Sometimes foreign language films simply exist across an insurmountable cultural divide that renders them indecipherable here. Hitoshi Matsumoto‘s Saya-zamurai [Scabbard Samurai] perfectly exemplifies through an obtusely-constructed first third before hitting its stride. Comically uneven at the start, I was left scratching my head and wondering if I was missing the joke. An old, toothless samurai with an empty scabbard breathlessly and wordlessly runs through the Japanese countryside with his young daughter following closely behind as three assassins – introduced in freeze-frame – arrive to inflict what should be mortal wounds. The attacks excise the would-be killer and victim from their backgrounds, placing them on black as bright red spurts forth from the aging relic’s body in slomotion. The samurai wails in pain, the girl heals him with a special herb, and it all happens again.
This prologue quickly instills a fear that the rest will end up a long and arduous journey...
This prologue quickly instills a fear that the rest will end up a long and arduous journey...
- 7/3/2012
- by jpraup@gmail.com (thefilmstage.com)
- The Film Stage
Over the past few months, we’ve added a weekly Friday feature rounding up the new releases coming to the big screen each week, courtesy of our Mr. Rob Keeling, giving you a taste of all the brilliant(/not so brilliant) films entering your local cinemas at the weekend.
It recently occurred to me to start up a similar weekly feature, instead rounding up all* the films making their way to the shelves of your local video stores (and of course, increasingly, supermarkets) at the start of each week.
There are so many brilliant films often released in close proximity to each other that sometimes it’s just not possible to see everything you want to see on the big screen, not to mention the fact that not all films are released in a nearby cinema (particularly if you live outside of London). I’m a big believer in the...
It recently occurred to me to start up a similar weekly feature, instead rounding up all* the films making their way to the shelves of your local video stores (and of course, increasingly, supermarkets) at the start of each week.
There are so many brilliant films often released in close proximity to each other that sometimes it’s just not possible to see everything you want to see on the big screen, not to mention the fact that not all films are released in a nearby cinema (particularly if you live outside of London). I’m a big believer in the...
- 5/7/2012
- by Kenji Lloyd
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Sushi Typhoon's latest film has been making the festival circuit for many months now, and February 7th marks the Yakuza Weapon's home video debut from Well Go USA. I first caught wind of the project when we reported on one of the many collaborations involving Japanese stunt madman Tak Sakaguchi (Death Trance, Versus, Samurai School, Etc...) and director Yudai Yamaguchi (Battlefield Baseball, Cromartie High School) and was sold on the idea immediately. I finally got a chance to check it out at last year's Fantastic Fest, where it played early in the day after a long night of horror flicks and beers, and it left me a bit cold. However, revisiting it for this review, I can easily boost this to the upper echelon of...
- 2/2/2012
- Screen Anarchy
Eureka Entertainment have announced their slate of releases for the first half of 2012 with seven exciting new titles on the horizon, including absolute classic films from Billy Wilder and Alfred Hitchcock making their debut on Blu-ray via the Masters of Cinema label.
Wilder’s iconic film noir Double Indemnity and Alfred Hitchcock’s experimental and claustrophobic thriller Lifeboat top the list of releases, two of the very best films of 1944. Wilder’s follow-up drama The Lost Weekend, released just one year later and featuring Ray Milland’s memorable Oscar-winning performance as an alcoholic New York writer, is also coming to Blu-ray. It’s a timely release as the film was recently included in the National Film Registry.
Another hugely notable release is Islands of Lost Souls (1932), the Charles Laughton starring adaptation of the H.G. Wells science fiction tale which will be released for the first time in the UK, coming on Duel Format Blu-ray.
Wilder’s iconic film noir Double Indemnity and Alfred Hitchcock’s experimental and claustrophobic thriller Lifeboat top the list of releases, two of the very best films of 1944. Wilder’s follow-up drama The Lost Weekend, released just one year later and featuring Ray Milland’s memorable Oscar-winning performance as an alcoholic New York writer, is also coming to Blu-ray. It’s a timely release as the film was recently included in the National Film Registry.
Another hugely notable release is Islands of Lost Souls (1932), the Charles Laughton starring adaptation of the H.G. Wells science fiction tale which will be released for the first time in the UK, coming on Duel Format Blu-ray.
- 1/24/2012
- by Matt Holmes
- Obsessed with Film
Each year the Sitges Film Festival commercial spot is almost as eagerly awaited by the general public as its lineup, and Rafa Antón, creative director of the China agency and the man responsible for its campaigns over the last ten years, has presented this year’s commercial, entitled "Alter Ego". In addition, the preliminary lineup for the Festival has been revealed, but it's not complete by any means. More will be announced throughout the month.
Antón presented the commercial at the Velodrome, property of the brand, along with Festival director Angel Sala and one of Sitges 2011’s partners Moritz Beer.
As explained at the presentation of the Sitges 2011 posters, artificial intelligence is this year’s central theme, represented through the geminoids created by professor Ishiguro in Japan. For the commercials, Rafa Antón stated that he’d “continued with the same commemorative leitmotif of the tenth anniversary of Artificial Intelligence (Steven Spielberg...
Antón presented the commercial at the Velodrome, property of the brand, along with Festival director Angel Sala and one of Sitges 2011’s partners Moritz Beer.
As explained at the presentation of the Sitges 2011 posters, artificial intelligence is this year’s central theme, represented through the geminoids created by professor Ishiguro in Japan. For the commercials, Rafa Antón stated that he’d “continued with the same commemorative leitmotif of the tenth anniversary of Artificial Intelligence (Steven Spielberg...
- 9/16/2011
- by The Woman In Black
- DreadCentral.com
The Tribeca Film Festival has the stars. The New York Film Festival has the award winners. But the New York Asian Film Festival has the coolest, boldest, and strangest genre movies, and that's why it holds a special place in my heart. While most festivals specialize in quote-unquote arthouse fare, Nyaff brings the Asian mainstream -- the stuff that would almost never play here otherwise -- to America.
We're big fans of the Nyaff at IFC and we're looking forward to another excellent edition this year. The lineup was just announced and it looks stacked. It includes a few superb films I saw at last year's Fantastic Fest, including the entertaining exploitation documentary "Machete Maidens Unleashed" from "Not Quite Hollywood" director Mark Hartley. The stuff I'm jazzed to see for the first time includes the world premiere of Takashi Miike's "Ninja Kids!!!" (their exclamation points, not mine), "Ocean Heaven,...
We're big fans of the Nyaff at IFC and we're looking forward to another excellent edition this year. The lineup was just announced and it looks stacked. It includes a few superb films I saw at last year's Fantastic Fest, including the entertaining exploitation documentary "Machete Maidens Unleashed" from "Not Quite Hollywood" director Mark Hartley. The stuff I'm jazzed to see for the first time includes the world premiere of Takashi Miike's "Ninja Kids!!!" (their exclamation points, not mine), "Ocean Heaven,...
- 5/31/2011
- by Matt Singer
- ifc.com
Here is the new trailer for the Japanese gorefest Yakuza Weapon, starring Tak Sakaguchi (The Versus) with a machine gun arm and a rocket launcher for a leg. There was an earlier reel leaked online with unfinished effects, but this is the official trailer.
The film is co-directed by Yudai Yamaguchi and Tak Sakaguchi, who between them have created crazy, action-filled comedies like Battlefield Baseball, Cromartie High School and Be A Man! Samurai School, and featuring action direction by Yuji Shimomura (Versus, Shinobi), special makeup effects by Yoshihiro Nishimura (Tokyo Gore Police, Helldriver) and based on an adult comic by Ken Ishikawa, who co-created Cutie Honey, Getter Robot and many other famous series.
Here’s the press release:
The team who brought you Versus have returned with another hard-edged battle royale featuring tough gangsters, deadly women and cybernetic penis implants! Working as a hard-to-kill mercenary in South America, ex-yakuza Shozo...
The film is co-directed by Yudai Yamaguchi and Tak Sakaguchi, who between them have created crazy, action-filled comedies like Battlefield Baseball, Cromartie High School and Be A Man! Samurai School, and featuring action direction by Yuji Shimomura (Versus, Shinobi), special makeup effects by Yoshihiro Nishimura (Tokyo Gore Police, Helldriver) and based on an adult comic by Ken Ishikawa, who co-created Cutie Honey, Getter Robot and many other famous series.
Here’s the press release:
The team who brought you Versus have returned with another hard-edged battle royale featuring tough gangsters, deadly women and cybernetic penis implants! Working as a hard-to-kill mercenary in South America, ex-yakuza Shozo...
- 3/22/2011
- by Ricky
- SoundOnSight
Fantastic Fest 2010 Adds New Films To Its Impressive Lineup
Fantastic Fest, the largest genre festival in the U.S., is excited to announce additional films to its mind-blowing roster of features & shorts. Highlights of this announcement are the Us premiere of the hyper-stylized action film Bunraku, a sneak preview of Darren Bousman’s terrifying new horror-thriller film, Mother’s Day (featuring a bravura performance by Rebecca DeMornay), and the world premiere of Agnosia, the latest film from Fantastic Fest 2005 Alumnus Eugenio Mira.
Additionally, Fantastic Fest will play host to a sneak preview of the highly anticipated action-comedy Red, starring pretty much the best cast assembled for a comic book adaptation…ever. And if you’re not excited to see Helen Mirren at the helm of a .50 caliber machine gun, we don’t want to know you.
Bill Pullman, one of our all-time favorite Fantastic Fest guests is returning to the festival this year.
Fantastic Fest, the largest genre festival in the U.S., is excited to announce additional films to its mind-blowing roster of features & shorts. Highlights of this announcement are the Us premiere of the hyper-stylized action film Bunraku, a sneak preview of Darren Bousman’s terrifying new horror-thriller film, Mother’s Day (featuring a bravura performance by Rebecca DeMornay), and the world premiere of Agnosia, the latest film from Fantastic Fest 2005 Alumnus Eugenio Mira.
Additionally, Fantastic Fest will play host to a sneak preview of the highly anticipated action-comedy Red, starring pretty much the best cast assembled for a comic book adaptation…ever. And if you’re not excited to see Helen Mirren at the helm of a .50 caliber machine gun, we don’t want to know you.
Bill Pullman, one of our all-time favorite Fantastic Fest guests is returning to the festival this year.
- 9/9/2010
- by brians
- GeekTyrant
With the Fantastic Fest 2010 just two weeks away, the “largest genre festival in the U.S.” has announced a third wave of films.
Included in the line-up are Summit Entertainment’s action-comedy Red, Darren Bousman’s Mother’s Day, and the stylized action flick Bunraku with Josh Hartnett and Woody Harrelson.
But I’m especially excited about the addition of Agnosia, a “romantic thriller” produced by Guillermo del Toro. ”I’ve read few screenplays in my life that have impressed me as much as Agnosia,” del Toro said. Spanish filmmaker Eugenio Mira directed.
Fantastic Fest is also hosting a special “Master Pancake Theater” (similar to Mystery Science Theater) to mock Independence Day with guest Bill Pullman, plus a Spaceballs quote-along. Finally, they have planned the world premiere of the SyFy movie Sharktopus, followed by the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award to Roger Corman and his wife, Julie. Again, I...
Included in the line-up are Summit Entertainment’s action-comedy Red, Darren Bousman’s Mother’s Day, and the stylized action flick Bunraku with Josh Hartnett and Woody Harrelson.
But I’m especially excited about the addition of Agnosia, a “romantic thriller” produced by Guillermo del Toro. ”I’ve read few screenplays in my life that have impressed me as much as Agnosia,” del Toro said. Spanish filmmaker Eugenio Mira directed.
Fantastic Fest is also hosting a special “Master Pancake Theater” (similar to Mystery Science Theater) to mock Independence Day with guest Bill Pullman, plus a Spaceballs quote-along. Finally, they have planned the world premiere of the SyFy movie Sharktopus, followed by the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award to Roger Corman and his wife, Julie. Again, I...
- 9/9/2010
- by Jeff Leins
- newsinfilm.com
In a few weeks, Austin, Texas will be host to one of the most incredible genre film festivals in the world. While we sadly won’t be able to attend this year’s Fantastic Fest, we are having a blast covering it from afar. The fine programmers are slowly teasing out the incredible line-up of films, and special guests.
Just yesterday it was announced that Roger Corman and his lovely wife Julie will be receiving a lifetime achievement award from the festival, and I couldn’t be happier for all involved. I know this year has been tremendous for Roger, with all of the DVDs and Blu-rays that Shout! Factory have been releasing, the Comic Con panel that Shout helped organize, and now this award from Fantastic Fest, the Corman’s must be riding an incredible wave of joy. We’ve written about several of the Corman Collection releases over the past few months,...
Just yesterday it was announced that Roger Corman and his lovely wife Julie will be receiving a lifetime achievement award from the festival, and I couldn’t be happier for all involved. I know this year has been tremendous for Roger, with all of the DVDs and Blu-rays that Shout! Factory have been releasing, the Comic Con panel that Shout helped organize, and now this award from Fantastic Fest, the Corman’s must be riding an incredible wave of joy. We’ve written about several of the Corman Collection releases over the past few months,...
- 9/9/2010
- by Ryan Gallagher
- CriterionCast
The third wave of programming for the sixth edition of Fantastic Fest, happening September 23rd-30th in Austin, Texas, has been announced with the highlights being the Us premiere of the hyper-stylized action film Bunraku, a sneak preview of Darren Bousman’s terrifying new horror-thriller Mother’s Day, and the world premiere of Agnosia, the latest film from Fantastic Fest 2005 alumnus Eugenio Mira.
A total of 20 films have been added in this latest wave, and we're including them all here, even if a few aren't strictly horror, just to give you an idea of how truly diverse Fantastic Fest is. For the other films screening that week, click here for all our Fantastic Fest 2010 coverage.
Premiere Screenings
Agnosia (2010)
Director: Eugenio Mira, Spain, World Premiere
The producers of Pan’s Labyrinth and The Orphanage present a truly unique romantic thriller from Fantastic Fest veteran Eugenio Mira (The Birthday). “I’ve read...
A total of 20 films have been added in this latest wave, and we're including them all here, even if a few aren't strictly horror, just to give you an idea of how truly diverse Fantastic Fest is. For the other films screening that week, click here for all our Fantastic Fest 2010 coverage.
Premiere Screenings
Agnosia (2010)
Director: Eugenio Mira, Spain, World Premiere
The producers of Pan’s Labyrinth and The Orphanage present a truly unique romantic thriller from Fantastic Fest veteran Eugenio Mira (The Birthday). “I’ve read...
- 9/8/2010
- by Uncle Creepy
- DreadCentral.com
Fantastic Fest, the largest genre festival in the U.S., is excited to announce additional films to its mind-blowing roster of features & shorts. Highlights of this announcement are the Us premiere of the hyper-stylized action film Bunraku, a sneak preview of Darren Bousman’s terrifying new horror-thriller film, Mother’s Day (featuring a bravura performance by Rebecca DeMornay), and the world premiere of Agnosia, the latest film from Fantastic Fest 2005 Alumnus Eugenio Mira.
Additionally, Fantastic Fest will play host to a sneak preview of the highly anticipated action-comedy Red, starring pretty much the best cast assembled for a comic book adaptation…ever. And if you’re not excited to see Helen Mirren at the helm of a .50 caliber machine gun, we don’t want to know you.
Bill Pullman, one of our all-time favorite Fantastic Fest guests is returning to the festival this year. Pullman will join the hecklers of...
Additionally, Fantastic Fest will play host to a sneak preview of the highly anticipated action-comedy Red, starring pretty much the best cast assembled for a comic book adaptation…ever. And if you’re not excited to see Helen Mirren at the helm of a .50 caliber machine gun, we don’t want to know you.
Bill Pullman, one of our all-time favorite Fantastic Fest guests is returning to the festival this year. Pullman will join the hecklers of...
- 9/8/2010
- by George Bragdon
- OriginalAlamo.com
Another round of programming announcements from Fantastic Fest includes the news that Robert Schwentke's graphic novel adaptation "Red," starring Bruce Willis, Morgan Freeman, John Malkovich and Helen Mirren as former CIA agents forced back into action, will be screening as a sneak preview at the festival, as will "Mother's Day," starring Rebecca De Mornay, the new film from "Repo! The Genetic Opera"'s Darren Bousman. More exciting to me personally is the announcement that Bill Pullman will be appearing in person to help mock "Independence Day" in a special Master Pancake Theater screening of the Roland Emmerich alien disaster epic.
The complete announcement, descriptions courtesy of the festival:
Premieres
Agnosia (2010)
Director: Eugenio Mira, Spain, World Premiere
The producers of Pan's Labyrinth and The Orphanage present a truly unique romantic thriller from Fantastic Fest veteran Eugenio Mira (The Birthday). "I've read few screenplays in my life that have impressed me as much as Agnosia,...
The complete announcement, descriptions courtesy of the festival:
Premieres
Agnosia (2010)
Director: Eugenio Mira, Spain, World Premiere
The producers of Pan's Labyrinth and The Orphanage present a truly unique romantic thriller from Fantastic Fest veteran Eugenio Mira (The Birthday). "I've read few screenplays in my life that have impressed me as much as Agnosia,...
- 9/8/2010
- by Alison Willmore
- ifc.com
And the third wave is here. Our own Austin correspondent rochefort will be providing coverage. What do we like?
Spanish baroque thriller Agnois.
Technicolor fantasy actioner Bunraku.
Álex de la Iglesia's The Last Circus (Balada Triste).
and many more!
Fantastic fest runs from September 23rd to September 30th in Austin, TX at the Alamo Drafthouse. Purchase tickets at the official website.
The entire third wave after the break!
Premiere Screenings
Agnosia (2010)
Director: Eugenio Mira, Spain, World Premiere
The producers of Pan's Labyrinth and The Orphanage present a truly unique romantic thriller from Fantastic Fest veteran Eugenio Mira (The Birthday). "I've read few screenplays in my life that have impressed me as much as Agnosia," said director Guillermo del Toro. Director Eugenio Mira will be live in person.
Bunraku (2010)
Director: Guy Moshe, USA, Us Premiere
In a world with no guns, a mysterious drifter (Josh Hartnett), a young samurai and...
Spanish baroque thriller Agnois.
Technicolor fantasy actioner Bunraku.
Álex de la Iglesia's The Last Circus (Balada Triste).
and many more!
Fantastic fest runs from September 23rd to September 30th in Austin, TX at the Alamo Drafthouse. Purchase tickets at the official website.
The entire third wave after the break!
Premiere Screenings
Agnosia (2010)
Director: Eugenio Mira, Spain, World Premiere
The producers of Pan's Labyrinth and The Orphanage present a truly unique romantic thriller from Fantastic Fest veteran Eugenio Mira (The Birthday). "I've read few screenplays in my life that have impressed me as much as Agnosia," said director Guillermo del Toro. Director Eugenio Mira will be live in person.
Bunraku (2010)
Director: Guy Moshe, USA, Us Premiere
In a world with no guns, a mysterious drifter (Josh Hartnett), a young samurai and...
- 9/8/2010
- QuietEarth.us
Director: Tak Sakaguchi. Review: Adam Wing. With a name like Samurai Zombie we all know what to expect from Tak Sakaguchi’s latest Japanese splatter-fest. Quirky horror is back on the menu as heads pop like champagne corks and limbs are severed to a chorus of comedy and eccentricity. Tak Sakaguchi will be familiar to fans of cult favourite Versus, as will writer Ryuhei Kitamura, reunited here for yet another explosion of the zombie nation. Road trips are rarely a good idea in horror movies but when a family of four encounter a man with a gun, the desolate mountain trail they’ve been driving down feels even less inviting. Fortunately for them, a young couple show up just in time to kill the man at point blank rage. It turns out that these guys are on the run and need a ride, a turn of events found lacking on the lucky front.
- 8/10/2010
- 24framespersecond.net
Here's an odd one for you. Word broke several months ago that Sergei Bodrov (Mongol) and Guka Omarova (Native Dancer) had joined forces to co-direct, of all things, an action comedy in the Ukraine. A gangster comedy, in fact, and if you want to get really specific a yakuza comedy, and they recruited Tak Sakaguchi - the star of Versus and director of Be A Man Samurai School and Mutant Girls Squad - to help them do it. Sakaguchi would fill a minor on-screen role while also serving as the film's action coordinator.
We had some images a while back but things have been quiet since, for the most part, other than a TV interview reel that showed the first bits of footage.
But now you get the real thing. Russian film site Film.ru tracked down the first proper trailer for the film and we've got it below. Sakaguchi...
We had some images a while back but things have been quiet since, for the most part, other than a TV interview reel that showed the first bits of footage.
But now you get the real thing. Russian film site Film.ru tracked down the first proper trailer for the film and we've got it below. Sakaguchi...
- 8/6/2010
- Screen Anarchy
[Midnight Madness at Fantasia prompts a revisit of Alexander Thebez's review of Yoshihiro Nishimura & Noburo Iguchi low budget mayhem.]
Rin (Yumi Sugimoto) is a normal high school girl in Japan. She wears a sailor outfit, very pretty, has loving parents and is turning sixteen. Her life at school may be a little miserable because of mean bullies, but little does she know that it is just going to get worse, or better, depending on how you look at it.
Upon her arrival at home, Rin finds out that she is a descendant of the ancient Hiruko clan that is gifted with superpowers. Not long after this new discovery, a group of anti-mutant government super soldiers come swarming in and butcher Rin's parents.
After almost killing the entire town due to misunderstanding and grief-fueled rage, Rin meets Rei (Yuko Takayama). Rei introduces Rin to a small rag-tag group of mutant rebels led by the androgynous Kisaragi (Tak Sakaguchi), who is bent on restoring the Hiruko clan's place in the world.
Rin (Yumi Sugimoto) is a normal high school girl in Japan. She wears a sailor outfit, very pretty, has loving parents and is turning sixteen. Her life at school may be a little miserable because of mean bullies, but little does she know that it is just going to get worse, or better, depending on how you look at it.
Upon her arrival at home, Rin finds out that she is a descendant of the ancient Hiruko clan that is gifted with superpowers. Not long after this new discovery, a group of anti-mutant government super soldiers come swarming in and butcher Rin's parents.
After almost killing the entire town due to misunderstanding and grief-fueled rage, Rin meets Rei (Yuko Takayama). Rei introduces Rin to a small rag-tag group of mutant rebels led by the androgynous Kisaragi (Tak Sakaguchi), who is bent on restoring the Hiruko clan's place in the world.
- 7/10/2010
- Screen Anarchy
The cinema of Tak Sakaguchi (Be A Man! Samurai School, Samurai Zombie), Noboru Iguchi (Robogeisha, Machine Girl) and Yoshihiro Nishimura (Tokyo Gore Police, Vampire Girl Vs. Frankenstein Girl) is a very specific brand for a very specific audience, but those who do take a shine to all that insanity can be excited about the perfect storm that is their first film together. Legendarily born out of last year’s New York Asian Film Festival—where the three filmmakers got very drunk and realized a joint venture would be glorious—they quickly churned out a script and a movie in time for a premiere at this year’s edition of one of NYC’s best fests, and a midnight show tomorrow (Saturday, July 10) at Montreal’s Fantasia film festival.
- 7/9/2010
- by gingold@starloggroup.com (Samuel Zimmerman )
- Fangoria
[Once again, thanks to Alexander Thebez for the following review.]
Rin (Yumi Sugimoto) is a normal high school girl in Japan. She wears a sailor outfit, very pretty, has loving parents and is turning sixteen. Her life at school may be a little miserable because of mean bullies, but little does she know that it is just going to get worse, or better, depending on how you look at it.
Upon her arrival at home, Rin finds out that she is a descendant of the ancient Hiruko clan that is gifted with superpowers. Not long after this new discovery, a group of anti-mutant government super soldiers come swarming in and butcher Rin's parents.
After almost killing the entire town due to misunderstanding and grief-fueled rage, Rin meets Rei (Yuko Takayama). Rei introduces Rin to a small rag-tag group of mutant rebels led by the androgynous Kisaragi (Tak Sakaguchi), who is bent on restoring the Hiruko clan's place in the world.
Rin (Yumi Sugimoto) is a normal high school girl in Japan. She wears a sailor outfit, very pretty, has loving parents and is turning sixteen. Her life at school may be a little miserable because of mean bullies, but little does she know that it is just going to get worse, or better, depending on how you look at it.
Upon her arrival at home, Rin finds out that she is a descendant of the ancient Hiruko clan that is gifted with superpowers. Not long after this new discovery, a group of anti-mutant government super soldiers come swarming in and butcher Rin's parents.
After almost killing the entire town due to misunderstanding and grief-fueled rage, Rin meets Rei (Yuko Takayama). Rei introduces Rin to a small rag-tag group of mutant rebels led by the androgynous Kisaragi (Tak Sakaguchi), who is bent on restoring the Hiruko clan's place in the world.
- 7/1/2010
- Screen Anarchy
Nikkatsu Corporation and FUNimation Entertainment announced today an agreement that gives the latter an exclusive first look option on the home entertainment distribution of titles premiering from Nikkatsu Corporation's new genre film label, The Sushi Typhoon. The first two films slated for release on DVD and Blu-ray through the partnership are the action gore comedy film Alien vs. Ninja and the splatter action comedy Mutant Girls Squad in early 2011. Created by Producer Yoshinori Chiba, The Sushi Typhoon aims to bring the best talent from Japanese cult cinema to world-wide audiences. Mutant Girls Squad (trailer below) is presented by Yoshihiro Nishimura ( Tokyo Gore Police ), Noboru Iguchi ( The Machine Girl ), and Tak Sakaguchi ( Samurai Zombie ).
- 6/30/2010
- shocktillyoudrop.com
The New York Asian Film Festival is set to light the tiny island of Manhattan aflame with a hefty selection of mind blowing Asian films you won’t see anywhere else this June 25th to July 8th, and we've got the skinny on what to expect!
This year’s schedule is jam packed with insane offerings you won’t want to miss so we’ve taken the liberty of pulling out our top picks for the horror inclined, aka fans of the fucked up, grindhouse, and blood-splattering sort. Dive right in! Once you’ve spotted the films you want to catch, the full schedule can be found Right Here!
Dig on the breakdown of what's to come after the official festival video below! Bring a poncho and a mop. Things are bound to get really messy.
Alien vs. Ninja - In medieval Japan no one can hear you scream. And...
This year’s schedule is jam packed with insane offerings you won’t want to miss so we’ve taken the liberty of pulling out our top picks for the horror inclined, aka fans of the fucked up, grindhouse, and blood-splattering sort. Dive right in! Once you’ve spotted the films you want to catch, the full schedule can be found Right Here!
Dig on the breakdown of what's to come after the official festival video below! Bring a poncho and a mop. Things are bound to get really messy.
Alien vs. Ninja - In medieval Japan no one can hear you scream. And...
- 6/10/2010
- by Nomad
- DreadCentral.com
Freshly released in Japan, the three part cult feature Mutant Girls Squad - soon to receive it's International Premiere at the New York Asian Film Festival - features fresh directorial work from three of the biggest names in Japan's cult film scene with Noboru Iguchi (Machine Girl), Yoshihiro Nishimura (Tokyo Gore Police) and Tak Sakaguchi (the star of Versus) each directing one third of the story.
While I'm not going to get into a full review just yet I will say that I've had the chance to see it and that while Nishimura and Iguchi deliver exactly what you'd expect from them - and loads of it, to great effect - the big surprise here is just how far Sakaguchi has advanced as a director. Not to slight Iguchi or Nishimura - who both turn in wildly entertaining work - but this film is going to be Sakaguchi's coming out party as a director.
While I'm not going to get into a full review just yet I will say that I've had the chance to see it and that while Nishimura and Iguchi deliver exactly what you'd expect from them - and loads of it, to great effect - the big surprise here is just how far Sakaguchi has advanced as a director. Not to slight Iguchi or Nishimura - who both turn in wildly entertaining work - but this film is going to be Sakaguchi's coming out party as a director.
- 6/9/2010
- Screen Anarchy
From screenwriter Ryuhei Kitamura (director of The Midnight Meat Train and writer-director of Versus) and director Tak Sakaguchi (the star of Versus and fight choreographer for Tokyo Gore Police and Vampire Girl Vs. Frankenstein Girl) comes Samurai Zombie, a splatter-filled, genre blending, horror-comedy that delivers precisely what its title promises.
A vacationing family’s drive through the tranquil woods surrounding Eight Spears Village takes an unfortunate turn when their car hits a gun-toting man standing in the middle of the road. Suddenly, a young man and woman emerge from the woods and, after shooting the accident victim, proceed to car-jack the family taking them hostage in the process. The situation immediately goes from bad to worse when the car suffers a blowout and dad is sent off in search of a spare tyre or an alternative means of transport while his wife and two kids remain in the hands to the two apparent psychopaths.
A vacationing family’s drive through the tranquil woods surrounding Eight Spears Village takes an unfortunate turn when their car hits a gun-toting man standing in the middle of the road. Suddenly, a young man and woman emerge from the woods and, after shooting the accident victim, proceed to car-jack the family taking them hostage in the process. The situation immediately goes from bad to worse when the car suffers a blowout and dad is sent off in search of a spare tyre or an alternative means of transport while his wife and two kids remain in the hands to the two apparent psychopaths.
- 5/29/2010
- by Phil
- Nerdly
The great thing about the new wave of wild Japanese splatter cinema is its real sense of collaboration and teamwork, with pretty much everyone involved working with each other and directing their own opuses. The latest to emerge is “Samurai Zombie”, an excellent concept if ever there was one, which was directed by Tak Sakaguchi (who starred in “Versus” and provided the choreography for recent genre highpoints “Tokyo Gore Police” and “Vampire Girl Vs Frankenstein Girl”), and was written by none other than Ryuhei Kitamura (director of “Versus” and who has since gone Hollywood with “Midnight Meat Train”). The presence of such luminaries is obviously enough to make the film a must see affair for fans, and thankfully it doesn’t disappoint, offering up exactly the kind of wackiness expected. It now arrives on Region 2 DVD thanks to Mvm, as a bare bones release, not that it is the kind...
- 5/29/2010
- by James Mudge
- Beyond Hollywood
And the winner for film I most want to see is Gô Shibata's Doman Senman which I hear is incredibly weird. This is the same guy who did the serial killer with cerebral palsy flick Late Bloomer (Osoi Hito).
Other notable films include Merantau, the world premier of Alien vs Ninja, Mutant Girls Squad and Hitoshi Matsumoto's Symbol which I'm also dying to see.
The festival runs from June 25th to July 8th, and you can hit the Nyaff website right here.
Full lineup after the break.
Official Opening Night Film
IP Man 2 (Hong Kong, 2010, North American Premiere) - Sammo Hung and Donnie
Yen throw down in this lavish martial arts flick that blew the Hong Kong box
office wide open and beat Iron Man 2 like a redheaded stepchild.
***The movie's star and action choreographer, Sammo Hung, will be present.
Centerpiece Presentation
Confessions (Japan, 2010, International Premiere) -...
Other notable films include Merantau, the world premier of Alien vs Ninja, Mutant Girls Squad and Hitoshi Matsumoto's Symbol which I'm also dying to see.
The festival runs from June 25th to July 8th, and you can hit the Nyaff website right here.
Full lineup after the break.
Official Opening Night Film
IP Man 2 (Hong Kong, 2010, North American Premiere) - Sammo Hung and Donnie
Yen throw down in this lavish martial arts flick that blew the Hong Kong box
office wide open and beat Iron Man 2 like a redheaded stepchild.
***The movie's star and action choreographer, Sammo Hung, will be present.
Centerpiece Presentation
Confessions (Japan, 2010, International Premiere) -...
- 5/21/2010
- QuietEarth.us
Scripted by famed Japanese director Ryuhei Kitamura, Tak Sakaguchi’s blood-soaked action/horror flick “Samurai Zombie” (aka “Yoroi: The Samurai Zombie”) is finally making its way onto an English-subtitled Region 2 DVD. Not surprisingly, the film has the aesthetic of “Versus”, a film Kitamura and Sakaguchi delivered way back in the year 2000. Hard to believe it’s been ten whole years since that thoroughly enjoyable slice of manic zombie carnage sliced and diced its way into my tender little heart. And while “Samurai Zombie” appears to have been cut from the same cloth, the film certainly looks entertaining despite its somewhat dated appearance. Still, you can rest assured I’ll snag a copy of my very own as soon as I can rustle up the funds. Here’s a snappy synopsis courtesy of 24 Frames Per Second: A vacationing family’s drive through the tranquil woods surrounding Eight Spears Village takes an...
- 5/11/2010
- by Todd
- Beyond Hollywood
There isn’t a U.S. release date yet, but the Japanese action-horror flick Samurai Zombie—written by Versus/The Midnight Meat Train director Ryuhei Kitamura and helmed by popular actor/filmmaker/action choreographer Tak Sakaguchi—is heading for DVD release in the UK. The cover art for the film, a.k.a. Yoroi: Samurai Zombie, is now on the web.
- 5/10/2010
- by gingold@starloggroup.com (Allan Dart)
- Fangoria
From screenwriter Ryuhei Kitamura (director of ‘The Midnight Meat Train’ ) and director Tak Sakaguchi (star of ‘Versus’ ), Samurai Zombie - a splatter-filled, genre blending, horror-comedy that delivers precisely what its title promises - is heading for DVD release in the UK, and we’ve grabbed a first look at the great looking artwork for the release. We’ve yet to see if there will be a UK trailer, but luckily the original Japanese site is still alive (or undead) and kicking. Check it out for some gore filled fun. Samurai Zombie goes on sale July 5th. Synopsis: A vacationing family’s drive through the tranquil woods surrounding Eight Spears Village takes an unfortunate turn when their car hits a gun-toting man standing in the middle of the road. Suddenly, a young man and woman emerge from the woods and, after shooting the accident victim, proceed to car-jack the family taking them hostage in the process.
- 5/8/2010
- 24framespersecond.net
The Japanese feature "Mutant Girls Squad" from Spotted Productions is being distributed by Toei Video.
The feature is co-directed by Yoshihiro Nishimura ("Tokyo Gore Police"), Tak Sakaguchi ("Samurai School"), and Noboru Iguchi ("The Machine Girl"), starring Yumi Sugimoto, Yuko Takayama and Suzuka Morita.
"...'Rin', a bullied teenager, discovers her arm has mutated into a razor-sharp weapon on her 16th birthday. A shadow government organization immediately begins hunting her down, eliminating her parents in the process, but Rin is saved in the nick of time by a super-powered being called 'Hiruko'. Soon, mutants from all over Japan are gathered together and begin militant training to overthrow the government. Meanwhile, Rin is fitted with a special iron mask and begins her life as a 'battle girl', utilizing both her mutant powers and acrobatic abilities to fight against mutant-hunting special forces..."
Click the posters to enlarge and Sneak Peek "Mutant Girls Squad"...
The feature is co-directed by Yoshihiro Nishimura ("Tokyo Gore Police"), Tak Sakaguchi ("Samurai School"), and Noboru Iguchi ("The Machine Girl"), starring Yumi Sugimoto, Yuko Takayama and Suzuka Morita.
"...'Rin', a bullied teenager, discovers her arm has mutated into a razor-sharp weapon on her 16th birthday. A shadow government organization immediately begins hunting her down, eliminating her parents in the process, but Rin is saved in the nick of time by a super-powered being called 'Hiruko'. Soon, mutants from all over Japan are gathered together and begin militant training to overthrow the government. Meanwhile, Rin is fitted with a special iron mask and begins her life as a 'battle girl', utilizing both her mutant powers and acrobatic abilities to fight against mutant-hunting special forces..."
Click the posters to enlarge and Sneak Peek "Mutant Girls Squad"...
- 4/9/2010
- by Michael Stevens
- SneakPeek
Three of Japan's reining kings of splatter in one place? It sounds too good to be true but true it is nevertheless! Yoshihiro Nishimura (Tokyo Gore Police), Noboru Iguchi (Machine Girl) and Tak Sakaguchi (Be A Man, Samurai School) have joined forces to co-direct upcoming splatter picture Mutant Girls Squad, exquisite corpse style. That is to say that while the film is an anthology project - with each independantly directing one third of the film - it is also a single, continuous narrative. One starts telling the story, the next takes the mid section and the next wraps it up. I'm not sure what order they're going in here but does it really matter when the title promises so much?
And, surprisingly, the first teaser has arrived already and it's thirty seconds of gold. We've got it for your first look in the video player below. ...
And, surprisingly, the first teaser has arrived already and it's thirty seconds of gold. We've got it for your first look in the video player below. ...
- 3/10/2010
- Screen Anarchy
The new film by Tak (Be a Man! Samurai School) Sakaguchi, Noboru (Robo-Geisha) Iguchi, and Yoshihiro (Tokyo Gore Police) Nishimura, Sento Shojo (Japanese title) or Mutant Girls Squad, is in post production; and we've got a behind-the-scenes look at the editing process.
According to the Sushi Typhoon Twitter page, the film starring pin-up model Yumi Sugimoto is currently slated to have its international premiere in July. We're guessing that means it will premiere at the New York Asian Film Festival, where Nishimura's Vampire Girl vs. Frankenstein Girl had its international premiere last year. Just makes sense, no?
The images below come courtesy of Marc Walkow of Subway Cinema.
The man barely visible on the monitor is the film's central baddie (played by Versus' Tak Sakaguchi, reportedly as a cross-dressing mutant sword-swinger). The other shots are of an in-studio creature effect and Nishimura on his fourth nonstop day of editing the movie.
According to the Sushi Typhoon Twitter page, the film starring pin-up model Yumi Sugimoto is currently slated to have its international premiere in July. We're guessing that means it will premiere at the New York Asian Film Festival, where Nishimura's Vampire Girl vs. Frankenstein Girl had its international premiere last year. Just makes sense, no?
The images below come courtesy of Marc Walkow of Subway Cinema.
The man barely visible on the monitor is the film's central baddie (played by Versus' Tak Sakaguchi, reportedly as a cross-dressing mutant sword-swinger). The other shots are of an in-studio creature effect and Nishimura on his fourth nonstop day of editing the movie.
- 3/5/2010
- by Uncle Creepy
- DreadCentral.com
[Updated with fresh details!]
The project is a three way action omnibus titled Sento Shojo. The star, Japanese pin up girl Yumi Sugimoto. Directing? Noboru Iguchi (Machine Girl), Yoshihiro Nishimura (Tokyo Gore Police), and Tak Sakaguchi (Be A Man, Samurai School). Now, all three directors are currently prepping other features so I have no idea when this is going to roll, but roll it shall. Poor Sugimoto ... she seems like such a nice girl ...
Update!
Thanks to Marc Walkow of Outcast Cinema for the following bits of news. Backed by Nikkatsu studios, which probably means this will be released here via their Sushi Typhoon label, the English title is The Mutant Girls Squad. Production begins February 1st and will follow a similar format to Johnnie To / Tsui Hark / Ringo Lam collaboration Triangle, with each of the three directors handling a third of a single continuous storyline. According to Iguchi, "gore and freak effects will be abundant.
The project is a three way action omnibus titled Sento Shojo. The star, Japanese pin up girl Yumi Sugimoto. Directing? Noboru Iguchi (Machine Girl), Yoshihiro Nishimura (Tokyo Gore Police), and Tak Sakaguchi (Be A Man, Samurai School). Now, all three directors are currently prepping other features so I have no idea when this is going to roll, but roll it shall. Poor Sugimoto ... she seems like such a nice girl ...
Update!
Thanks to Marc Walkow of Outcast Cinema for the following bits of news. Backed by Nikkatsu studios, which probably means this will be released here via their Sushi Typhoon label, the English title is The Mutant Girls Squad. Production begins February 1st and will follow a similar format to Johnnie To / Tsui Hark / Ringo Lam collaboration Triangle, with each of the three directors handling a third of a single continuous storyline. According to Iguchi, "gore and freak effects will be abundant.
- 1/25/2010
- Screen Anarchy
Some early news coming out of this years Afm - on the next project from “Samurai Zombie” director/actor Tak Sakaguchi - that has us bouncing off the frickin walls with excitement! His latest project will apparently be….“A super genre movie, Samurai action drama, mixing original sword action with the latest special effects makeup. The Blood of Wolves will integrate swordplay, monsters and Kung Fu to create an intensive action experience and an extremely entertaining thrill ride that remains exciting from beginning to end.”…Old school, hard core Samurai sword fights, with a liberal dose of Monsters, Zombies and real rather than crappy CGI blood. Pinch us, we’re dreaming. Of course this is all still a long ways off, but below is an early synopsis for the flicks plot, plus a section of Sakaguchi comments about his vision for the film.
- 10/29/2009
- 24framespersecond.net
Some early news coming out of this years Afm - on the next project from “Samurai Zombie” director/actor Tak Sakaguchi - that has us bouncing off the frickin walls with excitement! His latest project will apparently be….“A super genre movie, Samurai action drama, mixing original sword action with the latest special effects makeup. The Blood of Wolves will integrate swordplay, monsters and Kung Fu to create an intensive action experience and an extremely entertaining thrill ride that remains exciting from beginning to end.”…Old school, hard core Samurai sword fights, with a liberal dose of Monsters, Zombies and real rather than crappy CGI blood. Pinch us, we’re dreaming. Of course this is all still a long ways off, but below is an early synopsis for the flicks plot, plus a section of Sakaguchi comments about his vision for the film.
- 10/29/2009
- 24framespersecond.net
Fango Fiends in the UK have a new haunt to check out when Celluloid Screams, Sheffield’s first horror film festival arrives at the Showroom Cinema (Paternoster Row, Sheffield S1 2Bx ) from October 23-25.
With 24 hours worth of films "featuring everything from classic and cult horror to contemporary new releases," Celluloid Screams was created by award-winning Sheffield filmmaker and horror aficionado Rob Nevitt. Check out the full details and screening schedule below the jump!
Festival highlights include the UK Premiere of Us indie shocker Neighbor. Dominic Monaghan, star of Lord of the Rings and Lost stars in I Sell The Dead, a film harking back to the days of classic Hammer horror while Yoroi: Samurai Zombie and Vampire Girl Vs Frankenstein Girl continue the recent trend of outrageous gore from Japan. From the archives we have rare screenings of Bigas Luna’s Anguish, classic 80’s slasher The Burning and exploitation epic Pieces.
With 24 hours worth of films "featuring everything from classic and cult horror to contemporary new releases," Celluloid Screams was created by award-winning Sheffield filmmaker and horror aficionado Rob Nevitt. Check out the full details and screening schedule below the jump!
Festival highlights include the UK Premiere of Us indie shocker Neighbor. Dominic Monaghan, star of Lord of the Rings and Lost stars in I Sell The Dead, a film harking back to the days of classic Hammer horror while Yoroi: Samurai Zombie and Vampire Girl Vs Frankenstein Girl continue the recent trend of outrageous gore from Japan. From the archives we have rare screenings of Bigas Luna’s Anguish, classic 80’s slasher The Burning and exploitation epic Pieces.
- 10/16/2009
- by no-reply@fangoria.com (James Zahn)
- Fangoria
I hope this is a pay week for some of you because this is easily one of the best weeks for DVD releases we've seen in quite a while. First on the list of must-sees is Adam Wingard'z long awaited Pop Skull (review), coming to us courtesy of boutique distributor Halo-8. It's a truly original peice of film making and even made our favorite films of 2008.
Next we have a great release form the Troma team (if you can believe it), Combat Shock (director's cut) (review). This stunning 2-disc 25th anniversary set of Buddy Giovinazzo's obscure cult film is a definite must-see for fans of American underground cinema from the 80s (or any era really).
Next up is the Anchor Bay release of Aussie teen thriller Acolytes. I viewed a screener for this one about a year back and really liked it. It's a decent indie mystery/horror with some great photography.
Next we have a great release form the Troma team (if you can believe it), Combat Shock (director's cut) (review). This stunning 2-disc 25th anniversary set of Buddy Giovinazzo's obscure cult film is a definite must-see for fans of American underground cinema from the 80s (or any era really).
Next up is the Anchor Bay release of Aussie teen thriller Acolytes. I viewed a screener for this one about a year back and really liked it. It's a decent indie mystery/horror with some great photography.
- 7/28/2009
- QuietEarth.us
As must for Tak Sakaguchi (‘Versus’) fans, his martial arts action comedy Samurai School is heading for release on R1 DVD. Based on the Manga by Akira Miyashita the movie is highly enjoyable tongue in cheek B-movie nonsense of the highest order. Samurai School is release on July 28th. Inheriting the Samurai Spirit, Otokojuku is a private boy’s school to nurture true men. As usual, 1st-year students enrol. What awaits them is grilling training regime, by Drill Master Onihige. Momotaro is professed in both academics and martial arts. Hidemaro is a puny coward. 300 push-ups, Oil Bath punishment, Disciplinary Twin Cells are just examples of what the newcomers experience. With blood and sweat, Momotaro and Hidemaro live through the Otokojuku days, but during that time, they become true friends. Meanwhile, Omito, a former Otokojuku student leader, who harbours a grudge against his old school, now leads the evil army of Kanto Gogakuren School,...
- 7/16/2009
- 24framespersecond.net
[Our thanks to Dustin Chang for the following review, though it should be noted that the man who hopped on stage claiming to be Naoyuki Tomomatsu was actually Machine Girl director Noboru Iguchi just goofing around with his good friend Nishimura..]
I had the privilege to attend the world premiere screening of Yoshihiro Nishimura (Tokyo Gore Police) & Naoyuki Tomomatsu (Stacey)’s Vampire Girl vs. Frankenstein Girl with boisterous fans who braved the bad weather to be in a packed theater on Friday night, as it was part of the Nyaff program. Present at the screening were co-directors Nishimura, Tomomatsu and also Tak Sakaguchi who was a stunt coordinator for the movie and a director in his own right (his movie Yoroi Samurai Zombie was to be screened right after Vampire Girl). They playfully introduced the movie and graciously stayed around for a spirited Q & A session afterwards.
I had the privilege to attend the world premiere screening of Yoshihiro Nishimura (Tokyo Gore Police) & Naoyuki Tomomatsu (Stacey)’s Vampire Girl vs. Frankenstein Girl with boisterous fans who braved the bad weather to be in a packed theater on Friday night, as it was part of the Nyaff program. Present at the screening were co-directors Nishimura, Tomomatsu and also Tak Sakaguchi who was a stunt coordinator for the movie and a director in his own right (his movie Yoroi Samurai Zombie was to be screened right after Vampire Girl). They playfully introduced the movie and graciously stayed around for a spirited Q & A session afterwards.
- 6/28/2009
- by Todd Brown
- Screen Anarchy
Year: 2008
Directors: Taku Sakaguchi
Writers: Ryûhei Kitamura
IMDb: link
Trailer: link
Review by: Bob Doto
Rating: 3 out of 10
There are two types of people in the world: those who enjoy films that depict fountains of blood spraying out of the necks of the recently decapitated, and those who can do without it. Unfortunately for Yoroi Samurai Zombie I’m in the latter class of people. Such is life, I suppose.
Or should I say, “such is my destiny?”
Yoroi Samurai Zombie makes a big deal about destiny. The opening scene is of a man obliterating the fourth wall as he stares straight into the camera (and thus the audience’s mind’s eye) musing on the predetermined nature of our life. It’s a dark and stormy night followed only by his untimely (or perfectly timed, depending on where you fall on the destiny debate) decapitation by a zombie samurai...
Directors: Taku Sakaguchi
Writers: Ryûhei Kitamura
IMDb: link
Trailer: link
Review by: Bob Doto
Rating: 3 out of 10
There are two types of people in the world: those who enjoy films that depict fountains of blood spraying out of the necks of the recently decapitated, and those who can do without it. Unfortunately for Yoroi Samurai Zombie I’m in the latter class of people. Such is life, I suppose.
Or should I say, “such is my destiny?”
Yoroi Samurai Zombie makes a big deal about destiny. The opening scene is of a man obliterating the fourth wall as he stares straight into the camera (and thus the audience’s mind’s eye) musing on the predetermined nature of our life. It’s a dark and stormy night followed only by his untimely (or perfectly timed, depending on where you fall on the destiny debate) decapitation by a zombie samurai...
- 6/21/2009
- QuietEarth.us
I didn’t know what to expect when I popped in this screener. Would it be a horror film with touches of comedy, a zany horror spoof? Gladly it was neither. I say gladly because Yorio Samurai Zombie was something a lot more rare. It had plenty of the above but in the end it emerged as something that sent a genuine chill. Part monster movie, part passle of jump scenes and shoot ‘em ups, and enough gushing blood to make anyone giggle, it also gave me no real idea where it was headed until it was too late. And by then it was forcing questions about the nature of cosmic justice Vs. revenge in my head. A family is kidnapped by a pair of runaway thieves only to end up near an old burial ground where a zombie samurai warrior has been set loose. The plot, and the number of monsters,...
- 6/21/2009
- by Canfield
- Screen Anarchy
Be a man! That's the motto of Otokojuku, the all-boys high school for those who wish to temper their inner samurai. It is also, of course, the motto of this irreverent 2008 film that seemingly reveres and at the same time parodies a genre that's unique to Japan. No, not samurai films—the juvenile delinquent genre, or whatever the hell it's called. There's a subsection of Japanese fiction that's dedicated to the conquest of high schools overrun by bad seeds, a very popular but often overused formula in Japanese comic serials. This one is based on Akira Miyashita's 1985 manga, which you can tell from the outdated "respect" attitude (something even recent Japanese gangland stories like to avoid), as well as one character's blazing pompadour, a relic of 80's Japanese culture.
Samurai School starts out as one of these stories, with the cliched premise of the freshman entering the school and, through sheer impressive fighting skills,...
Samurai School starts out as one of these stories, with the cliched premise of the freshman entering the school and, through sheer impressive fighting skills,...
- 6/12/2009
- by Arya Ponto
- JustPressPlay.net
The premier Asian film fest this side of the planet has announced the final schedule, and what a doozy. Running June 19 through July 5th, our very own NY correspondent Bob Doto and various other team members will be providing coverage and reviews of the fest.
Now before we go any further, the ticket situation isn't the easiest. Their is two veneus, the IFC Center and the Japan Society.
Here is where to purchase tickets for screenings at the IFC Center.
Here is where to purchase tickets for Japan Society screenings which start July 1st
There is also further details coming on ticket packs.
So now where should we start...
How about Joko Anwar's incredible Pintu Terlarang (The Forbidden Door). Anwar is a genius, I loved this flick and you should check out Kala.
Then there's the kaiju flick Monster X Strikes Back which I'm greatly looking forward too.
How...
Now before we go any further, the ticket situation isn't the easiest. Their is two veneus, the IFC Center and the Japan Society.
Here is where to purchase tickets for screenings at the IFC Center.
Here is where to purchase tickets for Japan Society screenings which start July 1st
There is also further details coming on ticket packs.
So now where should we start...
How about Joko Anwar's incredible Pintu Terlarang (The Forbidden Door). Anwar is a genius, I loved this flick and you should check out Kala.
Then there's the kaiju flick Monster X Strikes Back which I'm greatly looking forward too.
How...
- 6/9/2009
- QuietEarth.us
Every year, San Francisco gets into a frisky, gory mood as the annual Another Hole in the Head film festival rears its ugly head. Presented by the San Francisco Independent Film Festival, this offshoot little fest contains some of the best in independent and foreign B-movies. Though billed as a celebration of Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror, in truth it’s a place for all types of cult films in the making, as indicated by this year’s diverse programming.
Now in its sixth year, the two-week long circus of strange mixes horror, comedy, drama, action, documentary and even porn in its schedule. The only requirement is to be trashy and exciting. Blood, please, if you can.
Cult icon Takashi Miike gets two films in, first with the opening night film Crows: Episode Zero, then with his special take on the private eye genre, Detective Story. At first, it’s...
Now in its sixth year, the two-week long circus of strange mixes horror, comedy, drama, action, documentary and even porn in its schedule. The only requirement is to be trashy and exciting. Blood, please, if you can.
Cult icon Takashi Miike gets two films in, first with the opening night film Crows: Episode Zero, then with his special take on the private eye genre, Detective Story. At first, it’s...
- 6/5/2009
- by Arya Ponto
- JustPressPlay.net
No sooner had we posted the news about the U.S. date for Park Chan-wook’s Thirst than we found out about a bunch more Asian titles coming to the big screen this summer—in Manhattan, at least. Yes, the New York Asian Film Festival is gearing up to unleash what it calls “our biggest, most ridiculous [event] yet!”
The fest will present its 2009 lineup June 19-July 2 at the IFC Center (323 6th Avenue) and July 1-5 at Japan Society (333 East 47th Street). The opening-night and closing-night films, centerpiece presentations and Hong Kong New Action titles have yet to be announced, but among the many titles already confirmed are several of special interest to Fangorians.
One must-see event will be Tokyo Gore Night, with filmmaker/FX artist Yoshihiro Nishimura (pictured above) presenting several of his insane short movies set in the universes of his feature Tokyo Gore Police as well as Machine...
The fest will present its 2009 lineup June 19-July 2 at the IFC Center (323 6th Avenue) and July 1-5 at Japan Society (333 East 47th Street). The opening-night and closing-night films, centerpiece presentations and Hong Kong New Action titles have yet to be announced, but among the many titles already confirmed are several of special interest to Fangorians.
One must-see event will be Tokyo Gore Night, with filmmaker/FX artist Yoshihiro Nishimura (pictured above) presenting several of his insane short movies set in the universes of his feature Tokyo Gore Police as well as Machine...
- 5/7/2009
- Fangoria
Just like promised the day before yesterday, the full program with (so far?) 38 titles for the 10. Japanese Film Festival Hamburg is now available online. The Jffh will take place from May 27 to May 31.
Cafe Isobe by Keisuke Yoshida (Eröffnungsfilm) Appassionata by Sadao Nakajima Arbol del Tule by Takeya Sekiguchi Balloon Forest by Takashi Miura Takuya Bluebird by Shu Asakawa Captain Tokyo by Kazushi Watanabe Crazed Beast by Sadao Nakajima Cyborg She by Kwak Jae Yong Das Leben von meinem Vater Yoshiari by Mitsuwaha Yusaku Der Buddha, der den Fuchs berührt by Yosuke Kaneko Der Engel im blauen Himmel Der Rote Punkt by Marie Miyayama Detroit Metal City by Toshio Lee Dream of the City by Shunichi Takagi Empty Blue by Kou Hanekawa Escape from Hiroshima Prison by Sadao Nakajima Gelatin Silver Love by Kazumi Kurigami Genius Party by Studio 4°C Genius Party Beyond by Studio 4°C Grotesque by Koji Shiraishi...
Cafe Isobe by Keisuke Yoshida (Eröffnungsfilm) Appassionata by Sadao Nakajima Arbol del Tule by Takeya Sekiguchi Balloon Forest by Takashi Miura Takuya Bluebird by Shu Asakawa Captain Tokyo by Kazushi Watanabe Crazed Beast by Sadao Nakajima Cyborg She by Kwak Jae Yong Das Leben von meinem Vater Yoshiari by Mitsuwaha Yusaku Der Buddha, der den Fuchs berührt by Yosuke Kaneko Der Engel im blauen Himmel Der Rote Punkt by Marie Miyayama Detroit Metal City by Toshio Lee Dream of the City by Shunichi Takagi Empty Blue by Kou Hanekawa Escape from Hiroshima Prison by Sadao Nakajima Gelatin Silver Love by Kazumi Kurigami Genius Party by Studio 4°C Genius Party Beyond by Studio 4°C Grotesque by Koji Shiraishi...
- 4/24/2009
- by Ulrik
- Affenheimtheater
A family on vacation is car-jacked and kidnapped by a couple of criminals. To elude the authorities, the criminals take the family deep into the woods that is cursed by the spirits of the undead. There, the group must face their inescapable karma and destiny.
Yoroi: Samurai Zombie is the second feature directorial effort from the baddest zombie killer himself, Tak Sakaguchi (Versus, Death Trance). Sakaguchi once again teams up with screenwriter Ryuhei Kitamura (Versus), for a film that is not only sure to satisfy your blood thirst but also offers some incredible next generation “real action” stunts (no CG or camera trick) by Sakaguchi’s own action stunt team, Team Zeros. (Synopsis courtesy of AFI Dallas)
Official Japanese Website
Via: rude-e.stumbleupon Read More
tags: horror, japanese film, samurai, zombies...
Yoroi: Samurai Zombie is the second feature directorial effort from the baddest zombie killer himself, Tak Sakaguchi (Versus, Death Trance). Sakaguchi once again teams up with screenwriter Ryuhei Kitamura (Versus), for a film that is not only sure to satisfy your blood thirst but also offers some incredible next generation “real action” stunts (no CG or camera trick) by Sakaguchi’s own action stunt team, Team Zeros. (Synopsis courtesy of AFI Dallas)
Official Japanese Website
Via: rude-e.stumbleupon Read More
tags: horror, japanese film, samurai, zombies...
- 3/17/2009
- by Leigh
- Latemag.com/film
Could this be the next splatter masterpiece to find its way out of Japan? Maybe we won’t go that far, but Samurai Zombie certainly looks like it’s got a hell of a lot going for it, not the least of which being that is was directed by Versus star and all around badass Tak Sakaguchi.
The film follows a family on vacation who are threatened by a man with a gun. As the family is being terrorized, a couple shows up out of nowhere, kills the man, then disappears again. Soon after an old woman shows up to warn them of impending death, and before they know it, they’re hip-deep in samurai zombies who are more apt to cut you in half than bite.
Twitch Film now has the film’s trailer ready for your consumption. If its low-budget look bugs you, just know that with Tak...
The film follows a family on vacation who are threatened by a man with a gun. As the family is being terrorized, a couple shows up out of nowhere, kills the man, then disappears again. Soon after an old woman shows up to warn them of impending death, and before they know it, they’re hip-deep in samurai zombies who are more apt to cut you in half than bite.
Twitch Film now has the film’s trailer ready for your consumption. If its low-budget look bugs you, just know that with Tak...
- 12/18/2008
- by Johnny Butane
- DreadCentral.com
Goody. It is time once again for copious amounts of blood to rain down from the sky above. Here we have the trailer for Tak Sakaguchi’s Samurai Zombie, his second foray into film direction. It is of no concern to us that it is obviously a low budgeted affair it certainly does make up for it with dismemberment and blood letting.
This Japanese low-budget action drama follows a family on a trip that encounters a man threatening them with a gun on a desolate mountain trail. At a moment of maximum tension, a couple shows up out of nowhere, kills the man and disappears again, and shortly after a lunatic old lady comes and warns them of death. The frightened family is headed for a showdown for no reason with samurai zombies resurrected from their graves.
Samurai Zombie is a so-called fusion-style film that has established itself as a trend.
This Japanese low-budget action drama follows a family on a trip that encounters a man threatening them with a gun on a desolate mountain trail. At a moment of maximum tension, a couple shows up out of nowhere, kills the man and disappears again, and shortly after a lunatic old lady comes and warns them of death. The frightened family is headed for a showdown for no reason with samurai zombies resurrected from their graves.
Samurai Zombie is a so-called fusion-style film that has established itself as a trend.
- 12/18/2008
- by Mack
- Screen Anarchy
Dysfunctional family members, insane gun wielding maniacs, severed limbs aplenty, buckets of blood and of course ancient undead warriors - it’s the first trailer for Tak sakaguchi's Samurai Zombie. The plot: A family on a trip encounters a man threatening them with a gun on a desolate mountain trail. At a moment of maximum tension, a couple shows up out of nowhere, kill the man and disappears again. Shortly after a lunatic old lady comes and warns them of their impending death. The frightened family is headed for a showdown with Samurai Zombies resurrected from their graves.
- 12/18/2008
- 24framespersecond.net
Dysfunctional family members, insane gun wielding maniacs, severed limbs aplenty, buckets of blood and of course ancient undead warriors - it’s the first trailer for Tak sakaguchi's Samurai Zombie. The plot: A family on a trip encounters a man threatening them with a gun on a desolate mountain trail. At a moment of maximum tension, a couple shows up out of nowhere, kill the man and disappears again. Shortly after a lunatic old lady comes and warns them of their impending death. The frightened family is headed for a showdown with Samurai Zombies resurrected from their graves.
- 12/18/2008
- 24framespersecond.net
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