Today it was revealed that Daikichi Sugawara, Takashi Yamanaka, and Kenzo Kawarazaki would also star.
Additionally, the film will boast a fairly large cast of established actors in smaller supporting roles including Yusuke Iseya, Mitsuru Fukikoshi, Fusako Urabe, Gitan Ohtsuru, Satoshi Matsuo, Shiro Namiki,...
It was previously known that the story would focus on three primary couples played by Isao Natsuyagi, Naoko Otani, Jun Murakami, Megumi Kagurazaka, Yutaka Shimizu, and Hikari Kajiwara—with Denden playing someone with important ties to the main family. Today it was revealed that Daikichi Sugawara, Takashi Yamanaka, and Kenzo Kawarazaki would also star.
Additionally, the film will boast a fairly large cast of established actors in smaller supporting roles including Yusuke Iseya, Mitsuru Fukikoshi, Fusako Urabe, Gitan Ohtsuru, Satoshi Matsuo, Shiro Namiki,...
- 4/4/2012
- Nippon Cinema
It's no secret that the Alamo Drafthouse is the best theater chain in the country. Sure, it's small, but the passion they have to create the perfect environment to watch a movie is unparalleled. Case in point, their hugely popular No Texting [1] public service announcements, incredible in-theater food selection, stunning repertory screenings and so much more. As the new year begins, the entire staff of the Drafthouse voted on their favorite films of 2011 and selected /Film as the outlet to exclusively premiere their list. It's extremely eclectic (The Muppets, Beginners and 13 Assassin all made the cut) but you'd be hard pressed to find a better cross section of the best 2011 had to offer. Check it out after the jump. Here's the explanation of the list and how it came together. Members of the Alamo Drafthouse team each submitted their Top 10 films of 2011, which were then aggregated into one master list of spectacular cinema.
- 1/9/2012
- by Germain Lussier
- Slash Film
From Takashi Miike - the twisted genius behind cult J-horrors Audition (1999) and Ichi the Killer (2001) - comes 13 Assassins (2010), a traditionalist yet bloody take on the samurai action adventure film which was rightly nominated for the Golden Lion at the 2010 Venice Film Festival. Released to near-unanimous critical acclaim back in May, 13 Assassins now makes its way onto DVD and Blu-ray from Monday 5 September, and stars Kôji Yakusho, Takayuki Yamada and Yûsuke Iseya.
[...]...
[...]...
- 9/5/2011
- by Daniel Green
- CineVue
13 Assassins
Stars: Koji Yakusho, Takayuki Yamada, Yusuke Iseya, Mikijiro Hira, Hiroki Matsukata | Written by Daisuke Tengan & Shoichiro Ikemiya | Directed by Takashi Miike
“In mid-19th Century Japan the era of the samurai is beginning to fade as the feudal nation begins to enjoy a rare period of peace. But the fragile calm is soon threatened by the bloody rise of Lord Naritsugu, the Shogun’s sadistic, psychopathic younger brother, whose position places him above the law and free to rape, mutilate and murder on a whim. Concerned that Naritsugu’s actions will eventually destroy the Shogunate, top Shogun official Sir Doi covertly calls on esteemed and noble samurai warrior Shinzaemon Shimada (Koji Yakusho) to assassinate the evil Lord before it is too late. Shinzaemon willingly agrees and immediately gathers together an elite group of samurai to assist him in the task, knowing that what they are about to embark upon...
Stars: Koji Yakusho, Takayuki Yamada, Yusuke Iseya, Mikijiro Hira, Hiroki Matsukata | Written by Daisuke Tengan & Shoichiro Ikemiya | Directed by Takashi Miike
“In mid-19th Century Japan the era of the samurai is beginning to fade as the feudal nation begins to enjoy a rare period of peace. But the fragile calm is soon threatened by the bloody rise of Lord Naritsugu, the Shogun’s sadistic, psychopathic younger brother, whose position places him above the law and free to rape, mutilate and murder on a whim. Concerned that Naritsugu’s actions will eventually destroy the Shogunate, top Shogun official Sir Doi covertly calls on esteemed and noble samurai warrior Shinzaemon Shimada (Koji Yakusho) to assassinate the evil Lord before it is too late. Shinzaemon willingly agrees and immediately gathers together an elite group of samurai to assist him in the task, knowing that what they are about to embark upon...
- 8/30/2011
- by Baron Fornightly
- Nerdly
Usually, this spot is reserved for our weekly rundown of the new movies available to stream on Netflix Instant but August is a dead month and there is only one notable movie new to streaming this week. That movie happens to be pretty big and awesome though. So in honor of The Expendables coming to Netflix Instant, let’s run down the best action movies streaming on Netflix:
New Movies Streaming on Netflix Instant Watch – Sunday August 28th The Expendables
Rated R | 2010
Flickchart Ranking: #1703
Times Ranked: 15833
Win Percentage: 47%
Top-20 Rankings: 31 Users
Directed By: Sylvester Stallone
Starring: Sylvester Stallone • Jason Statham • Jet Li • Dolph Lundgren • Eric Roberts
________________________________________________
The Best Action Movies on Netflix Instant Valhalla Rising
Rated R | 2009
Flickchart Ranking: #3389
Times Ranked: 2716
Win Percentage: 51%
Top-20 Rankings: 4 Users
I cannot recommend Valhalla Rising enough. It’s visually amazing (every frame of the film is staged as if it’s a painting) and thoroughly unique.
New Movies Streaming on Netflix Instant Watch – Sunday August 28th The Expendables
Rated R | 2010
Flickchart Ranking: #1703
Times Ranked: 15833
Win Percentage: 47%
Top-20 Rankings: 31 Users
Directed By: Sylvester Stallone
Starring: Sylvester Stallone • Jason Statham • Jet Li • Dolph Lundgren • Eric Roberts
________________________________________________
The Best Action Movies on Netflix Instant Valhalla Rising
Rated R | 2009
Flickchart Ranking: #3389
Times Ranked: 2716
Win Percentage: 51%
Top-20 Rankings: 4 Users
I cannot recommend Valhalla Rising enough. It’s visually amazing (every frame of the film is staged as if it’s a painting) and thoroughly unique.
- 8/22/2011
- by Daniel Rohr
- Flickchart
Hitting movie theaters this weekend:
Horrible Bosses – Jason Bateman, Charlie Day, Jason Sudeikis
Zookeeper – Kevin James, Rosario Dawson, Leslie Bibb
Movie of the Week
Horrible Bosses
The Stars: Jason Bateman, Charlie Day, Jason Sudeikis
The Plot: Three friends conspire to murder their awful bosses when they realize they are standing in the way of their happiness.
The Buzz: I can’t say that I’m terribly excited about this film — I’d rather go see Super 8 (again) or Transformers 3 (again). Still, anything’s better than Zookeeper. Bateman is great, and the actors populating these horrible bosses are all battle-tested in the realm of good comedy (Jennifer Aniston = Office Space, Colin Farrell = In Bruges, Kevin Spacey = Hurlyburly). When he’s on, Seth Gordon is a phenomenal director (see The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters), so this should be at least good. The trailer was pretty unimpressive though...
Horrible Bosses – Jason Bateman, Charlie Day, Jason Sudeikis
Zookeeper – Kevin James, Rosario Dawson, Leslie Bibb
Movie of the Week
Horrible Bosses
The Stars: Jason Bateman, Charlie Day, Jason Sudeikis
The Plot: Three friends conspire to murder their awful bosses when they realize they are standing in the way of their happiness.
The Buzz: I can’t say that I’m terribly excited about this film — I’d rather go see Super 8 (again) or Transformers 3 (again). Still, anything’s better than Zookeeper. Bateman is great, and the actors populating these horrible bosses are all battle-tested in the realm of good comedy (Jennifer Aniston = Office Space, Colin Farrell = In Bruges, Kevin Spacey = Hurlyburly). When he’s on, Seth Gordon is a phenomenal director (see The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters), so this should be at least good. The trailer was pretty unimpressive though...
- 7/6/2011
- by Aaron Ruffcorn
- The Scorecard Review
This 13 Assassins DVD+Digital Copy is hands down the best action film I’ve seen in a long while. It’s a Samurai revenge style flick set in old Japan from acclaimed director Takashi Miike who couldn’t have done any better telling this story.
The movie follows an aging samurai who begins to put together a band of assassins to revenge a young girls tragedy from an opposing power, a young lord who wants to completely take over Japan. What you see happen to this girl is gut cringing and heartbreaking! Each recruit is unique in many ways and some even have tributes of the older “kung fu theater” style movies many of us grew up watching. As the group of 13 assembles the evil army of 100’s marches its way to a showdown like you’ve never seen before, I’m serious.
The assassins (our good guys) set a...
The movie follows an aging samurai who begins to put together a band of assassins to revenge a young girls tragedy from an opposing power, a young lord who wants to completely take over Japan. What you see happen to this girl is gut cringing and heartbreaking! Each recruit is unique in many ways and some even have tributes of the older “kung fu theater” style movies many of us grew up watching. As the group of 13 assembles the evil army of 100’s marches its way to a showdown like you’ve never seen before, I’m serious.
The assassins (our good guys) set a...
- 7/6/2011
- by brians
- GeekTyrant
We have a contest, giveaway, sweepstakes for one copy of 13 Assassins (2010) on DVD for two (2) lucky winners. This 13 Assassins DVD contest, giveaway, sweepstakes illustrates 13 Assassins‘ release by Magnolia Home Entertainment on DVD and Blu-ray on July 5, 2011.
13 Assassins was directed by Takashi Miike and stars Koji Yakusho, Takayuki Yamada, Yusuke Iseya, Goro Inagaki, and Masachika Ichimura.
13 Assassins‘ plot synopsis: “a bravado period action film set at the end of Japan’s feudal era in which a group of unemployed samurai are enlisted to bring down a sadistic lord and prevent him from ascending to the throne and plunging the country into a wartorn future.”
For more 13 Assassins‘ photos, videos, and information, check out our 13 Assassins Page.
Two winners will receive:
- (1) 13 Assassins
To Enter:
1. Follow @FilmBookdotCom on Twitter (click below).
Follow @filmbookdotcom
2. Tweet: I just entered to win 13 Assassins on DVD @FilmBookdotCom. You can too here: http://bit.ly/mjaIHq #13assassins...
13 Assassins was directed by Takashi Miike and stars Koji Yakusho, Takayuki Yamada, Yusuke Iseya, Goro Inagaki, and Masachika Ichimura.
13 Assassins‘ plot synopsis: “a bravado period action film set at the end of Japan’s feudal era in which a group of unemployed samurai are enlisted to bring down a sadistic lord and prevent him from ascending to the throne and plunging the country into a wartorn future.”
For more 13 Assassins‘ photos, videos, and information, check out our 13 Assassins Page.
Two winners will receive:
- (1) 13 Assassins
To Enter:
1. Follow @FilmBookdotCom on Twitter (click below).
Follow @filmbookdotcom
2. Tweet: I just entered to win 13 Assassins on DVD @FilmBookdotCom. You can too here: http://bit.ly/mjaIHq #13assassins...
- 7/5/2011
- by filmbook
- Film-Book
Rank the week of July 5th’s Blu-ray and DVD new releases against the best films of all-time: New Releases Hobo With A Shotgun
(DVD and Blu-Ray | Nr | 2011)
Flickchart Ranking: #3839
Times Ranked: 1526
Win Percentage: 47%
Top-20 Rankings: 7
Directed By: Jason Eisener
Starring: Rutger Hauer • Gregory Smith • Molly Dunsworth • Brian Downey • Nick Bateman
Genres: Action • Adventure • Crime • Crime Thriller • Thriller
Rank This Movie
Wake Wood
(DVD and Blu-Ray | Nr | 2011)
Flickchart Ranking: #15374
Times Ranked: 35
Win Percentage: 32%
Top-20 Rankings: 0
Directed By: David Keating
Starring: Eva Birthistle • Ella Connolly • Amelia Crowley • Aidan Gillen • Timothy Spall
Genres: Drama • Horror
Rank This Movie
13 Assassins
(DVD and Blu-Ray | Nr | 2010)
Flickchart Ranking: #2732
Times Ranked: 1084
Win Percentage: 59%
Top-20 Rankings: 8
Directed By: Takashi Miike
Starring: Koji Yakusho • Takayuki Yamada • Yusuke Iseya • Gorô Inagaki • Masachika Ichimura
Genres: Action • Ensemble Film • Period Film • Samurai Film
Rank This Movie
Bloodrayne: The Third Reich
(DVD and Blu-ray | R | 2010)
Flickchart Ranking: #17903
Times Ranked: 30
Win Percentage: 42%
Top-...
(DVD and Blu-Ray | Nr | 2011)
Flickchart Ranking: #3839
Times Ranked: 1526
Win Percentage: 47%
Top-20 Rankings: 7
Directed By: Jason Eisener
Starring: Rutger Hauer • Gregory Smith • Molly Dunsworth • Brian Downey • Nick Bateman
Genres: Action • Adventure • Crime • Crime Thriller • Thriller
Rank This Movie
Wake Wood
(DVD and Blu-Ray | Nr | 2011)
Flickchart Ranking: #15374
Times Ranked: 35
Win Percentage: 32%
Top-20 Rankings: 0
Directed By: David Keating
Starring: Eva Birthistle • Ella Connolly • Amelia Crowley • Aidan Gillen • Timothy Spall
Genres: Drama • Horror
Rank This Movie
13 Assassins
(DVD and Blu-Ray | Nr | 2010)
Flickchart Ranking: #2732
Times Ranked: 1084
Win Percentage: 59%
Top-20 Rankings: 8
Directed By: Takashi Miike
Starring: Koji Yakusho • Takayuki Yamada • Yusuke Iseya • Gorô Inagaki • Masachika Ichimura
Genres: Action • Ensemble Film • Period Film • Samurai Film
Rank This Movie
Bloodrayne: The Third Reich
(DVD and Blu-ray | R | 2010)
Flickchart Ranking: #17903
Times Ranked: 30
Win Percentage: 42%
Top-...
- 7/5/2011
- by Jonathan Hardesty
- Flickchart
*full disclosure: a DVD screener of this film was provided by Echo Bridge Entertainment.
Director: Fernando Meirelles.
Writers: Jose Saramago and Don McKellar.
Blindness originally released in 2008, starring Julianne Moore. Recently, Echo Bridge Entertainment has re-released this title for a reduced price ($6.99) and the film can be purchased at the distributor's website. Blindness deals with an ocular pandemic, which seemingly spreads from person to person, much like a virus. Soon cars crash in the streets, planes collide and general pandemonium breaks out. A proverb plays a central role in this film: "in the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is king" (Desiderius). And Julianne Moore as a doctor's wife is your king.
Initially, the virus begins an apocalypse via a blind driver. The source of infection is never fully explained. Impatient drivers vent their frustrations, while a car thief (Don McKellar) takes his (Yusuke Iseya) car. The blind man's...
Director: Fernando Meirelles.
Writers: Jose Saramago and Don McKellar.
Blindness originally released in 2008, starring Julianne Moore. Recently, Echo Bridge Entertainment has re-released this title for a reduced price ($6.99) and the film can be purchased at the distributor's website. Blindness deals with an ocular pandemic, which seemingly spreads from person to person, much like a virus. Soon cars crash in the streets, planes collide and general pandemonium breaks out. A proverb plays a central role in this film: "in the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is king" (Desiderius). And Julianne Moore as a doctor's wife is your king.
Initially, the virus begins an apocalypse via a blind driver. The source of infection is never fully explained. Impatient drivers vent their frustrations, while a car thief (Don McKellar) takes his (Yusuke Iseya) car. The blind man's...
- 7/1/2011
- by noreply@blogger.com (Michael Allen)
- 28 Days Later Analysis
Chicago – You will see a lot of movies this season that don’t deliver on their set-up. Whether it’s because they’re setting up the audience for another installment in a blockbuster franchise or just the fact that movies made by big studio committees often drop the ball, it’s simply a fact. Whatever one can say about Takashi Miike’s “13 Assassins,” opening this weekend at the Music Box Theatre in Chicago and currently available On Demand, it absolutely, undeniably delivers the goods. And those goods are soaked in blood.
Rating: 4.0/5.0
If you’re unfamiliar with the prolific Miike, he earned a stateside following with a series of ultra-violent films and became a critical darling after releasing the terrifying “Audition.” With the kind of output that matches most entire studios, Takashi Miike has continued to make interesting films but only a handful make an impact in the U.S.
Rating: 4.0/5.0
If you’re unfamiliar with the prolific Miike, he earned a stateside following with a series of ultra-violent films and became a critical darling after releasing the terrifying “Audition.” With the kind of output that matches most entire studios, Takashi Miike has continued to make interesting films but only a handful make an impact in the U.S.
- 5/27/2011
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Having seen and enjoyed cult Japanese swordplay films before, including the original of this remake, I had a feeling I knew exactly how the plot of this particular period drama would develop and hoped that knowing the end of the story wouldn’t ruin the rest of the film. You see, the plot of these films are as old as the subject matter themselves, and have appeared in enough Hollywood films that even the most infrequent of film goers will know how it goes.
Fortunately, cult director Takeshi Miike - of Ichi the Killer and Audition fame - is able to refresh the subject matter and shows a genuine care in how the film is produced. The skilful craftsmanship of the director is present throughout and allows you to sit back and enjoy the simplicity of the spectacle unfolding before you; without being distracted by the inevitability of what will happen.
Fortunately, cult director Takeshi Miike - of Ichi the Killer and Audition fame - is able to refresh the subject matter and shows a genuine care in how the film is produced. The skilful craftsmanship of the director is present throughout and allows you to sit back and enjoy the simplicity of the spectacle unfolding before you; without being distracted by the inevitability of what will happen.
- 5/7/2011
- Shadowlocked
Deep End (15)
(Jerzy Skolimowski, 1970, UK) John Moulder-Brown, Jane Asher. 92 mins
Where has this movie been for the past 40 years? It's as fresh and stylish a snapshot of late-60s Britain as we've ever seen, and a twisted coming-of-ager to boot. New kid Moulder-Brown wades into the depths of adulthood at the public bathhouse, and develops an unhealthy obsession with his worldlier colleague. The acting is natural, the soundtrack groovy (Can, Cat Stevens) and the visuals bold.
Hanna (12A)
(Joe Wright, 2011, Us/UK/Ger) Saoirse Ronan, Cate Blanchett, Eric Bana. 111 mins
A novel fusion of Bourne and The Wizard Of Oz, this thriller packs some visual punches (aided by a Chemical Brothers score) and trowels on the symbolism. Blanchett relishes her she-wolf role, hunting little teen assassin Ronan across Europe.
13 Assassins (15)
(Takashi Miike, 2010, Jap/UK) Kôji Yakusho, Takayuki Yamada, Yûsuke Iseya. 125 mins
Noble samurai spring a trap for an evil lord...
(Jerzy Skolimowski, 1970, UK) John Moulder-Brown, Jane Asher. 92 mins
Where has this movie been for the past 40 years? It's as fresh and stylish a snapshot of late-60s Britain as we've ever seen, and a twisted coming-of-ager to boot. New kid Moulder-Brown wades into the depths of adulthood at the public bathhouse, and develops an unhealthy obsession with his worldlier colleague. The acting is natural, the soundtrack groovy (Can, Cat Stevens) and the visuals bold.
Hanna (12A)
(Joe Wright, 2011, Us/UK/Ger) Saoirse Ronan, Cate Blanchett, Eric Bana. 111 mins
A novel fusion of Bourne and The Wizard Of Oz, this thriller packs some visual punches (aided by a Chemical Brothers score) and trowels on the symbolism. Blanchett relishes her she-wolf role, hunting little teen assassin Ronan across Europe.
13 Assassins (15)
(Takashi Miike, 2010, Jap/UK) Kôji Yakusho, Takayuki Yamada, Yûsuke Iseya. 125 mins
Noble samurai spring a trap for an evil lord...
- 5/6/2011
- by Steve Rose
- The Guardian - Film News
Director: Takashi Miike Writers: Kaneo Ikegami and Daisuke Tengan Cinematographer: Nobuyasu Kita Stars: Kôji Yakusho, Takayuki Yamada, Yûsuke Iseya, Gorô Inagaki Studio/Running Time: Magnet Releasing, 126 min. While Takashi Miike’s name here in the United States will forever by synonymous with his ultra-violent pictures like Ichi the Killer and Audition, at this point he’s worked in pretty much every genre under the sun—not a huge surprise considering that he’s likely the most prolific director of all time (IMDb lists 83 projects he’s directed since 1991). Even so, there are still large consistencies to his pictures, which tend to boast...
- 5/5/2011
- Pastemagazine.com
Reviewed by Annlee Ellingson
(from the 2010 AFI Fest)
Directed by: Takashi Miike
Written by: Daisuke Tengan
Starring: Kôji Yakusho, Takayuki Yamada, Yûsuke Iseya, Gorô Inagaki and Masachika Ichimura
Insanely prolific Takashi Miike’s remake of Eiichi Kudo’s 1963 film starts with a dramatic suicide. It ends with a bloody 45-minute showdown between the titular warriors and an army of 200 men. Between this isolated act and the gory battle that avenges it are some slow, too-deliberate exposition and development, but the rousing finale, along with heavy thematic questions about the samurai code of loyalty and moments of levity, make it well worth the wait.
Alone in the forecourt of an imposing palace, a nobleman commits hara-kiri, the camera focusing on his face as he carves, to protest the rape and murder of his daughter-in-law and beheading of his son by Lord Naritsugu Matsudaira (Gorô Inagaki), the vile brother of the shogun.
(from the 2010 AFI Fest)
Directed by: Takashi Miike
Written by: Daisuke Tengan
Starring: Kôji Yakusho, Takayuki Yamada, Yûsuke Iseya, Gorô Inagaki and Masachika Ichimura
Insanely prolific Takashi Miike’s remake of Eiichi Kudo’s 1963 film starts with a dramatic suicide. It ends with a bloody 45-minute showdown between the titular warriors and an army of 200 men. Between this isolated act and the gory battle that avenges it are some slow, too-deliberate exposition and development, but the rousing finale, along with heavy thematic questions about the samurai code of loyalty and moments of levity, make it well worth the wait.
Alone in the forecourt of an imposing palace, a nobleman commits hara-kiri, the camera focusing on his face as he carves, to protest the rape and murder of his daughter-in-law and beheading of his son by Lord Naritsugu Matsudaira (Gorô Inagaki), the vile brother of the shogun.
- 4/25/2011
- by admin
- Moving Pictures Network
Reviewed by Annlee Ellingson
(from the 2010 AFI Fest)
Directed by: Takashi Miike
Written by: Daisuke Tengan
Starring: Kôji Yakusho, Takayuki Yamada, Yûsuke Iseya, Gorô Inagaki and Masachika Ichimura
Insanely prolific Takashi Miike’s remake of Eiichi Kudo’s 1963 film starts with a dramatic suicide. It ends with a bloody 45-minute showdown between the titular warriors and an army of 200 men. Between this isolated act and the gory battle that avenges it are some slow, too-deliberate exposition and development, but the rousing finale, along with heavy thematic questions about the samurai code of loyalty and moments of levity, make it well worth the wait.
Alone in the forecourt of an imposing palace, a nobleman commits hara-kiri, the camera focusing on his face as he carves, to protest the rape and murder of his daughter-in-law and beheading of his son by Lord Naritsugu Matsudaira (Gorô Inagaki), the vile brother of the shogun.
(from the 2010 AFI Fest)
Directed by: Takashi Miike
Written by: Daisuke Tengan
Starring: Kôji Yakusho, Takayuki Yamada, Yûsuke Iseya, Gorô Inagaki and Masachika Ichimura
Insanely prolific Takashi Miike’s remake of Eiichi Kudo’s 1963 film starts with a dramatic suicide. It ends with a bloody 45-minute showdown between the titular warriors and an army of 200 men. Between this isolated act and the gory battle that avenges it are some slow, too-deliberate exposition and development, but the rousing finale, along with heavy thematic questions about the samurai code of loyalty and moments of levity, make it well worth the wait.
Alone in the forecourt of an imposing palace, a nobleman commits hara-kiri, the camera focusing on his face as he carves, to protest the rape and murder of his daughter-in-law and beheading of his son by Lord Naritsugu Matsudaira (Gorô Inagaki), the vile brother of the shogun.
- 4/25/2011
- by admin
- Moving Pictures Magazine
Actor Yusuke Iseya has been cast as Tatsuya Fujiwara’s rival in Kaiji 2.
In the film, Kaiji faces the challenge of a monster pachinko machine called “Numa” with a massive potential payout of over 1 billion yen.
Iseya will play Seiya Ichijou, the young manager of the a casino who controls numa from a remote location, making it impossible for anyone to get the max payout.
Toho has also revealed that the film will be released in Japan on November 5, 2011.
Source: Cinema Today...
In the film, Kaiji faces the challenge of a monster pachinko machine called “Numa” with a massive potential payout of over 1 billion yen.
Iseya will play Seiya Ichijou, the young manager of the a casino who controls numa from a remote location, making it impossible for anyone to get the max payout.
Toho has also revealed that the film will be released in Japan on November 5, 2011.
Source: Cinema Today...
- 4/19/2011
- Nippon Cinema
Takashi Miike, the director responsible for such uncompromising and unforgettable movies as Audition and Ichi The Killer indelibly stamps his trademark style on the Samurai genre with the ultra-violent, all-action, blood-spattered epic, 13 Assassins.
Miike’s remake of Eichi Kudo’s classic 1963 samurai period action-drama Jusan-nin No Shikaku boasts a heavyweight cast featuring some of the biggest names in contemporary Japanese cinema, including Koji Yakusho (Babel; Memoirs Of A Geisha), Takayuki Yamada (252: Sign Of Life), Yusuke Iseya (Sukiyaki Western Django; Memories Of Matsuko; Casshern), Mikijiro Hira (Goemon) and Hiroki Matsukata (Tajomaru: Avenging Blade; Ichi).
We’ve just been sent the official UK trailer and poster (pictured above) for the film by the good folks at Artifical Eye, who unleash 13 Assassins into UK cinemas on May 6th 2011.
Miike’s remake of Eichi Kudo’s classic 1963 samurai period action-drama Jusan-nin No Shikaku boasts a heavyweight cast featuring some of the biggest names in contemporary Japanese cinema, including Koji Yakusho (Babel; Memoirs Of A Geisha), Takayuki Yamada (252: Sign Of Life), Yusuke Iseya (Sukiyaki Western Django; Memories Of Matsuko; Casshern), Mikijiro Hira (Goemon) and Hiroki Matsukata (Tajomaru: Avenging Blade; Ichi).
We’ve just been sent the official UK trailer and poster (pictured above) for the film by the good folks at Artifical Eye, who unleash 13 Assassins into UK cinemas on May 6th 2011.
- 4/5/2011
- by Phil
- Nerdly
Directed by Takashi Miike
Featuring Koji Yakushho, Takayuki Yamada, Yusuke Iseya, Goro Inagaki
It comes as no surprise that the latest outing from Takashi Miike (Audition, Ichi The Killer) is a no-holds barred celebration of the rituals of penetration – the sword-on-flesh variety.
13 Assassins plunges the audience straight into a swift hara-kiri ritual, and the dominant aesthetic of the movie subsequently involves metal tearing into muscle. Although he has worked in many different genres, from family films, to musicals, to taboo-breaking horror, Miike is perhaps at his best (and at his most internationally appealing – go figure!) when his narratives revolve around evisceration. 13 Assassins is his entry into the extensive jidaigeki genre, Japanese period drama about the Edo era, featuring samurai, shoguns, fleeing villagers, and lots of swordplay. Miike plays strictly by jidaigeki rules. Rather than reconstruction he sticks with tradition; every character is an archetype, every situation a set piece. The...
Featuring Koji Yakushho, Takayuki Yamada, Yusuke Iseya, Goro Inagaki
It comes as no surprise that the latest outing from Takashi Miike (Audition, Ichi The Killer) is a no-holds barred celebration of the rituals of penetration – the sword-on-flesh variety.
13 Assassins plunges the audience straight into a swift hara-kiri ritual, and the dominant aesthetic of the movie subsequently involves metal tearing into muscle. Although he has worked in many different genres, from family films, to musicals, to taboo-breaking horror, Miike is perhaps at his best (and at his most internationally appealing – go figure!) when his narratives revolve around evisceration. 13 Assassins is his entry into the extensive jidaigeki genre, Japanese period drama about the Edo era, featuring samurai, shoguns, fleeing villagers, and lots of swordplay. Miike plays strictly by jidaigeki rules. Rather than reconstruction he sticks with tradition; every character is an archetype, every situation a set piece. The...
- 4/5/2011
- by Karina
- Planet Fury
New, bloody as all get-out UK trailer for Takashi Miike’s “13 Assassins”. The prolific Japanese director looks to be in fine form, as he sends 13 assassins out to kill a murdering, raping Lord in feudal Japan. Much fun is had by all. Except the 400 or so bodyguards the lord has at his disposal, that is. Yeah, it’s that kind of a mission, and it’s that kind of a movie from the unpredictable Miike. Cult director Takeshi Miike delivers a bravado period action film set at the end of Japan’s feudal era in which a group of unemployed samurai are enlisted to bring down a sadistic lord and prevent him from ascending to the throne and plunging the country into a war-torn future. Starring Kôji Yakusho, Takayuki Yamada and Yûsuke Iseya. “13 Assassins” opens May 6, 2011 in UK theaters and April 29, 2011 Stateside. But if you can’t wait to get to the bloodletting,...
- 4/1/2011
- by Nix
- Beyond Hollywood
Here's the trailers and a Featurette for Takeshi Miike's remake of the 1963 Eiichi Kudo film 13 '13 Assassins,' starring Koji Yakusho, Takayuki Yamada, Yusuke Iseya Koyata, Goro Inagaki, Masachika Ichimura and Mikijiro Hira.
In the era of the Shogun, an evil young lord rapes and kills, assured of immunity by law. But he didn’t count on the Thirteen Assassins. A feared secret force, each with their own deadly skill, the Assassins undertake a suicide mission to wipe out the Lord. As he embarks on a perilous journey, the Assassins close off his escape route and ambush him in a village of death. But little do they know, they are outnumbered four to one by the Lord’s crack team of bodyguards. The streets will run red.
It gets released 6th May for Ireland and the UK.
Trailers:
Featurette:...
In the era of the Shogun, an evil young lord rapes and kills, assured of immunity by law. But he didn’t count on the Thirteen Assassins. A feared secret force, each with their own deadly skill, the Assassins undertake a suicide mission to wipe out the Lord. As he embarks on a perilous journey, the Assassins close off his escape route and ambush him in a village of death. But little do they know, they are outnumbered four to one by the Lord’s crack team of bodyguards. The streets will run red.
It gets released 6th May for Ireland and the UK.
Trailers:
Featurette:...
- 3/29/2011
- by noreply@blogger.com (Flicks News)
- FlicksNews.net
“The time has come to lay down your lives for a better cause.”
If you’re a fan of legendary Director Takashi Miike’s work or martial arts movies in general, 13 Assassins looks to be one of hottest foreign genre movies of 2011. Check out the trailer, it’s pretty intense and feels like a cross between Braveheart and Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon.
13 Assassins is Directed by Takashi Miike and stars Koji Yakusho, Takayuki Yamada, Yusuke Iseya Koyata, Goro Inagaki, Masachika Ichimura and Mikijiro Hira.
Story:
Cult director Takeshi Miike (Ichi the Killer, Audition) delivers a bravado period action film set at the end of Japan’s feudal era in which a group of unemployed samurai are enlisted to bring down a sadistic lord and prevent him from ascending to the throne and plunging the country into a wartorn future.
13 Assassins comes to theaters on April 29th, 2011.
If you’re a fan of legendary Director Takashi Miike’s work or martial arts movies in general, 13 Assassins looks to be one of hottest foreign genre movies of 2011. Check out the trailer, it’s pretty intense and feels like a cross between Braveheart and Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon.
13 Assassins is Directed by Takashi Miike and stars Koji Yakusho, Takayuki Yamada, Yusuke Iseya Koyata, Goro Inagaki, Masachika Ichimura and Mikijiro Hira.
Story:
Cult director Takeshi Miike (Ichi the Killer, Audition) delivers a bravado period action film set at the end of Japan’s feudal era in which a group of unemployed samurai are enlisted to bring down a sadistic lord and prevent him from ascending to the throne and plunging the country into a wartorn future.
13 Assassins comes to theaters on April 29th, 2011.
- 3/26/2011
- by Bags
- BuzzFocus.com
Magnet Releasing have unveiled a brand new trailer and poster for ultra-violent period-horror film 13 Assassins, a remake of Eiichi Kudo’s 1963 black-and-white Japanese film of the same name.
Directed by renowned Japanese filmmaker Takashi Miike (Ichi The Killer) from a screenplay penned by Daisuke Tengan, the film stars Kôji Yakusho, Takayuki Yamada, Hiroki Matsukata, Kazuki Namioka, Yûsuke Iseya, Gorô Inagaki, Masachika Ichimura, and Mikijiro Hira.
Read more on New trailer and poster for Takashi Miike’s 13 Assassins...
Directed by renowned Japanese filmmaker Takashi Miike (Ichi The Killer) from a screenplay penned by Daisuke Tengan, the film stars Kôji Yakusho, Takayuki Yamada, Hiroki Matsukata, Kazuki Namioka, Yûsuke Iseya, Gorô Inagaki, Masachika Ichimura, and Mikijiro Hira.
Read more on New trailer and poster for Takashi Miike’s 13 Assassins...
- 3/26/2011
- by Jamie Neish
- GordonandtheWhale
The 13 Assassins Movie Trailer has premiered. Takashi Miike‘s 13 Assassins (2010) stars Koji Yakusho, Takayuki Yamada, Yusuke Iseya, Goro Inagaki, and Masachika Ichimura. 13 Assassin’s plot synopsis: ”Cult director Takashi Miike (Ichi the Killer, Audition) delivers a bravado period action film set at the end of Japan’s feudal era in which a group of unemployed samurai are enlisted to bring down a sadistic lord and prevent him from ascending to the throne and plunging the country into a wartorn future.” Why can’t Hollywood make an action movie this hardcore and sensational looking. Sucker Punch looks like it has nothing on 13 Assassins. The last American film that I saw that looked this good was Kill Bill. Oh that’s right, movie studios like there films PG-13 to maximize the amount of people that can see the film. Miike really should be given an American film to direct with a free hand.
- 3/26/2011
- by filmbook
- Film-Book
After garnering strong reviews since its Venice/Toronto premiere last fall, Takashi Miike‘s 13 Assassins is finally hitting theaters here in the Us. Judging from this new trailer, it looks to be an amped-up version of Akira Kurowasa‘s classic masterpiece The Seven Samurai. While it is impossible to touch that film, I can’t wait to see what Miike has up his sleeve. The film stars Koji Yakusho, Takayuki Yamada, Yusuke Iseya Koyata, Goro Inagaki, Masachika Ichimura, Mikijiro Hira and you can see the trailer below via Apple.
Synopsis: Cult director Takeshi Miike (Ichi the Killer, Audition) delivers a bravado period action film set at the end of Japan’s feudal era in which a group of unemployed samurai are enlisted to bring down a sadistic lord and prevent him from ascending to the throne and plunging the country into a wartorn future.
Magnet will release the film on...
Synopsis: Cult director Takeshi Miike (Ichi the Killer, Audition) delivers a bravado period action film set at the end of Japan’s feudal era in which a group of unemployed samurai are enlisted to bring down a sadistic lord and prevent him from ascending to the throne and plunging the country into a wartorn future.
Magnet will release the film on...
- 3/25/2011
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
Very few filmmakers have the ability to shock an audience quite like the master of that emotion, Takashi Miike.
That’s exactly what was given to attendees at this year’s SXSW Film Festival, although in a much different way than viewers of his films are used to. The director has returned to the film world with his latest piece, the shogun action thriller 13 Assassins. Arguably his most action filled film since Ichi The Killer, Miike is not only one of the film world’s most beloved foreign names, but he’s also one that doesn’t like to stick to the same genre multiple times in a row.
And thank heavens he doesn’t, because 13 Assassins is a samurai action-er unlike anything we’ve seen in a very long time.
Seemingly inspired by tales like Kurosawa’s Seven Samurai, 13 Assassins follows the story of Shogun official Sir Doi, who...
That’s exactly what was given to attendees at this year’s SXSW Film Festival, although in a much different way than viewers of his films are used to. The director has returned to the film world with his latest piece, the shogun action thriller 13 Assassins. Arguably his most action filled film since Ichi The Killer, Miike is not only one of the film world’s most beloved foreign names, but he’s also one that doesn’t like to stick to the same genre multiple times in a row.
And thank heavens he doesn’t, because 13 Assassins is a samurai action-er unlike anything we’ve seen in a very long time.
Seemingly inspired by tales like Kurosawa’s Seven Samurai, 13 Assassins follows the story of Shogun official Sir Doi, who...
- 3/23/2011
- by Joshua Brunsting
- CriterionCast
Takashi Miike, the director responsible for such uncompromising and unforgettable movies as Audition and Ichi The Killer indelibly stamps his trademark style on the Samurai genre with the ultra-violent, all-action, blood-spattered epic, 13 Assassins.
Miike’s remake of Eichi Kudo’s classic 1963 samurai period action-drama Jusan-nin No Shikaku boasts a heavyweight cast featuring some of the biggest names in contemporary Japanese cinema, including Koji Yakusho (Babel; Memoirs Of A Geisha), Takayuki Yamada (252: Sign Of Life), Yusuke Iseya (Sukiyaki Western Django; Memories Of Matsuko; Casshern), Mikijiro Hira (Goemon) and Hiroki Matsukata (Tajomaru: Avenging Blade; Ichi).
In mid-19th Century Japan the era of the samurai is beginning to fade as the feudal nation begins to enjoy a rare period of peace. But the fragile calm is soon threatened by the bloody rise of Lord Naritsugu, the Shogun’s sadistic, psychopathic younger brother, whose position places him above the law and free to rape,...
Miike’s remake of Eichi Kudo’s classic 1963 samurai period action-drama Jusan-nin No Shikaku boasts a heavyweight cast featuring some of the biggest names in contemporary Japanese cinema, including Koji Yakusho (Babel; Memoirs Of A Geisha), Takayuki Yamada (252: Sign Of Life), Yusuke Iseya (Sukiyaki Western Django; Memories Of Matsuko; Casshern), Mikijiro Hira (Goemon) and Hiroki Matsukata (Tajomaru: Avenging Blade; Ichi).
In mid-19th Century Japan the era of the samurai is beginning to fade as the feudal nation begins to enjoy a rare period of peace. But the fragile calm is soon threatened by the bloody rise of Lord Naritsugu, the Shogun’s sadistic, psychopathic younger brother, whose position places him above the law and free to rape,...
- 3/11/2011
- by Phil
- Nerdly
...Or we should say "Cheat Sheets" since this year's SXSW Film Festival boasts over 140 films, requiring more than just one page to cover every single one of the narrative and documentary features that will be playing in Austin from March 11th through 19th. While the festival has already provided a very helpful schedule to flip through and Pdf of the screening grid online, consider this your quick hit guide to all the features at the festival - every title leads to its corresponding festival page in addition to links to trailers, official sites, filmmakers' Facebook pages and Twitter accounts so you can follow the action from the festival or from home.
Meanwhile, there will be plenty of action during these next two weeks on IFC.com where, in addition to our live video page, Matt Singer (@mattsinger) and I (@mfrushmore) will be filing reviews and interviews throughout the film festival.
Meanwhile, there will be plenty of action during these next two weeks on IFC.com where, in addition to our live video page, Matt Singer (@mattsinger) and I (@mfrushmore) will be filing reviews and interviews throughout the film festival.
- 3/9/2011
- by Stephen Saito
- ifc.com
Ok peeps! The lineup has been announced for SXSW 2011. South by Southwest 2011 kicks off on March 11th in Austin, Texas and runs through March 19th. Check out the strong film lineup !
13 Assassins:
Director: Takashi Miike, Writers: Shoichirou Ikemiya & Daisuke Tengan
Distressed by the Lord’s murderous rampage, top Shogun official Sir Doi secretly calls on esteemed samurai Shinzaemon Shimada to assassinate the evil Naritsugu. Outraged by Lord Naritsugu’s vile acts, Shinzaemon willingly accepts the dangerous mission.
Cast: Koji Yakusho, Takayuki Yamada, Yusuke Iseya, Goro Inagaki, Masachika Ichimura
Paul:
Director: Greg Mottola, Writers: Simon Pegg & Nick Frost
Simon Pegg and Nick Frost reunite as two geeks who meet an alien named Paul (Seth Rogen) on a pilgrimage to America’s UFO heartland. Their road trip will alter our universe forever.
Cast: Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Jason Bateman, Kristen Wiig, Bill Hader, Blythe Danner, John Carroll Lynch, with Sigourney Weaver, and...
13 Assassins:
Director: Takashi Miike, Writers: Shoichirou Ikemiya & Daisuke Tengan
Distressed by the Lord’s murderous rampage, top Shogun official Sir Doi secretly calls on esteemed samurai Shinzaemon Shimada to assassinate the evil Naritsugu. Outraged by Lord Naritsugu’s vile acts, Shinzaemon willingly accepts the dangerous mission.
Cast: Koji Yakusho, Takayuki Yamada, Yusuke Iseya, Goro Inagaki, Masachika Ichimura
Paul:
Director: Greg Mottola, Writers: Simon Pegg & Nick Frost
Simon Pegg and Nick Frost reunite as two geeks who meet an alien named Paul (Seth Rogen) on a pilgrimage to America’s UFO heartland. Their road trip will alter our universe forever.
Cast: Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Jason Bateman, Kristen Wiig, Bill Hader, Blythe Danner, John Carroll Lynch, with Sigourney Weaver, and...
- 2/3/2011
- by brians
- GeekTyrant
The South by Southwest Film Festival announced its feature film line-up Wednesday, piling heaps of cinematic goodness on an already stellar program that includes Jodie Foster’s The Beaver, Duncan Jones’ Source Code, Ti West’s The Innkeepers, Conan O’Brien’s tour documentary, and the latest Simon Pegg-Nick Frost comedy, Paul, with Seth Rogen.
Catherine Hardwicke (Twilight) returns to the festival with her latest film, Red Riding Hood starring Amanda Seyfried, after the writer-director spoke on a screenwriting panel in 2009.
Plus a few favorites from the Sundance Film Festival last month, like Tom McCarthy’s Win Win, Morgan Spurlock’s The Greatest Movie Ever Sold, and Max Winkler’s Ceremony.
I’m extremely excited, even if I’m already having flashbacks to intense sleep deprivation. Like the last two years, I’ll be on the ground covering as much of the festival as I can within the packed 9 days of screenings,...
Catherine Hardwicke (Twilight) returns to the festival with her latest film, Red Riding Hood starring Amanda Seyfried, after the writer-director spoke on a screenwriting panel in 2009.
Plus a few favorites from the Sundance Film Festival last month, like Tom McCarthy’s Win Win, Morgan Spurlock’s The Greatest Movie Ever Sold, and Max Winkler’s Ceremony.
I’m extremely excited, even if I’m already having flashbacks to intense sleep deprivation. Like the last two years, I’ll be on the ground covering as much of the festival as I can within the packed 9 days of screenings,...
- 2/3/2011
- by Jeff Leins
- newsinfilm.com
‘Tapping into the cultural zeitgeist,’ at SXSW 2011
Austin, Texas – The SXSW 2011 Feature Film Lineup was unveiled Wednesday afternoon. The festival lineup will consist of 130 features, in nine full days of programming, promising to deliver a film-going experience unlike previous years.
With a reputation for taking chances on relatively unknown filmmakers, the SXSW panel of judges carefully picked 130 films from 1,792 feature-length film submissions, (1,323 U.S. and 469 international). The program consists of 60 World Premieres, 12 North American Premieres and 16 U.S. Premieres.
The main competition categories return with eight Narrative Features, and eight Documentary Features, both competing for their respective Grand Jury Prize. New for films in competition this year, are awards for screenplay, editing, cinematography, music, and acting.
(The Midnighters and SXFantastic feature sections, along with the short film program, will be announced next week.)
Here are a few of the Features to be screened, among many others.
Narratives:
The Beaver (World Premiere)
Dir.
Austin, Texas – The SXSW 2011 Feature Film Lineup was unveiled Wednesday afternoon. The festival lineup will consist of 130 features, in nine full days of programming, promising to deliver a film-going experience unlike previous years.
With a reputation for taking chances on relatively unknown filmmakers, the SXSW panel of judges carefully picked 130 films from 1,792 feature-length film submissions, (1,323 U.S. and 469 international). The program consists of 60 World Premieres, 12 North American Premieres and 16 U.S. Premieres.
The main competition categories return with eight Narrative Features, and eight Documentary Features, both competing for their respective Grand Jury Prize. New for films in competition this year, are awards for screenplay, editing, cinematography, music, and acting.
(The Midnighters and SXFantastic feature sections, along with the short film program, will be announced next week.)
Here are a few of the Features to be screened, among many others.
Narratives:
The Beaver (World Premiere)
Dir.
- 2/3/2011
- by Albert Art
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Readers of Sound On Sight can be sure that we will indeed be covering the SXSW Film Festival once again. As previously reported, Duncan Jones’ latest film Source Code is opening the festival and there will also be premieres for the documentary Conan O’Brien Can’t Stop, Greg Mottola’s Paul, and Jodie Foster’s The Beaver. Now the full line-up has been announced it is incredible.
Hit the jump to check out the line-up, and be sure to visit our site during the event.
The 2011 SXSW Film Festival runs from March 11 – 19th in Austin, Texas.
SXSW Film Announces 2011 Features Lineup
Austin, Texas – February 2, 2011 – The South by Southwest (SXSW) Film Conference and Festival is thrilled to announce the features lineup for this year’s Festival, March 11 – 19, 2011 in Austin, Texas. The 2011 lineup continues the SXSW tradition of tapping into the cultural zeitgeist, highlighting emerging talent and breakthrough performances and supporting first-time filmmakers.
Hit the jump to check out the line-up, and be sure to visit our site during the event.
The 2011 SXSW Film Festival runs from March 11 – 19th in Austin, Texas.
SXSW Film Announces 2011 Features Lineup
Austin, Texas – February 2, 2011 – The South by Southwest (SXSW) Film Conference and Festival is thrilled to announce the features lineup for this year’s Festival, March 11 – 19, 2011 in Austin, Texas. The 2011 lineup continues the SXSW tradition of tapping into the cultural zeitgeist, highlighting emerging talent and breakthrough performances and supporting first-time filmmakers.
- 2/3/2011
- by Ricky
- SoundOnSight
"Win Win," starring Paul Giamatti, left, and Alex Shaffer, will screen at SXSW
Aimée Lagos’ thriller “96 Minutes,” starring Brittany Snow; Chris Eyre’s “A Year in Mooring” and “American Animal” from writer-director Matt D’Elia are among the films that will screen in competition at next month’s South by Southwest festival in Austin, Texas.
These films will be joined in the Headliners section by Paul Giamatti and Amy Ryan in Tom McCarthy’s “Win Win,” Takashi Miike’s “13 Assassins,” Rainn Wilson in “Super” and others previously announced including Jodie Foster’s “The Beaver,” Greg Mottola’s “Paul,” the documentary “Conan O’Brien Can’t Stop” from director Rodman Flender, and the opening-night world premiere of Duncan Jones’ “Source Code.”
The following are highlights from the lineup announced Wednesday, with descriptions provided by the festival.
Narrative Feature Competition “96 Minutes”
Director, Writer: Aimée Lagos
Four young lives. One night. One terrifying event.
Aimée Lagos’ thriller “96 Minutes,” starring Brittany Snow; Chris Eyre’s “A Year in Mooring” and “American Animal” from writer-director Matt D’Elia are among the films that will screen in competition at next month’s South by Southwest festival in Austin, Texas.
These films will be joined in the Headliners section by Paul Giamatti and Amy Ryan in Tom McCarthy’s “Win Win,” Takashi Miike’s “13 Assassins,” Rainn Wilson in “Super” and others previously announced including Jodie Foster’s “The Beaver,” Greg Mottola’s “Paul,” the documentary “Conan O’Brien Can’t Stop” from director Rodman Flender, and the opening-night world premiere of Duncan Jones’ “Source Code.”
The following are highlights from the lineup announced Wednesday, with descriptions provided by the festival.
Narrative Feature Competition “96 Minutes”
Director, Writer: Aimée Lagos
Four young lives. One night. One terrifying event.
- 2/3/2011
- by admin
- Moving Pictures Network
"Win Win," starring Paul Giamatti, left, and Alex Shaffer, will screen at SXSW
Aimée Lagos’ thriller “96 Minutes,” starring Brittany Snow; Chris Eyre’s “A Year in Mooring” and “American Animal” from writer-director Matt D’Elia are among the films that will screen in competition at next month’s South by Southwest festival in Austin, Texas.
These films will be joined in the Headliners section by Paul Giamatti and Amy Ryan in Tom McCarthy’s “Win Win,” Takashi Miike’s “13 Assassins,” Rainn Wilson in “Super” and others previously announced including Jodie Foster’s “The Beaver,” Greg Mottola’s “Paul,” the documentary “Conan O’Brien Can’t Stop” from director Rodman Flender, and the opening-night world premiere of Duncan Jones’ “Source Code.”
The following are highlights from the lineup announced Wednesday, with descriptions provided by the festival.
Narrative Feature Competition “96 Minutes”
Director, Writer: Aimée Lagos
Four young lives. One night. One terrifying event.
Aimée Lagos’ thriller “96 Minutes,” starring Brittany Snow; Chris Eyre’s “A Year in Mooring” and “American Animal” from writer-director Matt D’Elia are among the films that will screen in competition at next month’s South by Southwest festival in Austin, Texas.
These films will be joined in the Headliners section by Paul Giamatti and Amy Ryan in Tom McCarthy’s “Win Win,” Takashi Miike’s “13 Assassins,” Rainn Wilson in “Super” and others previously announced including Jodie Foster’s “The Beaver,” Greg Mottola’s “Paul,” the documentary “Conan O’Brien Can’t Stop” from director Rodman Flender, and the opening-night world premiere of Duncan Jones’ “Source Code.”
The following are highlights from the lineup announced Wednesday, with descriptions provided by the festival.
Narrative Feature Competition “96 Minutes”
Director, Writer: Aimée Lagos
Four young lives. One night. One terrifying event.
- 2/3/2011
- by admin
- Moving Pictures Magazine
The South By Southwest Film Conference and Festival announced this year's features lineup. The festival takes place March 11-19 in Austin, Texas.
There are a total of 130 features screening this year including 60 world premieres, 12 North American premieres and 16 U.S. premieres! This year the a total of 1,792 feature-length films were submitted, which is the most ever.
There are going to be some amazing films shown this yea. Opening night kicks off with Duncan Jones' Source Code (Moon). The fest rolls on with Jodie Foster‘s The Beaver, Greg Mottola‘s Paul, Sundance Grand Prize doc winner How to Die in Oregon, Errol Morris‘ Tabloid, Victoria Mahoney‘s Yelling to the Sky, Azazel Jacob‘s Terri. There will also be a special screening of Catherine Hardwicke‘s Red Riding Hood.
The Midnight and SXFantastic sections will be announced with the shorts program next week.
See the complete lineup below via...
There are a total of 130 features screening this year including 60 world premieres, 12 North American premieres and 16 U.S. premieres! This year the a total of 1,792 feature-length films were submitted, which is the most ever.
There are going to be some amazing films shown this yea. Opening night kicks off with Duncan Jones' Source Code (Moon). The fest rolls on with Jodie Foster‘s The Beaver, Greg Mottola‘s Paul, Sundance Grand Prize doc winner How to Die in Oregon, Errol Morris‘ Tabloid, Victoria Mahoney‘s Yelling to the Sky, Azazel Jacob‘s Terri. There will also be a special screening of Catherine Hardwicke‘s Red Riding Hood.
The Midnight and SXFantastic sections will be announced with the shorts program next week.
See the complete lineup below via...
- 2/2/2011
- by Tiberius
- GeekTyrant
The South by Southwest Film Festival (SXSW) just announced their entire 2011 feature film lineup, and there’s isn’t a lot of note, with regards to this blog’s focus.
Titles you should be aware of – all of which we’ve previously profiled on Shadow And Act – include, Victoria Mahoney’s feature film debut, Yelling To The Sky (which will actually make its world debut at the Berlin Film Festival later this month); plus Blacktino, the first feature film from writer/director Aaron Burns, a self-described “blacktino nerd from Austin, Texas,” who got his start at Robert Rodriguez’s Troublemaker Studios doing visual effects; Benda Bilili, a documentary about a band of homeless, disabled Congolese; and last, but not least, Being Elmo: A Puppeteer’s Journey, a documentary about the black man that happens to be the man behind the puppet (which also played at Sundance).
There might be...
Titles you should be aware of – all of which we’ve previously profiled on Shadow And Act – include, Victoria Mahoney’s feature film debut, Yelling To The Sky (which will actually make its world debut at the Berlin Film Festival later this month); plus Blacktino, the first feature film from writer/director Aaron Burns, a self-described “blacktino nerd from Austin, Texas,” who got his start at Robert Rodriguez’s Troublemaker Studios doing visual effects; Benda Bilili, a documentary about a band of homeless, disabled Congolese; and last, but not least, Being Elmo: A Puppeteer’s Journey, a documentary about the black man that happens to be the man behind the puppet (which also played at Sundance).
There might be...
- 2/2/2011
- by Tambay
- ShadowAndAct
The South by Southwest Film Festival has announced their features lineup for the 2011’s Festival, which will take place March 11th to the 19th in Austin Texas. Read the full press release after the jump. SXSW Film Announces 2011 Features Lineup Austin, Texas – February 2, 2011 – The South by Southwest (SXSW) Film Conference and Festival is thrilled to announce the features lineup for this year’s Festival, March 11 – 19, 2011 in Austin, Texas. The 2011 lineup continues the SXSW tradition of tapping into the cultural zeitgeist, highlighting emerging talent and breakthrough performances and supporting first-time filmmakers. The Midnighters and SXFantastic feature sections, along with the short film program, will be announced next week. “This is the most exciting moment for us. After a fantastic festival of discovery in 2010, we can finally unveil the line up for this year’s event,” says Film Conference and Festival Producer Janet Pierson. “SXSW prides itself on taking chances, sifting for...
- 2/2/2011
- by Peter Sciretta
- Slash Film
Back for its third year (see the 2010 edition) and bigger than ever, today kicks off the first in a fifteen-part look at the various cinematic releases hitting the U.S. in 2011. Each 'part' contains brief descriptions and editorial opinion/analysis of varying length covering twenty films. Expect the remaining ones to go up between now and the first major releases in mid-January.
Like all cinematic lists set within a timeframe, there's some overlap. Some films here have already opened worldwide but have yet to hit the U.S., some upcoming films you'd expect to be here aren't because they're either still in development or have already announced 2012 release dates, some were on last year's list but got delayed so have been included again (but with all new analysis).
I confined my list to films that have either set 2011 release dates or had begun/completed production, and only films that have...
Like all cinematic lists set within a timeframe, there's some overlap. Some films here have already opened worldwide but have yet to hit the U.S., some upcoming films you'd expect to be here aren't because they're either still in development or have already announced 2012 release dates, some were on last year's list but got delayed so have been included again (but with all new analysis).
I confined my list to films that have either set 2011 release dates or had begun/completed production, and only films that have...
- 12/13/2010
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
Back for its third year (see the 2010 edition) and bigger than ever, today kicks off the first in a fifteen-part look at the various cinematic releases hitting the U.S. in 2011. Each 'part' contains brief descriptions and editorial opinion/analysis of varying length covering twenty films. Expect the remaining ones to go up between now and the first major releases in mid-January.
Like all cinematic lists set within a timeframe, there's some overlap. Some films here have already opened worldwide but have yet to hit the U.S., some upcoming films you'd expect to be here aren't because they're either still in development or have already announced 2012 release dates, some were on last year's list but got delayed so have been included again (but with all new analysis).
I confined my list to films that have either set 2011 release dates or had begun/completed production, and only films that have...
Like all cinematic lists set within a timeframe, there's some overlap. Some films here have already opened worldwide but have yet to hit the U.S., some upcoming films you'd expect to be here aren't because they're either still in development or have already announced 2012 release dates, some were on last year's list but got delayed so have been included again (but with all new analysis).
I confined my list to films that have either set 2011 release dates or had begun/completed production, and only films that have...
- 12/13/2010
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
It was recently revealed that actor Yusuke Iseya completed filming of Seiji: Riku no Uo, his second project as a director, on November 30th.
After debuting as an actor in 1998, Iseya set a goal of becoming a director and went on to take a film course in New York City. He made his directorial debut with Kakuto (2003), which he also co-wrote and starred in.
His new film is based on a novel by Tomoki Tsujiuchi, who won the Dazai Osamu Prize for “Takiko-chan” in 2000 and also wrote the novel that inspired the recently-released film Shin-san: Tanko-machi no Serenade.
“Seiji” is set 20 years ago as a 4th-year university student commutes to a drive-in located off the highway called “HOUSE475” every day during his last summer vacation. Much of the story involves his interactions with the drive-in’s owner and a few other regulars.
The film will be released sometime next summer.
After debuting as an actor in 1998, Iseya set a goal of becoming a director and went on to take a film course in New York City. He made his directorial debut with Kakuto (2003), which he also co-wrote and starred in.
His new film is based on a novel by Tomoki Tsujiuchi, who won the Dazai Osamu Prize for “Takiko-chan” in 2000 and also wrote the novel that inspired the recently-released film Shin-san: Tanko-machi no Serenade.
“Seiji” is set 20 years ago as a 4th-year university student commutes to a drive-in located off the highway called “HOUSE475” every day during his last summer vacation. Much of the story involves his interactions with the drive-in’s owner and a few other regulars.
The film will be released sometime next summer.
- 12/3/2010
- Nippon Cinema
The full trailer for Fumihiko Sori's adaptation of popular boxing anime / manga series Ashita No Joe has arrived at the official site and while it features an unfortunate J-pop soundtrack the visuals are right on par with what you would expect from the director of Ping Pong and Ichi. Tomohisa Yamashita and Yusuke Iseya star.
Not having had any real exposure to any of the previous incarnations of the series I have no idea how this bears up to the previous manga or anime version so any fans out there, feel free to weigh in. Does it look like Sori's got it right?...
Not having had any real exposure to any of the previous incarnations of the series I have no idea how this bears up to the previous manga or anime version so any fans out there, feel free to weigh in. Does it look like Sori's got it right?...
- 11/26/2010
- Screen Anarchy
Last week, a second teaser and new full trailer were added to the official website for Fumihiko Sori’s upcoming live-action adaptation of Tetsuya Chiba and Asao Takamori classic boxing manga Ashita no Joe (Tomorrow’s Joe). The original manga was serialized from 1968-1973 and was later adapted to an anime series and movie.
25-year-old Tomohisa Yamashita of News stars as a troubled youth who is trained in the art of boxing by a man named Dampei Tange (Teruyuki Kagawa). During a temporary stint in prison, he meets a former boxing prodigy named Toru Rikiishi (Yusuke Iseya) and a fierce, but respectful rivalry develops between the two men. In the manga, their battles eventually inspired several other inmates to try their hands at boxing, leading to various match-ups of boxers with vastly different skills and weaknesses which required shifts in fight strategy. However, the film focuses mainly on the initial rivalry that defined the series.
25-year-old Tomohisa Yamashita of News stars as a troubled youth who is trained in the art of boxing by a man named Dampei Tange (Teruyuki Kagawa). During a temporary stint in prison, he meets a former boxing prodigy named Toru Rikiishi (Yusuke Iseya) and a fierce, but respectful rivalry develops between the two men. In the manga, their battles eventually inspired several other inmates to try their hands at boxing, leading to various match-ups of boxers with vastly different skills and weaknesses which required shifts in fight strategy. However, the film focuses mainly on the initial rivalry that defined the series.
- 11/26/2010
- Nippon Cinema
Memories of Matsuko
Starring Miki Natkatani, Eita, Yusuke Iseya
Directed by Tetsuya Nakashima
Not Rated
If Kaleidoscopes could talk- (and sing)- they’d be the offbeat and quirky tragicomedy, Memories of Matsuko. This swiftly paced, jump-cutting musical film seems in, the first few scenes, like a head-long dive through the mind of an emotionally detached, music-video addicted adolescent. Instead, the film elicits torn feelings of contempt, irritation and wonder as it arrives, singing and dancing, at the core of tragedy, and all the blood spattered, rainbow-hued redemption therein. The Japanese film is based on a the novel of the same name by Muneki Yamada . Worth watching, Memories of Matsuko induces a kind of critical bi-polar state as it shifts between styles, genres and points of view.
Memories of Matsuko recounts the heatbreaking life of an innocent and idealistic former junior high school teacher, Matsuko Kawajiri (Miki Nakatani), as it...
Starring Miki Natkatani, Eita, Yusuke Iseya
Directed by Tetsuya Nakashima
Not Rated
If Kaleidoscopes could talk- (and sing)- they’d be the offbeat and quirky tragicomedy, Memories of Matsuko. This swiftly paced, jump-cutting musical film seems in, the first few scenes, like a head-long dive through the mind of an emotionally detached, music-video addicted adolescent. Instead, the film elicits torn feelings of contempt, irritation and wonder as it arrives, singing and dancing, at the core of tragedy, and all the blood spattered, rainbow-hued redemption therein. The Japanese film is based on a the novel of the same name by Muneki Yamada . Worth watching, Memories of Matsuko induces a kind of critical bi-polar state as it shifts between styles, genres and points of view.
Memories of Matsuko recounts the heatbreaking life of an innocent and idealistic former junior high school teacher, Matsuko Kawajiri (Miki Nakatani), as it...
- 10/23/2010
- by Melanee Murray
- GetTheBigPicture.net
A teaser trailer has been released for Fumihiko Sori‘s upcoming live-action adaptation of Tetsuya Chiba and Asao Takamori’s classic boxing manga Ashita no Joe (Tomorrow’s Joe). The original manga was serialized from 1968-1973 and was later adapted to an anime series and movie.
25-year-old Tomohisa Yamashita of News stars as a troubled youth who is trained in the art of boxing by a man named Dampei Tange (Teruyuki Kagawa). During a temporary stint in prison, he meets a former boxing prodigy named Toru Rikiishi (Yusuke Iseya) and a fierce, but respectful rivalry develops between the two men. Eventually, their battles inspire several other inmates to try their hands at boxing, leading to various match-ups of boxers with vastly different skills and weaknesses.
Toho will be releasing “Ashita no Joe” in Japan in February 2011.
Source: Official website via Anime News Network...
25-year-old Tomohisa Yamashita of News stars as a troubled youth who is trained in the art of boxing by a man named Dampei Tange (Teruyuki Kagawa). During a temporary stint in prison, he meets a former boxing prodigy named Toru Rikiishi (Yusuke Iseya) and a fierce, but respectful rivalry develops between the two men. Eventually, their battles inspire several other inmates to try their hands at boxing, leading to various match-ups of boxers with vastly different skills and weaknesses.
Toho will be releasing “Ashita no Joe” in Japan in February 2011.
Source: Official website via Anime News Network...
- 8/17/2010
- Nippon Cinema
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