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Reviews
Shogun (1980)
An excellent rendition of the cultural reality during the shogunate years
This miniseries does a credible job in presenting the cultural landscape during the Shogunate years. Not only is it a historical (somewhat modified) adventure, it demonstrated the advances the Japanese had made in medicine, iron-working and in other areas. It shows the differences between the Western and Eastern attitudes towards cleanliness and religion- which had not been presented before. It also shows the stratified class society of those times. A shock to our delicate sensibilities - but, at least an attempt to show it in a positive manner. The costumes and background was very accurate for the time and it was the first honest attempt to portray the Japanese in a kindly manner since before Pearl Harbor. Could it have been better - yes, could it have been more historically accurate - again yes, BUT it sure was light years better than the horrible attempts that had littered the movie landscape in prior years. It also encouraged people to see Toshiro Mifune and Kurosawas' other classics such as Rashomon, etc. Definitely worth watching.
Streets of Fire (1984)
combines good music, an couple of excellent fight scenes and a life lesson. What more can you want from a movie?
This is a great example of what happens when you mix good music, a few great stage performances, a couple of wicked fight scenes, a little romance and a plausible gang-oriented story from the 50's. I should know about the 50's - I was there! Shows what you can do without resorting to excessive gore, swearing and sleaze.
Michael Pare and Wilhem Dafoe were just starting their careers and a lot was expected from them. They delivered solid performances and showed a lot of promise in this story; but, at least in Pare's case, the potential did not pan out.
Excellent supporting performances by Ric Morannis (wimp & music manager), Dianne Lane (great stage scenes)and Amy Madigan (as a young army vet, no less!) To show you how good the movie was - its main song has been re-released and is going great guns.