First I'd like to mention that I disagree with the comparison between 'Tokyo!' and 'Paris, je t'aime'. Yes they are both triptych films, but the similarities end there. The film sits more comfortably alongside triptych films such as: Three... Extremes (Horror) and Eros (Love and Sex). If you want to see something like 'Paris, je t'aime' you won't find it here. With that being said--on to the review.
(Spoilers Start Here)
The first of the trio of short films start's with 'Interior Design' directed by Michel Gondrey. I won't give to much away (for those that haven't seen it) but the film deals with being made to feel useless, in a society that values vocation/social status above a persons true value.
If you're a fan of Gondrey, then this is a must see. The film itself felt like it came up a little short (no pun intended) of Gondrey's usual work. But, the ending of the film makes up for the films flaws/short comings. ***6 out of 10 stars***
Second of these three films is 'Merde' by director Leos Carax (of whom I haven't seen any of his previous films). Merde is a very baffling and funny film about a man (Merde) with a red beard, one milky eye, very long fingernails and green suit. Merde comes out of the sewers every so often and terrorizes the citizens of Japan, he speaks his own language and no one knows where he comes from. Basically the film follows Merde through his capture and trail in the Japanese courts.
I can't say that I loved this film, but what I can say, is that I found myself laughing throughout this absurd piece of art and... in spite of myself I couldn't take my eyes of the screen. ***7 out of 10 stars****
Finally, the last film of this trio is 'Shaking Tokyo' by director Joon-ho Bong. The film centers around the bizarre Japanese phenomenon of hikikomori: people that choose to become hermits because of their inability to deal with social pressure. The film follows one such hikikomori that thinks he may have found his true love. The twist is that he must face his fears and leave his house to find her and stop her from becoming a hikikomori herself.
Of the three shorts in 'Tokyo!' I liked 'Shaking Tokyo' most. I'd seen Joon-ho Bong's 'The Host' and really didn't like it, but he's won me back with this little jewel of a film. He really has a gift with taking things of cultural significance and making them interesting (Host included). The characters of 'Shaking Tokyo' are beautifully written and acted. It has more of a complete story arc than the other two films as well. And, I felt that it is the only of the three that I would have enjoyed as a full length feature film. For me this one makes 'Tokyo!' even worth having in my DVD collection. ****9 out of 10 stars*****
Overall, if you're looking for a excursion into the strange, funny and thought provoking, this film is for you. There's something for everybody to like here. Also, if you enjoyed this film I'd suggest watching 'Eros' and 'Three Extremes' as well.
(Spoilers Start Here)
The first of the trio of short films start's with 'Interior Design' directed by Michel Gondrey. I won't give to much away (for those that haven't seen it) but the film deals with being made to feel useless, in a society that values vocation/social status above a persons true value.
If you're a fan of Gondrey, then this is a must see. The film itself felt like it came up a little short (no pun intended) of Gondrey's usual work. But, the ending of the film makes up for the films flaws/short comings. ***6 out of 10 stars***
Second of these three films is 'Merde' by director Leos Carax (of whom I haven't seen any of his previous films). Merde is a very baffling and funny film about a man (Merde) with a red beard, one milky eye, very long fingernails and green suit. Merde comes out of the sewers every so often and terrorizes the citizens of Japan, he speaks his own language and no one knows where he comes from. Basically the film follows Merde through his capture and trail in the Japanese courts.
I can't say that I loved this film, but what I can say, is that I found myself laughing throughout this absurd piece of art and... in spite of myself I couldn't take my eyes of the screen. ***7 out of 10 stars****
Finally, the last film of this trio is 'Shaking Tokyo' by director Joon-ho Bong. The film centers around the bizarre Japanese phenomenon of hikikomori: people that choose to become hermits because of their inability to deal with social pressure. The film follows one such hikikomori that thinks he may have found his true love. The twist is that he must face his fears and leave his house to find her and stop her from becoming a hikikomori herself.
Of the three shorts in 'Tokyo!' I liked 'Shaking Tokyo' most. I'd seen Joon-ho Bong's 'The Host' and really didn't like it, but he's won me back with this little jewel of a film. He really has a gift with taking things of cultural significance and making them interesting (Host included). The characters of 'Shaking Tokyo' are beautifully written and acted. It has more of a complete story arc than the other two films as well. And, I felt that it is the only of the three that I would have enjoyed as a full length feature film. For me this one makes 'Tokyo!' even worth having in my DVD collection. ****9 out of 10 stars*****
Overall, if you're looking for a excursion into the strange, funny and thought provoking, this film is for you. There's something for everybody to like here. Also, if you enjoyed this film I'd suggest watching 'Eros' and 'Three Extremes' as well.