Japan Movie Preview

With the huge barrage of Hollywood movies that fills the theaters here in sunny Japan it's easy to forget that Japan, itself, has an enthusiastic and interesting film production industry. Not many of these movies make the American theaters due to a number of reasons, but mainly blockage caused by the American film studios. One glaring example is Disney's purchase of all Hayao Miyazaki films and subsequent limited release as to not hurt their own ticket sales of their horrible movies (Cinderella 2 anyone?). Recent movies of note from Japan include nearly anything by Akira Kurosawa, Battle Royale, Bayside Shakedown 2 (Odorudaisousasen 2) , Casshern, Appleseed, Year One in the North, Nobody Knows (Daremo Shiranai) and Zatoichi. And of course we can't forget the funny Ninnin: Ninja Hattori-kun, Cutie Honey and the absolutely terrible Ringu, which I refuse to link to.

But this post is about two upcoming movies which I recently saw previews for. First up is Aegis (Bokokunoaegis). It's a war drama about a Japanese Aegis cruiser which has gone rogue under command of its captain. When it begins threatening Tokyo the government orders it's destruction, while simultaneously some of the crew, apparently lead by Last Samurai's Hiroyuki Sanada, mutiny to stop the attack and save the ship. While not quite as flashy as the equivalent Hollywood fare, it still looks decent.

Next up: Shinobi. It's a kind of Japanese Romeo & Juliet set in samurai times. The story revolves around the love affair of Oboro (Nakama Yukie) and Gennosuke (Joe Odagiri - you used to play Kamen Rider) who belong to the opposing ninja clans of the Iga and Koga. Oboro has become the leader of the Iga shinobi but has lost something that Gennosuke loved, during her transition, as warned by the creepy dude in the long hair (Kippei Shiina) who's name didn’t come up but seems to be with the Iga. Looks good and even includes a theme song by the lovely and high-pitched Ayumi Hamasaki.

Now everyone make sure they go out and watch Howl's Moving Castle, an unbelievably good animation film more for adults by the master animator Hayao Miyazaki. BTW: yesterday I forgot to post my picture of me and my ex friend, Cap't Crunch, which may have made me break out badly!!!

Wisdom of the Day: Rent something different tonight