The Tokyo Gap-Financing Market (Tgfm) has revealed the 20 projects selected for financing and development at Tiffcom, the content market of Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF).
The 5th edition of Tgfm is set to take place from October 30 to November 1 and includes five more projects than last year due to a special focus on Italy. This follows the signing of a co-production agreement between Italy and Japan in 2023, which came into effect last month.
Scroll down for full list of titles
Several international projects hail from successful producers who have teamed with young directors.
They include family drama 9 Temples To Heaven,...
The 5th edition of Tgfm is set to take place from October 30 to November 1 and includes five more projects than last year due to a special focus on Italy. This follows the signing of a co-production agreement between Italy and Japan in 2023, which came into effect last month.
Scroll down for full list of titles
Several international projects hail from successful producers who have teamed with young directors.
They include family drama 9 Temples To Heaven,...
- 9/18/2024
- ScreenDaily
The Criterion Channel’s at its best when October rolls around, consistently engaging in the strongest horror line-ups of any streamer. 2024 will bring more than a few iterations of their spooky programming: “Horror F/X” highlights the best effects-based scares through the likes of Romero, Cronenberg, Lynch, Tobe Hooper, James Whale; “Witches” does what it says on the tin (and inside the tin is the underrated Italian anthology film featuring Clint Eastwood cuckolded by Batman); “Japanese Horror” runs the gamut of classics; a Stephen King series puts John Carpenter and The Lawnmower Man on equal playing ground; October’s Criterion Editions are Rosemary’s Baby, Night of the Hunter, Häxan; a made-for-tv duo includes Carpenter’s underrated Someone’s Watching Me!; meanwhile, The Wailing and The Babadook stream alongside a collection of Cronenberg and Stephanie Rothman titles.
Otherwise, Winona Ryder and Raúl Juliá are given retrospectives, as are filmmakers Arthur J. Bressan Jr. and Lionel Rogosin.
Otherwise, Winona Ryder and Raúl Juliá are given retrospectives, as are filmmakers Arthur J. Bressan Jr. and Lionel Rogosin.
- 9/17/2024
- by Leonard Pearce
- The Film Stage
K5 Intl. has come on board for worldwide sales of the feature film “Ravens,” starring Tadanobu Asano, Emmy nominated for “Shōgun,” and Kumi Takuichi.
The film is directed by Mark Gill, known for Morrissey portrait “England Is Mine” (2017), and short film “The Voorman Problem” (2011), which was Oscar and BAFTA nominated.
K5 Intl. will present “Ravens” at a special screening at Toronto Film Festival and the film will have its world premiere at the Austin Film Festival at the end of October, as Variety exclusively announced.
The film depicts the turbulent love-triangle between maverick Japanese photographer Masahisa Fukase, his model and wife Yoko, and Fukase’s Art, incarnated as an eight-foot talking Raven. “Tender, mischievous and packing emotional sucker-punches, ‘Ravens’ maps the peaks, troughs and collateral damage of a life devoted to art,” according to a statement.
The film is produced by Vestapol, Ark Entertainment, Minded Factory, Katsize Films and The...
The film is directed by Mark Gill, known for Morrissey portrait “England Is Mine” (2017), and short film “The Voorman Problem” (2011), which was Oscar and BAFTA nominated.
K5 Intl. will present “Ravens” at a special screening at Toronto Film Festival and the film will have its world premiere at the Austin Film Festival at the end of October, as Variety exclusively announced.
The film depicts the turbulent love-triangle between maverick Japanese photographer Masahisa Fukase, his model and wife Yoko, and Fukase’s Art, incarnated as an eight-foot talking Raven. “Tender, mischievous and packing emotional sucker-punches, ‘Ravens’ maps the peaks, troughs and collateral damage of a life devoted to art,” according to a statement.
The film is produced by Vestapol, Ark Entertainment, Minded Factory, Katsize Films and The...
- 9/3/2024
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Georgian producer Tekla Machavariani, in Locarno this week for the world premiere of director Tato Kotetishvili’s “Holy Electricity,” which plays in the Swiss fest’s Filmmakers of the Present section, has unveiled a slate of new features at her Tbilisi-based production company Nushi Film.
Among them is the first Georgian-Japanese co-production, a film inspired by the brutal Georgian Civil War of the early-1990s, and a movie set among the hip-hop generation of the 2000s in the crime-filled streets of Tbilisi.
“When I founded the company, my main goal was to work with my friends who were inspiring me. They taught me cinema,” said Machavariani, who launched Nushi Film in 2015. “For me, the most important thing is to make Georgian films with directors with whom I grow. We start with short films and then, slowly, we go through the journey together.”
“The Dog is Barking” is the ambitious feature...
Among them is the first Georgian-Japanese co-production, a film inspired by the brutal Georgian Civil War of the early-1990s, and a movie set among the hip-hop generation of the 2000s in the crime-filled streets of Tbilisi.
“When I founded the company, my main goal was to work with my friends who were inspiring me. They taught me cinema,” said Machavariani, who launched Nushi Film in 2015. “For me, the most important thing is to make Georgian films with directors with whom I grow. We start with short films and then, slowly, we go through the journey together.”
“The Dog is Barking” is the ambitious feature...
- 8/14/2024
- by Christopher Vourlias
- Variety Film + TV
The weekly unveiling of licenses continues at Seven Seas Entertainment, and this week the publisher saw fit to announce five more titles. The latest batch includes a new addition to the mature Ghost Ship imprint in Gorou Nori's Imaizumi Brings All the Gals to His House , the Hikari-man omnibus from Ichi the Killer author Hideo Yamamoto and more. Let's see what's due out this November and December: Imaizumi Brings All the Gals to His House by Gorou Nori December 2024 Synopsis: Imaizumi lives a life that most high school boys could only dream of! During the day, he attends his classes like any dutiful student, only to return each evening to a home full of hotties! It seems his home has become the go-to hangout for the coolest gyarus in town. From endless gossip fests to snack binges to getting downright physical with his three new housemates, his once-quiet abode is...
- 6/6/2024
- by Joseph Luster
- Crunchyroll
Noemie Merlant’s sophomore feature “The Balconettes” plays as a raunchy horror-comedy with a greater social conscience. The film follows three roommates – an actress, played by Merlant, a camgirl played by “Dune: Part Two” breakout Souheila Yacoub and a frustrated writer played Sanda Condreanu – who are initially infatuated and eventually repelled by a lothario neighbor from across the yard. Exploring questions of coercion and consent with a healthy dose of blood and guts, “The Balconettes” wants to entertain and energize in equal measure.
Variety spoke with the filmmaker ahead of her film’s world premiere in Cannes.
How did this film come about?
Four years ago, I found myself escaping from a daily life that was suffocating. I went to live with women, with friends of mine, including Sanda Codreanu, who stars in the film. This was the first time I’d lived with other women, and the first time...
Variety spoke with the filmmaker ahead of her film’s world premiere in Cannes.
How did this film come about?
Four years ago, I found myself escaping from a daily life that was suffocating. I went to live with women, with friends of mine, including Sanda Codreanu, who stars in the film. This was the first time I’d lived with other women, and the first time...
- 5/18/2024
- by Ben Croll
- Variety Film + TV
Japanese director Miike Takashi, who is known for slasher film “Ichi the Killer” and stomach-churning “Audition,” has signed with CAA for representation.
Miike is one of Japan’s most prolific and bold directors, with more than 100 feature film credits, spanning genres, including horror, comedy and action. “Ichi The Killer” and “Audition” enjoy cult followings globally.
The auteur has also received acclaim at the Cannes Film Festival for “Shield of Straw,” “Gozu” and “Hara-Kiri: Death of a Samurai.”
His film “Crows Zero” is immensely popular in Asia, especially among Gen Z.
In March, Miike was selected to represent Japan in Apple’s “shot on iPhone” project, directing a short film based on Osamu Tezuka’s iconic 1986 manga “Midnight,” now streaming worldwide.
In 2022, he directed drama series “Connect,” produced by South Korea’s Studio Dragon and distributed by Disney+, which is available to stream on Hulu in the U.S. “I’m...
Miike is one of Japan’s most prolific and bold directors, with more than 100 feature film credits, spanning genres, including horror, comedy and action. “Ichi The Killer” and “Audition” enjoy cult followings globally.
The auteur has also received acclaim at the Cannes Film Festival for “Shield of Straw,” “Gozu” and “Hara-Kiri: Death of a Samurai.”
His film “Crows Zero” is immensely popular in Asia, especially among Gen Z.
In March, Miike was selected to represent Japan in Apple’s “shot on iPhone” project, directing a short film based on Osamu Tezuka’s iconic 1986 manga “Midnight,” now streaming worldwide.
In 2022, he directed drama series “Connect,” produced by South Korea’s Studio Dragon and distributed by Disney+, which is available to stream on Hulu in the U.S. “I’m...
- 5/14/2024
- by Naman Ramachandran and Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
A new feature from acclaimed Japanese filmmaker Takashi Miike is to be launched by Gaga Corporation at the Cannes market this week.
The untitled project will centre on two young men in a juvenile reformatory who become inspired to participate in a martial arts tournament called Breaking Down and both go into training. Casting has not yet been announced.
Now in production, the script is written by Shin Kibayashi, best known as the co-creator of popular manga Drops of God, which was adapted by Legendary Entertainment and launched on Apple TV+ last year.
Miike is known as the director of Audition,...
The untitled project will centre on two young men in a juvenile reformatory who become inspired to participate in a martial arts tournament called Breaking Down and both go into training. Casting has not yet been announced.
Now in production, the script is written by Shin Kibayashi, best known as the co-creator of popular manga Drops of God, which was adapted by Legendary Entertainment and launched on Apple TV+ last year.
Miike is known as the director of Audition,...
- 5/14/2024
- ScreenDaily
Veteran Japanese film producer Muneyuki Kii has assembled a bold new venture to shake up Japan’s traditionally sclerotic and risk-averse approach to movie financing. The executive, formerly a lead producer at Tokyo-based studio Toei, revealed the launch Thursday of K2 Pictures, a mini-studio that aims to bring a more direct, Hollywood-style model of film funding to Japan’s industry.
The new company will launch a content fund — dubbed the “K2P Film Fund I” — to finance both live-action and animated Japanese features. K2P also has lined up an impressive roster of Japanese directors to collaborate with on its first slate, including Palme d’Or winner Hirokazu Kore-eda (Shoplifters), local industry mainstay Takashi Miike (Ichi the Killer, 13 Assassins), Shunji Iwai (Love Letter), Miwa Nishikawa (Sway), Kazuya Shiraishi (The Devil’s Path) and leading anime studio Mappa, known for mega-hits like Jujutsu Kaisen 0 and Attack on Titan.
Kii...
The new company will launch a content fund — dubbed the “K2P Film Fund I” — to finance both live-action and animated Japanese features. K2P also has lined up an impressive roster of Japanese directors to collaborate with on its first slate, including Palme d’Or winner Hirokazu Kore-eda (Shoplifters), local industry mainstay Takashi Miike (Ichi the Killer, 13 Assassins), Shunji Iwai (Love Letter), Miwa Nishikawa (Sway), Kazuya Shiraishi (The Devil’s Path) and leading anime studio Mappa, known for mega-hits like Jujutsu Kaisen 0 and Attack on Titan.
Kii...
- 5/10/2024
- by Patrick Brzeski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Japanese filmmaker Takashi Miike has over 115 directing credits to his name, and it has only taken him 33 years to reach that impressive number. One of his latest credits came on a blood-soaked horror thriller called Lumberjack the Monster, and the folks at Rue Morgue have confirmed that Lumberjack the Monster is going to be available to watch on the Netflix streaming service as of June 1st.
Before the film reaches Netflix, New York City’s Japan Society (located at 333 East 47th Street) will be hosting its the North American premiere screening on Monday, May 6 at 8pm. Rue Morgue notes, “There will also be a pre-screening reception at 7pm with beverages donated by Sapporo-Stone Brewing and Brooklyn Kura. The screening is being presented in conjunction with the Tribeca Film Festival, as part of its Escape from Tribeca program.”
Lumberjack the Monster is based on a novel by Mayusuke Kurai and stars Kazuya Kamenashi,...
Before the film reaches Netflix, New York City’s Japan Society (located at 333 East 47th Street) will be hosting its the North American premiere screening on Monday, May 6 at 8pm. Rue Morgue notes, “There will also be a pre-screening reception at 7pm with beverages donated by Sapporo-Stone Brewing and Brooklyn Kura. The screening is being presented in conjunction with the Tribeca Film Festival, as part of its Escape from Tribeca program.”
Lumberjack the Monster is based on a novel by Mayusuke Kurai and stars Kazuya Kamenashi,...
- 4/12/2024
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
If someone wanted a gateway introduction to Takashi Miike, a seasoned fan would likely direct that person's attention toward ‘Audition,' or ‘Ichi the Killer.' The caveat here is that these are full-length films: Neither of them get their point across instantly, and traces of that characteristic Miike calamity come and go.
The beginning of Miike's ‘Dead or Alive' is such an effective taste test because it showcases the sheer zaniness of the prolific director's mind, all within a mere few minutes. The opening shot features the dynamic duo of protagonists, Detective Jojima and Yakuza member Ryuuichi as they pop a squat, crane their necks to look backwards towards the camera and count to four in English.
It is like the two are theme park conductors about to lead their viewers on a rollercoaster ride: Once they reach four, the iconic ‘Doa' logo pops up against a black backdrop,...
The beginning of Miike's ‘Dead or Alive' is such an effective taste test because it showcases the sheer zaniness of the prolific director's mind, all within a mere few minutes. The opening shot features the dynamic duo of protagonists, Detective Jojima and Yakuza member Ryuuichi as they pop a squat, crane their necks to look backwards towards the camera and count to four in English.
It is like the two are theme park conductors about to lead their viewers on a rollercoaster ride: Once they reach four, the iconic ‘Doa' logo pops up against a black backdrop,...
- 3/8/2024
- by Spencer Nafekh-Blanchette
- AsianMoviePulse
In what is a refreshing — at least for us at Filmmaker — changeup from the usual sorts of films that get the iPhone demo treatment, Apple has released a new 19-minute short, Midnight, directed by Takashi Miike. It’s no Audition or Ichi the Killer, naturally, but his adaptation of Osamu Tezuka’s manga is a lot of fun. There’s also an accompanying short behind-the-scenes video, below, that demonstrates the use of iPhone modes like Action and Cinematic — the former’s handheld stabilization and the latter’s rack focus — as well as, most impressively, the use of the phone’s Lidar scanner […]
The post Watch: Apple-Produced Takashi Miike Film Shot on iPhone 15 Pro first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
The post Watch: Apple-Produced Takashi Miike Film Shot on iPhone 15 Pro first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
- 3/6/2024
- by Scott Macaulay
- Filmmaker Magazine-Director Interviews
In what is a refreshing — at least for us at Filmmaker — changeup from the usual sorts of films that get the iPhone demo treatment, Apple has released a new 19-minute short, Midnight, directed by Takashi Miike. It’s no Audition or Ichi the Killer, naturally, but his adaptation of Osamu Tezuka’s manga is a lot of fun. There’s also an accompanying short behind-the-scenes video, below, that demonstrates the use of iPhone modes like Action and Cinematic — the former’s handheld stabilization and the latter’s rack focus — as well as, most impressively, the use of the phone’s Lidar scanner […]
The post Watch: Apple-Produced Takashi Miike Film Shot on iPhone 15 Pro first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
The post Watch: Apple-Produced Takashi Miike Film Shot on iPhone 15 Pro first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
- 3/6/2024
- by Scott Macaulay
- Filmmaker Magazine - Blog
Here’s a nice surprise to get you over Hump Day: Japanese filmmaker Takashi Miike secretly shot a 19-minute short film, titled “Midnight,” on an Apple iPhone 15 Pro. Apple quietly released the film on YouTube.
“Midnight,” originally a manga by Osamu Tezuka and directed for film by Miike, follows a mysterious taxi driver, Midnight, who lends a hand to Kaede, a young girl chased by assassins. This dude is a hell of a lot better than that “Cash Cab” guy, and “Midnight” is a hell of a lot better than your home iPhone videos.
Midnight can see the near future, which makes him one of the only people outside of Miike himself who saw this film coming. But when you do see it, you’ll probably want to trade in your Samsung device.
The short film is visually stunning, especially when you consider its camera — Miike’s iPhone has no...
“Midnight,” originally a manga by Osamu Tezuka and directed for film by Miike, follows a mysterious taxi driver, Midnight, who lends a hand to Kaede, a young girl chased by assassins. This dude is a hell of a lot better than that “Cash Cab” guy, and “Midnight” is a hell of a lot better than your home iPhone videos.
Midnight can see the near future, which makes him one of the only people outside of Miike himself who saw this film coming. But when you do see it, you’ll probably want to trade in your Samsung device.
The short film is visually stunning, especially when you consider its camera — Miike’s iPhone has no...
- 3/6/2024
- by Tony Maglio
- Indiewire
Midnight is one of manga master Osamu Tezuka's lesser-known works. Published in two parts just two years before his passing, it tells the story of Midnight, a mysterious taxi driver who encounters strange passengers during his late-night drives. Today, a new short film has dropped, inspired by the classic manga—and it was filmed entirely on the iPhone 15 Pro. The 19-minute film was directed by Takashi Miike, known for everything from gritty films like Audition and Ichi the Killer to his adaptations of Ace Attorney and JoJo's Bizarre Adventure . Film and TV actor Kento Kaku plays Midnight, who roams the streets of Tokyo in his specially modified taxi. Konatsu Kato plays Kaede, a young trucker on the run from her father's killer (played by Yukiyoshi Ozawa). Miike himself has a cameo as Kaede's late father in a flashback. Watch the entire short here. Don't forget to turn on...
- 3/6/2024
- by Kara Dennison
- Crunchyroll
Apple had a surprise in store Wednesday for fans of Japanese manga and the always-stimulating, neo-noir cinema of Takashi Miike — a 19-minute short film made by the filmmaker using only an iPhone 15 Pro.
Titled Midnight, the mini-movie is an adaptation of a lesser-known work by legendary Japanese manga artist Osamu Tezuka. Much of the film takes place in neon-lit Tokyo at night, including a thrilling car chase sequence — a deliberate exercise on Apple’s part to showcase their device’s video capture capabilities in low lighting. (Watch the film below)
The story centers on a late-night taxi driver named “Midnight” played by popular Japanese actor Kento Kaku, who roams the streets of Tokyo offering help to those in need. The film follows Midnight as he comes to the aid of a young woman, played by Konatsu Kato, who is struggling to take over her recently deceased father’s truck-driving business...
Titled Midnight, the mini-movie is an adaptation of a lesser-known work by legendary Japanese manga artist Osamu Tezuka. Much of the film takes place in neon-lit Tokyo at night, including a thrilling car chase sequence — a deliberate exercise on Apple’s part to showcase their device’s video capture capabilities in low lighting. (Watch the film below)
The story centers on a late-night taxi driver named “Midnight” played by popular Japanese actor Kento Kaku, who roams the streets of Tokyo offering help to those in need. The film follows Midnight as he comes to the aid of a young woman, played by Konatsu Kato, who is struggling to take over her recently deceased father’s truck-driving business...
- 3/6/2024
- by Patrick Brzeski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Cyber Monday is here with even more deals on horror 4K UHDs, Blu-rays, collectibles, and more. Some Black Friday sales are still active, other prices have come down even more, and a bunch of new items have been discounted. Here are this year’s Cyber Monday highlights.
Amazon 4K Uhd Deals:
Assassin’s Creed – $5.99 Maleficent – $7.43 Terminator 2 – $7.99 Suicide Squad – $7.99 Reservoir Dogs – $9.33 John Wick: Chapter 2 – $9.33 Evil Dead Rise – $9.49 The Lost Boys – $9.49 Poltergeist – $9.49 The Blackening – $9.49 Jurassic Park – $9.49 Nope – $9.49 Get Out – $9.99 The Batman – $9.99 Zack Snyder’s Justice League – $9.99 The Suicide Squad – $9.99 Dune – $9.99 The Shawshank Redemption – $9.99 Jaws 2 – $9.99 Everything Everywhere All At Once – $9.99 Edge of Tomorrow – $9.99 Highlander – $9.99 Battlestar Galactica – $9.99 Warcraft – $9.99 Godzilla vs. Kong – $9.99 King Kong (2005) – $10.44 Serenity – $10.49 E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial – $10.99 Ip Man – $10.99 Train to Busan – $11.21 The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent – $11.49 Parasite – $11.49 The Goonies – $11.49 Full Metal Jacket – $11.49 The Shining – $11.99 Dr. Strangelove – $11.99 Us – $11.99 Bram Stoker’s Dracula – $11.99 Nobody – $11.99 The Fifth Element – $11.99 The Dark Crystal – $11.99 Halloween Kills – $11.99 Halloween Ends...
Amazon 4K Uhd Deals:
Assassin’s Creed – $5.99 Maleficent – $7.43 Terminator 2 – $7.99 Suicide Squad – $7.99 Reservoir Dogs – $9.33 John Wick: Chapter 2 – $9.33 Evil Dead Rise – $9.49 The Lost Boys – $9.49 Poltergeist – $9.49 The Blackening – $9.49 Jurassic Park – $9.49 Nope – $9.49 Get Out – $9.99 The Batman – $9.99 Zack Snyder’s Justice League – $9.99 The Suicide Squad – $9.99 Dune – $9.99 The Shawshank Redemption – $9.99 Jaws 2 – $9.99 Everything Everywhere All At Once – $9.99 Edge of Tomorrow – $9.99 Highlander – $9.99 Battlestar Galactica – $9.99 Warcraft – $9.99 Godzilla vs. Kong – $9.99 King Kong (2005) – $10.44 Serenity – $10.49 E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial – $10.99 Ip Man – $10.99 Train to Busan – $11.21 The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent – $11.49 Parasite – $11.49 The Goonies – $11.49 Full Metal Jacket – $11.49 The Shining – $11.99 Dr. Strangelove – $11.99 Us – $11.99 Bram Stoker’s Dracula – $11.99 Nobody – $11.99 The Fifth Element – $11.99 The Dark Crystal – $11.99 Halloween Kills – $11.99 Halloween Ends...
- 11/27/2023
- by Alex DiVincenzo
- bloody-disgusting.com
Today and tomorrow (October 10 and October 11) are Prime Big Deal Days on Amazon. Get a jump-start on holiday shopping for the genre fan in your life (or treat yourself!) with slashed prices on horror 4K Ultra HDs and Blu-rays ranging from classics to recent releases.
Although the event runs through tomorrow, some of these deals may not last that long — so act fast!
Here are the top horror highlights from the Prime Big Deal Days event…
4K Ultra HD Collections:
Universal Classic Monsters: Icons of Horror Collection – Volume 1 – $29.99 Universal Classic Monsters: Icons of Horror Collection – Volume 2 – $29.99 Halloween 2018 / Halloween Kills / Halloween Ends – $34.99 The Shining / 2001: A Space Odyssey / Full Metal Jacket – $29.99 Jurassic World: 6-Film Ultimate Collection – $44.99 The Last of Us: Season 1 – $27.99
Individual 4K UHDs:
Poltergeist – $9.99 The Lost Boys – $9.99 It (2017) – $9.99 The Goonies – $9.99 Mad Max: Fury Road – $9.99 Zack Snyder’s Justice League – $9.99 Van Helsing – $9.99 Dracula Untold – $9.99 Vertigo – $9.99 Get Out – $9.99 Us – $10.99 Nope – $13.99 Vfw – $10.99 The Shawshank Redemption...
Although the event runs through tomorrow, some of these deals may not last that long — so act fast!
Here are the top horror highlights from the Prime Big Deal Days event…
4K Ultra HD Collections:
Universal Classic Monsters: Icons of Horror Collection – Volume 1 – $29.99 Universal Classic Monsters: Icons of Horror Collection – Volume 2 – $29.99 Halloween 2018 / Halloween Kills / Halloween Ends – $34.99 The Shining / 2001: A Space Odyssey / Full Metal Jacket – $29.99 Jurassic World: 6-Film Ultimate Collection – $44.99 The Last of Us: Season 1 – $27.99
Individual 4K UHDs:
Poltergeist – $9.99 The Lost Boys – $9.99 It (2017) – $9.99 The Goonies – $9.99 Mad Max: Fury Road – $9.99 Zack Snyder’s Justice League – $9.99 Van Helsing – $9.99 Dracula Untold – $9.99 Vertigo – $9.99 Get Out – $9.99 Us – $10.99 Nope – $13.99 Vfw – $10.99 The Shawshank Redemption...
- 10/10/2023
- by Alex DiVincenzo
- bloody-disgusting.com
For many cinephiles, especially those with a keen interest in Asian cinema, one of their first encounters with Japanese cinema comes in the shape of Takashi Miike’s works. Given the sheer number of features he has made ever since he got started at the beginning of the 1990s, this comes as no surprise. Movies such as “Ichi – The Killer”, “Dead or Alive” and “Audition” have cemented the reputation of Miike internationally and introduced many to his cinematic style, which has proven to very influential among his colleagues as well. However, with over 100 films directed, there are obviously a number of them which are either simply bad (“Salaryman Kintaro”) or have gone under the radar as Miike’s more popular works cast a shadow over them. One of these examples is “Blues Harp”, which is not only an overlooked gem in his filmography, but also, in my opinion, one...
- 9/25/2023
- by Rouven Linnarz
- AsianMoviePulse
Reliably one of the most euphoric and rewarding events on the circuit, the New York Asian Film Festival emerged at a time when hardcore cinephiles were forced to import prohibitively expensive foreign-region DVDs if they wanted to watch the latest hits from the other side of the world, and the first editions of the fest — then hosted at the Anthology Film Archives — got a major boost by screening hard-to-find cult objects and/or future classics at a time when Chinese, Japanese, and South Korean cinema were all on the rise to one degree or another.
No disrespect to the prestigious New York Film Festival, but Nyaff beat them to the punch when it comes to major auteurs like Park Chan-wook, whose “Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance” screened at the 2002 event alongside millennial breakouts like Corey Yuen’s “So Close,” unheralded pop masterpieces like Fumihiko Sori’s “Ping Pong,” and what the fuck did I just witness?...
No disrespect to the prestigious New York Film Festival, but Nyaff beat them to the punch when it comes to major auteurs like Park Chan-wook, whose “Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance” screened at the 2002 event alongside millennial breakouts like Corey Yuen’s “So Close,” unheralded pop masterpieces like Fumihiko Sori’s “Ping Pong,” and what the fuck did I just witness?...
- 7/13/2023
- by David Ehrlich
- Indiewire
At one point in “Dead Or Alive 2: Birds,” two childhood friends who have reunited after decades of separation put on a wacky school play for a classroom of young students. They do silly voices and dance around in animal costumes. The children laugh, even as the performers make obscene gestures and simulate sex acts. The inappropriateness of it all doesn't seem to bother anyone–they're all having too much fun. As this is happening, a Yakuza-Triad gang war is breaking out in the city. Gangsters shoot and slash and brutalize one another. Killers defile their dead victims and bleeding men cry out for mercy.
This montage, like so much of “Birds,” is an encapsulation of Takashi Miike's many modes. It runs the gamut from wacky and tender to perverse and vicious, and this melding of styles makes it maybe the best entry point into an infamously scattershot filmography.
This montage, like so much of “Birds,” is an encapsulation of Takashi Miike's many modes. It runs the gamut from wacky and tender to perverse and vicious, and this melding of styles makes it maybe the best entry point into an infamously scattershot filmography.
- 7/2/2023
- by Henry McKeand
- AsianMoviePulse
Japanese genre auteur Takashi Miike is notorious for taking his cinema to extreme limits, whether that’s in terms of violence or sexual depravity. And over a career that spans three decades, he’s directed some classics: “Audition,” “Ichi The Killer,” the “Dead Or Alive” trilogy, and “Hara-Kiri,” just to name a few. Now the prolific director has another film on the way, and it sounds like a perfect fit for him.
Continue reading ‘Lumberback The Monster’ Trailer: Takashi Miike’s Latest Pits A Psychopathic Lawyer Against A Masked Serial Killer at The Playlist.
Continue reading ‘Lumberback The Monster’ Trailer: Takashi Miike’s Latest Pits A Psychopathic Lawyer Against A Masked Serial Killer at The Playlist.
- 6/8/2023
- by Ned Booth
- The Playlist
This week brought troubling news of an actor calling the shots on his own project, but before we get into that subject for this week’s column, it’s worth acknowledging the auteurs around the corner. Cannes buzz is in the air, with reports of premieres for “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” and “Killer of the Flower Moon” hinting at plenty of Hollywood on the Croisette. There’s another movie expected in the lineup that won’t enthrall red-carpet gawkers, but should thrill true cinephiles: a 20-minute short directed by the late Jean-Luc Godard.
“Funny Wars” marks the last complete cinematic vision by the French New Wave legend before his assisted suicide last year, and sources say it’s locked in the lineup.
The “Funny Wars” premiere should provide a bittersweet salute to one of the most adventurous filmmakers in history. Like much of Godard’s late-period work,...
“Funny Wars” marks the last complete cinematic vision by the French New Wave legend before his assisted suicide last year, and sources say it’s locked in the lineup.
The “Funny Wars” premiere should provide a bittersweet salute to one of the most adventurous filmmakers in history. Like much of Godard’s late-period work,...
- 3/4/2023
- by Eric Kohn
- Indiewire
Japanese director Miike Takashi, who is known for slasher film “Ichi The Killer” and stomach-churning “Audition,” Friday claimed that he does not like bloody horror scenes.
“I’m not a fan of bloody scenes. But that’s what I’m known for. And it is what I get offered. It’s what I was offered by [Korean TV studio] Studio Dragon,” said Miike at a press event in Busan to launch his new genre series “Connect.” The show premieres in the Busan International Film Festival’s series section and will release as a Star Original on the Disney+ streaming service.
Miike was responding to a question about a scene in which blood pours from the eye of the protagonist, causing him to continue the rest of the show wearing a patch.
“A bloody scene like that needs to be carefully thought out. There has to be emotion and meaning, not just blood,” said Miike.
“I’m not a fan of bloody scenes. But that’s what I’m known for. And it is what I get offered. It’s what I was offered by [Korean TV studio] Studio Dragon,” said Miike at a press event in Busan to launch his new genre series “Connect.” The show premieres in the Busan International Film Festival’s series section and will release as a Star Original on the Disney+ streaming service.
Miike was responding to a question about a scene in which blood pours from the eye of the protagonist, causing him to continue the rest of the show wearing a patch.
“A bloody scene like that needs to be carefully thought out. There has to be emotion and meaning, not just blood,” said Miike.
- 10/7/2022
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
I've always thought it was a bit unfair to pigeonhole Takashi Miike as a director known solely for shock and horror. While some of his most famous movies, such as "Audition" and "Ichi the Killer," do fall in this realm, he's also made everything from family movies to legal comedies and even musicals throughout his lengthy career. He's also had his hand in directing episodes of television, the most famous of which is arguably his "Masters of Horror" episode "Imprint."
While that episode might have been banned from airing on Showtime in 2006, Miike has got a new horror series on the way. Unfortunately it's unclear when it'll be available in the United States, because for now it looks like "Connect" will be airing exclusively on Disney+ Korea. As previously stated, Miike has experience in making kid-friendly fare, but this looks anything but.
It should probably be noted that Disney+ here...
While that episode might have been banned from airing on Showtime in 2006, Miike has got a new horror series on the way. Unfortunately it's unclear when it'll be available in the United States, because for now it looks like "Connect" will be airing exclusively on Disney+ Korea. As previously stated, Miike has experience in making kid-friendly fare, but this looks anything but.
It should probably be noted that Disney+ here...
- 9/30/2022
- by Erin Brady
- Slash Film
Chicago, Il – Asian Pop-Up Cinema: Season 15 concludes with an exclusive world premiere and first-ever programming partnerships with emerging short film platform Sorry Not Sorry (Sns) and Facets. The in-person festival runs through
November 6 with two closing night films, awards presentations, and Screenings with the Stars: Season 15 Finale, an inaugural reception benefitting the expansion of Asian Pop-Up Cinema. Tickets are on sale now at: www.asianpopupcinema.org/s15-finale
Making its world premiere, Deliverance tells a story of a fractured family of four brothers and one sister confronting haunting memories of their mother’s passing. Lead actress Summer Chan will receive the third Bright Star Award of this season and will be honored in person at the October 29, 4:30 pm screening at AMC Newcity 14. Director Kelvin Shum, screenwriter Kyle Shum, and producer Charlie Wong are also scheduled to appear for the introduction and post-film Q&A moderated by Hollywood Chicago’s Pat McDonald.
November 6 with two closing night films, awards presentations, and Screenings with the Stars: Season 15 Finale, an inaugural reception benefitting the expansion of Asian Pop-Up Cinema. Tickets are on sale now at: www.asianpopupcinema.org/s15-finale
Making its world premiere, Deliverance tells a story of a fractured family of four brothers and one sister confronting haunting memories of their mother’s passing. Lead actress Summer Chan will receive the third Bright Star Award of this season and will be honored in person at the October 29, 4:30 pm screening at AMC Newcity 14. Director Kelvin Shum, screenwriter Kyle Shum, and producer Charlie Wong are also scheduled to appear for the introduction and post-film Q&A moderated by Hollywood Chicago’s Pat McDonald.
- 9/29/2022
- by Adam Symchuk
- AsianMoviePulse
Takashi Miike's 1999 Japanese horror film "Audition" recently earned the title of the scariest foreign horror movie of all time. The film tells the story of a faux audition held to find a new bride for a widower, and stars Eihi Shiina as the mysterious potential wife. Speaking with Asian Movie Pulse (Amp), Shiina credits "Audition" as "an extremely" important role for me." Indeed it was — prior to, Shiina's sole film credit was Isao Yukisada's 1998 drama "Open House," but the role of the psychotic Asami earned her international recognition. Amp reveals that the former Benetton model's road to "Audition" was similar to Asami's, sans the torture. What she thought was a simple meeting and deep conversation turned out to be a tryout for the lead role, much to her surprise. She tells Amp:
"I heard that Miike wanted to see me, so I thought to myself that I want to meet him.
"I heard that Miike wanted to see me, so I thought to myself that I want to meet him.
- 9/22/2022
- by Anya Stanley
- Slash Film
Some films are so disgusting, repellent, violent, prurient, or tasteless that audiences find themselves unable to easily define them.
Films like Pier Paolo Pasolini's "Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom," Lars Von Trier's "Antichrist," Gaspar Noë's "Irreversible," Ruggerio Deodato's "Cannibal Holocaust," Takashi Miike's "Ichi the Killer," Tom Six's "The Human Centipede" trilogy, or even John Waters' "Pink Flamingos" are all brazenly confrontational films, each seemingly intended not to draw the audience in, but send the audience out. To keep viewers repelled and disgusted. One might argue that such "extreme" cinema seeks not merely to elicit a visceral response from an audience -- as, say, a mid-2000s torture porn film may do -- but to move them to a level of disgust so intense that they cannot help but push their mind into the realm of politics and philosophy.
To state a broad point: "Extreme" horror,...
Films like Pier Paolo Pasolini's "Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom," Lars Von Trier's "Antichrist," Gaspar Noë's "Irreversible," Ruggerio Deodato's "Cannibal Holocaust," Takashi Miike's "Ichi the Killer," Tom Six's "The Human Centipede" trilogy, or even John Waters' "Pink Flamingos" are all brazenly confrontational films, each seemingly intended not to draw the audience in, but send the audience out. To keep viewers repelled and disgusted. One might argue that such "extreme" cinema seeks not merely to elicit a visceral response from an audience -- as, say, a mid-2000s torture porn film may do -- but to move them to a level of disgust so intense that they cannot help but push their mind into the realm of politics and philosophy.
To state a broad point: "Extreme" horror,...
- 8/20/2022
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
The FX series adaptation of the James Clavell novel “Shōgun” has rounded out its main cast.
Anna Sawai has been cast in the lead role of Lady Mariko, joining previously announced leads Cosmo Jarvis and Hiroyuki Sanada. In addition, the ensemble cast will now also include: Tadanobu Asano, Fumi Nikaido, Tokuma Nishioka, Takehiro Hira, Ako, Shinnosuke Abe, Yasunari Takeshima, Hiroto Kanai, Toshi Toda, Hiro Kanagawa, Nestor Carbonell, Yuki Kura, Tommy Bastow, Moeka Hoshi, Yoriko Doguchi and Yuka Kouri.
Furthermore, Jonathan van Tulleken has come aboard to direct the first two episodes with production now underway in Vancouver. The show has received a 10-episode order at FX.
“Shōgun” is set in feudal Japan. It charts the collision of two ambitious men from different worlds and a mysterious female samurai. John Blackthorne (Jarvis), a risk-taking English pilot major ends up shipwrecked in Japan, a land whose unfamiliar culture will ultimately redefine him.
Anna Sawai has been cast in the lead role of Lady Mariko, joining previously announced leads Cosmo Jarvis and Hiroyuki Sanada. In addition, the ensemble cast will now also include: Tadanobu Asano, Fumi Nikaido, Tokuma Nishioka, Takehiro Hira, Ako, Shinnosuke Abe, Yasunari Takeshima, Hiroto Kanai, Toshi Toda, Hiro Kanagawa, Nestor Carbonell, Yuki Kura, Tommy Bastow, Moeka Hoshi, Yoriko Doguchi and Yuka Kouri.
Furthermore, Jonathan van Tulleken has come aboard to direct the first two episodes with production now underway in Vancouver. The show has received a 10-episode order at FX.
“Shōgun” is set in feudal Japan. It charts the collision of two ambitious men from different worlds and a mysterious female samurai. John Blackthorne (Jarvis), a risk-taking English pilot major ends up shipwrecked in Japan, a land whose unfamiliar culture will ultimately redefine him.
- 9/30/2021
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
A cavalcade of creatures from Japanese folklore come alive in “The Great Yokai War: Guardian,” a hugely enjoyable fantasy-adventure directed by the famously prolific and supremely versatile Takashi Miike. Starring amazingly talented child actors Kokoro Terada and Rei Inomata as brothers summonsed by peace-loving spirits to stop an angry demon from engaging in the time-honored Japanese monster movie tradition of destroying Tokyo, this smashing piece of young-adult entertainment should be a big hit in Japan, where it’s sure to get plenty of love from older adults as well. With its standout visuals and uplifting messages about trust, friendship and acceptance, “Guardians” should attract the interest of specialized overseas distributors following its international premiere as the closing-night attraction of Fantasia 2021.
Miike is most closely associated with extremely violent crime stories such as “Audition” and blood-soaked costume action-thrillers like “Blade of the Immortal.” Less well known outside Japan are his family-friendly hits such as “Ninja Kids!
Miike is most closely associated with extremely violent crime stories such as “Audition” and blood-soaked costume action-thrillers like “Blade of the Immortal.” Less well known outside Japan are his family-friendly hits such as “Ninja Kids!
- 8/26/2021
- by Richard Kuipers
- Variety Film + TV
In 2002, there was possibly no way of avoiding the presence of Japanese director Takashi Miike in his home country, given the incredible output of eight films released that year. Starting off with the final entry in the “Dead or Alive”-trilogy 2002 included such features as “The Happiness of the Katakuris”, “Agitator” as well as “Graveyard of Honor”, a re-interpretation of the original directed by Kinji Fukasaku in 1975. While some of the entries of that year have more or less disappeared into obscurity, perhaps one of the most notable development in Miike’s career is the occurrence of two films – “Graveyard of Honor” and “The Happiness of the Katakuris” – based on an already existing film. But then again, a “remake” by Takashi Miike is never just a “remake”, it is always something quite unique.
In an interview during the 2002 International Rotterdam Film Festival, Miike finds a moment of...
In an interview during the 2002 International Rotterdam Film Festival, Miike finds a moment of...
- 8/9/2021
- by Rouven Linnarz
- AsianMoviePulse
Quebec’s Fantasia Festival has unveiled the third and final wave of titles set to screen at this year’s 25th edition and announced that Takashi Miike’s latest feature “The Great Yokai War – Guardians,” will close the festival. The world premiere of Julien Knafo’s Quebec zombie flic “Brain Freeze” will open the festival following an Aug. 4 pre-fest screening of James Gunn’s “The Suicide Squad.”
“The Great Yokai War- Guardians” is the follow-up to Fantasia 2006 opener “The Great Yoki War,” and unspools in a fantasy world of Japanese demons, kaiju and pop culture references which proved a hit in Montreal the first time around.
Other key titles featured in the third wave lineup include Lee Won-tae’s “The Devil’s Deal,” his first film since “The Gangster, The Cop, The Devil” won Sitges’ best film award in 2019. BAFTA-winner Paul Andrew Williams’ (“Murdered for Being Different”) “Bull,” a revenge thriller,...
“The Great Yokai War- Guardians” is the follow-up to Fantasia 2006 opener “The Great Yoki War,” and unspools in a fantasy world of Japanese demons, kaiju and pop culture references which proved a hit in Montreal the first time around.
Other key titles featured in the third wave lineup include Lee Won-tae’s “The Devil’s Deal,” his first film since “The Gangster, The Cop, The Devil” won Sitges’ best film award in 2019. BAFTA-winner Paul Andrew Williams’ (“Murdered for Being Different”) “Bull,” a revenge thriller,...
- 7/21/2021
- by Jamie Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Writer-director Mark Gill is set to bring the life of legendary Japanese photographer Masahisa Fukase to the big screen with Ravens (The Many Deaths of Masahisa Fukase). Filming is set to begin in Japan in the spring of 2022.
Ravens marks the sophomore feature for the Oscar and BAFTA-nominated Gill and will star Tadanobu Asano in the role of the iconic photographer. Asano can be seen in the forthcoming Mortal Kombat feature as Raiden. He also appeared in Marvel Studios’ Thor franchise as Hogun and in Japanese classics such as Ichi the Killer and The Blind Swordsman: Zatoichi.
Ravens centers on the tragic love story between Fukase and his charismatic then-wife Yoko, who will be played by up and comer Kumi Takiuchi. The actress has also appeared in Berlinale’s Panorama-selected A Balance. In addition, Toby Kebbell joins the cast...
Ravens marks the sophomore feature for the Oscar and BAFTA-nominated Gill and will star Tadanobu Asano in the role of the iconic photographer. Asano can be seen in the forthcoming Mortal Kombat feature as Raiden. He also appeared in Marvel Studios’ Thor franchise as Hogun and in Japanese classics such as Ichi the Killer and The Blind Swordsman: Zatoichi.
Ravens centers on the tragic love story between Fukase and his charismatic then-wife Yoko, who will be played by up and comer Kumi Takiuchi. The actress has also appeared in Berlinale’s Panorama-selected A Balance. In addition, Toby Kebbell joins the cast...
- 3/30/2021
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
Throughout his career, Takashi Miike was always considered a director-for-hire, meaning he would undertake almost any project he was commissioned to do. The result is that the films in his vast filmography differ significantly, to the point that it is difficult to fathom that all those works are actually from the same director.
On the occasion of Mubi streaming a number of his films, we have compiled a list of 10 titles that prove the chameleon-like directorial abilities of Miike, in the most eloquent way, as they include a superhero movie, a comedy, a horror, a children’s movie, a splatter, a musical, an adaptation, a thriller, a western and a drama.
*by clicking on the titles, you can read the full reviews
1. Zebraman (2004)
“Zebraman” deftly balances its outwardly dominant comedic nature with just enough underlying seriousness and genuine action to simultaneously provide sufficient superhero entertainment and drama while acting as...
On the occasion of Mubi streaming a number of his films, we have compiled a list of 10 titles that prove the chameleon-like directorial abilities of Miike, in the most eloquent way, as they include a superhero movie, a comedy, a horror, a children’s movie, a splatter, a musical, an adaptation, a thriller, a western and a drama.
*by clicking on the titles, you can read the full reviews
1. Zebraman (2004)
“Zebraman” deftly balances its outwardly dominant comedic nature with just enough underlying seriousness and genuine action to simultaneously provide sufficient superhero entertainment and drama while acting as...
- 2/19/2021
- by Panos Kotzathanasis
- AsianMoviePulse
By Wally Adams
“So….What’s your favorite Takashi Miike movie?” Since Miike is one of the most prolific modern directors the world has ever seen as well as the fact he’s worked in and at different junctures of his career focused on different genres and even different mediums, one is very unlikely to find any smooth consensus for that question. But there are popular choices among different film demographics: the closest thing to a universal critical favorite is “Audition” though it still thoroughly turns more than a few off, or more recently “13 Assassins“. Even more acquired tastes are exploitation audience favorites “Ichi the Killer” and “Dead or Alive”. Mainstream audiences in Japan actually best remember mega-hit movies that capitalized on (then) big trends like the cell phone horror movie “One Missed Call” or the idol-fueled “Andromedia” marking the Digital Age. But art film and major festival audiences...
“So….What’s your favorite Takashi Miike movie?” Since Miike is one of the most prolific modern directors the world has ever seen as well as the fact he’s worked in and at different junctures of his career focused on different genres and even different mediums, one is very unlikely to find any smooth consensus for that question. But there are popular choices among different film demographics: the closest thing to a universal critical favorite is “Audition” though it still thoroughly turns more than a few off, or more recently “13 Assassins“. Even more acquired tastes are exploitation audience favorites “Ichi the Killer” and “Dead or Alive”. Mainstream audiences in Japan actually best remember mega-hit movies that capitalized on (then) big trends like the cell phone horror movie “One Missed Call” or the idol-fueled “Andromedia” marking the Digital Age. But art film and major festival audiences...
- 2/17/2021
- by Guest Writer
- AsianMoviePulse
Albert Hughes takes us on a wild journey through the movies that made him, then explains why he’s not a cinephile (Spoiler: He is). Heads up – you’re going to hear some words you’ve never heard on our show before, and only one of them is Metropolis.
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
Gremlins (1984)
A Christmas Story (1983)
The Candidate (1972)
Menace II Society (1993)
Die Hard (1988)
Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
Scarface (1983)
Goodfellas (1990)
Full Metal Jacket (1987)
A Clockwork Orange (1971)
Midnight Cowboy (1969)
Raging Bull (1980)
Taxi Driver (1976)
Alpha (2018)
Battleship Potemkin (1925)
Metropolis (1927)
True Romance (1993)
Who Framed Roger Rabbit? (1988)
The Matrix (1999)
Man Bites Dog (1992)
Looney Tunes: Back In Action (2003)
A Serbian Film (2010)
Scarface (1932)
The Book of Eli (2010)
The Departed (2006)
Infernal Affairs (2002)
The Godfather (1972)
Casino (1995)
JFK (1991)
Dead Presidents (1996)
Eve’s Bayou (1997)
Basic Instinct (1992)
Psycho (1960)
The Cremator (1969)
The Firemen’s Ball (1967)
Halloween (2018)
From Hell (2001)
Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992)
Hoffa (1992)
V For Vendetta (2005)
Spartacus (1960)
You Were Never Really Here...
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
Gremlins (1984)
A Christmas Story (1983)
The Candidate (1972)
Menace II Society (1993)
Die Hard (1988)
Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
Scarface (1983)
Goodfellas (1990)
Full Metal Jacket (1987)
A Clockwork Orange (1971)
Midnight Cowboy (1969)
Raging Bull (1980)
Taxi Driver (1976)
Alpha (2018)
Battleship Potemkin (1925)
Metropolis (1927)
True Romance (1993)
Who Framed Roger Rabbit? (1988)
The Matrix (1999)
Man Bites Dog (1992)
Looney Tunes: Back In Action (2003)
A Serbian Film (2010)
Scarface (1932)
The Book of Eli (2010)
The Departed (2006)
Infernal Affairs (2002)
The Godfather (1972)
Casino (1995)
JFK (1991)
Dead Presidents (1996)
Eve’s Bayou (1997)
Basic Instinct (1992)
Psycho (1960)
The Cremator (1969)
The Firemen’s Ball (1967)
Halloween (2018)
From Hell (2001)
Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992)
Hoffa (1992)
V For Vendetta (2005)
Spartacus (1960)
You Were Never Really Here...
- 9/29/2020
- by Kris Millsap
- Trailers from Hell
Great news for fans of one of Japan's most virsitle and beloved directors. Takashi Miike will participate in a live stream Q&a with the festival at midnight (Portugal time?) on their social media channels. Miike's First Love screened to a sold out crowd last night at the festival. His films have long been a part of MotelX's history. Ichi the Killer was the first film shown at the screenings which were the foundation for the festival. Read all about it below. Takashi Miike to make special appearance at Motelx this Friday via live streaming The cult director will make an eagerly awaited appearance at Motelx for a live Q&a with fans at midnight this Friday. It will be possible to follow...
[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...
[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...
- 9/10/2020
- Screen Anarchy
Another Decade with Takashi Miike is a series of essays on the 2010s films of the Japanese maverick, following Notebook's earlier survey of Miike's first decade of the 21st century.Following Takashi Miike's progress over the 1990s and 2000s was one of the preeminent pleasures in world cinema of the past generation. Like a champion surfer, Miike rode the waves of modern moviemaking wherever they took him, making surprising turns, executing wild stunts, and maintaining remarkable stamina. He often released a half-dozen films a year, and his output was never predictable; Miike directed Yakuza movies, children's movies, art movies, outré cult hits, manga adaptations, and the occasional straight drama. He once said that he would accept any assignment that was offered to him, and it sounded like he wasn't exaggerating. Miike's movies weren't always good, but they were seldom boring; no matter the project, he usually exhibited flashes of impish wit,...
- 9/9/2020
- MUBI
Another Decade with Takashi Miike is a series of essays on the 2010 films of the Japanese maverick, following Notebook's earlier survey of Miike's first decade of the 21st century.At once propulsive and ruminative, First Love finds Takashi Miike looking back on his career while generating a steadily escalating sense of suspense. The film’s streamlined quality confirms what a focused filmmaker Miike has become over the 2010s: though it contains about a dozen major characters and several important conflicts, the director moves between them fluidly. He also exudes such intense energy while doing so that First Love generally recalls the freewheeling films Miike made in his late 90s/early 00s heyday. The director underscores this link with the past with plenty of gleefully outré content, such as multiple beheadings (all of them presented comically) and a progression of events that culminates with a harried sex worker frenziedly snorting heroin off a Yakuza’s crotch.
- 8/31/2020
- MUBI
Another Decade with Takashi Miike is a series of essays on the 2010 films of the Japanese maverick, following Notebook's earlier survey of Miike's first decade of the 21st century.Takashi Miike could have become the idea of himself held by many Americans and gotten rich doing it, but his career was always his own. After he indulged one last time in the uncomplicated thrill of homicide-as-spectacle in 13 Assassins (2010), he’d never spill blood the same way. In Miike’s films of the last decade, violence became the director’s way of working through feelings about a world ruled by a rotting morality. Hara-Kiri: Death of a Samurai (2011), Lesson of the Evil (2012), As the Gods Will (2014), and Terra Formars (2016) all reckon with the problems of believing in some greater power or logic, and their findings are bleak. If teachers, gods, governments, and alien life aren’t looking out for us,...
- 8/31/2020
- MUBI
In April 2019, director Toshiaki Toyoda (“Blue Spring” 2001) was arrested for unlawful possession of a handgun. It turned out that the weapon was a familial keepsake and he was released without charge. Based on this experience he produced a 17 minutes period drama called “Wolf’s Calling.”
Wolf’s Calling is screening at Japan Cuts 2020:
A girl finds an old handgun in her attic and the symbolic object conjures a mystical scene of samurai gathering within the moss-grown location of Kasosan Shrine in Tochigi Prefecture.
Produced outside the committee system and with his own money, “Wolf’s Calling” stars a familiar cast for a Toyoda movie. Kiyohiko Shibukawa (“9 Souls” 2003) and Ryuhei Matsuda are accompanied by international known actor Tadanobu Asano (“Ichi the Killer” 2001) in a supporting role. Since it is a self-financed project, “Wolf’s Calling” might be a hint to a future Japanese film industry outside the production system of the big studios.
Wolf’s Calling is screening at Japan Cuts 2020:
A girl finds an old handgun in her attic and the symbolic object conjures a mystical scene of samurai gathering within the moss-grown location of Kasosan Shrine in Tochigi Prefecture.
Produced outside the committee system and with his own money, “Wolf’s Calling” stars a familiar cast for a Toyoda movie. Kiyohiko Shibukawa (“9 Souls” 2003) and Ryuhei Matsuda are accompanied by international known actor Tadanobu Asano (“Ichi the Killer” 2001) in a supporting role. Since it is a self-financed project, “Wolf’s Calling” might be a hint to a future Japanese film industry outside the production system of the big studios.
- 7/20/2020
- by Alexander Knoth
- AsianMoviePulse
FilmRise is proud to present special collectors editions of Sukiyaki Western Django on DVD, Blu-ray, and digital formats on June 16th. The film is presented in 5.1 DTS-hd Ma, 2.0 DTS-hd Ma and 5.1 Surround, 2.0 Stereo. Famed Japanese auteur Takashi Miike, best known for cult classics Audition, Ichi the Killer and The City of Lost Souls, redefines the spaghetti Western with Sukiyaki Western Django, an epic tale of blood, lust and greed starring Hideaki Ito, Yusuke Iseya, Kaori Momoi and Quentin Tarantino. Two clans battle for a legendary treasure hidden in a desolate mountain town. One day, a lone gunman, burdened with deep emotional scars but blessed with incredible shooting skills, drifts into town. Two clans try to woo the lone gunman to their sides, but he has ulterior motives. Dirty tricks, betrayal, desire and love collide as the situation erupts into a final, explosive showdown. Bonus Materials High Definition Blu-ray (1080p) presentation...
- 5/26/2020
- by Stephen Nepa
- Age of the Nerd
When someone talks about the Japanese movie industry in the 00s, inevitably the discussion goes towards anime, which, in the specific decade, accounted for 60% of the local film production. With films like Miyazaki’s “Spirited Away” and the rest of Studio Ghibli’s productions, along with masterpieces from Satoshi Kon, Mamoru Oshii, Katsuhiro Otomo and other great filmmakers, there is no wonder why the 00s were considered “Japanese Cinema’s Second Golden Age”, particularly for the penetration of local films in cinemas around the world.
However, anime were not the only story Japanese cinema had to tell in this decade. Yojiro Takita also won an Oscar, Shinji Aoyama and Naomi Kawase won at Cannes, Hirokazu Koreeda continued his successful festival run, Yoji Yamada made an exceptional trilogy of samurai films, Shunji Iwai directed one of the most critically acclaimed film of the decade, Kinji Fukasaku released his last film and Takeshi Kitano his most successful.
However, anime were not the only story Japanese cinema had to tell in this decade. Yojiro Takita also won an Oscar, Shinji Aoyama and Naomi Kawase won at Cannes, Hirokazu Koreeda continued his successful festival run, Yoji Yamada made an exceptional trilogy of samurai films, Shunji Iwai directed one of the most critically acclaimed film of the decade, Kinji Fukasaku released his last film and Takeshi Kitano his most successful.
- 5/10/2020
- by Panos Kotzathanasis
- AsianMoviePulse
Devereux Milburn’s Honeydew is set to have its world premiere at the esteemed Tribeca Film Festival as part of its Midnight Selection. Check out the film's synopsis and official poster after a brief introduction to today's stories in Horror Highlights. Also: production details on Yoshiki Takahashi's Rageaholic and release details for both The Films Have Eyes as well as M.O.M. (Mothers of Monsters).
Honeydew Poster, Images, and Premiere Details: "See the first look at Devereux Milburn’s feverish debut Honeydew ahead of the film’s World Premiere next month at the Tribeca Film Fest’s Midnight Selection.
Honeydew is a feverish horror film set in rural New England, where strange cravings and hallucinations befall a young couple after seeking shelter in the home of an aging farmer and her peculiar son.
Directed and written by Milburn and produced by Dan Kennedy and Alan Pierson, the film...
Honeydew Poster, Images, and Premiere Details: "See the first look at Devereux Milburn’s feverish debut Honeydew ahead of the film’s World Premiere next month at the Tribeca Film Fest’s Midnight Selection.
Honeydew is a feverish horror film set in rural New England, where strange cravings and hallucinations befall a young couple after seeking shelter in the home of an aging farmer and her peculiar son.
Directed and written by Milburn and produced by Dan Kennedy and Alan Pierson, the film...
- 3/4/2020
- by Tamika Jones
- DailyDead
Principal photography wrapped today on Interfilm’s Rageaholic, from writer/director Yoshiki Takahashi. The picture marks the feature directorial debut of prolific Tokyo-based artist Takahashi, who is widely-known for scripting Sion Sono’s celebrated 2010 blockbuster Cold Fish.
Rageaholic, which is based on a story by Yuki Kobayashi (Death Row Family), stars Yohta Kawase, model Aya Saiki, Ryuju Kobayashi (August In Tokyo), and Manzô Shinra (Ichi The Killer). It is produced by Kazuto Morita, Yukihisa Higami, Kazunori Shibasaki, and Takehiko Ito.
Rageaholic follows Yakuza-busting police officer Fukama (Kawase), who, after allowing his overly-violent nature to get the better of him, botches an arrest and leaves several bodies in his wake. Disgraced and sent to America for psychotherapy, he returns to Japan years later to discover that the town he once cleaned up is now so clean that it has literally become sanitized – with death as punishment for those who do not conform.
Rageaholic, which is based on a story by Yuki Kobayashi (Death Row Family), stars Yohta Kawase, model Aya Saiki, Ryuju Kobayashi (August In Tokyo), and Manzô Shinra (Ichi The Killer). It is produced by Kazuto Morita, Yukihisa Higami, Kazunori Shibasaki, and Takehiko Ito.
Rageaholic follows Yakuza-busting police officer Fukama (Kawase), who, after allowing his overly-violent nature to get the better of him, botches an arrest and leaves several bodies in his wake. Disgraced and sent to America for psychotherapy, he returns to Japan years later to discover that the town he once cleaned up is now so clean that it has literally become sanitized – with death as punishment for those who do not conform.
- 3/2/2020
- by Don Anelli
- AsianMoviePulse
In her 5-star Fantastic Fest review, Heather Wixson wrote that Takashi Miike's First Love "...delivered up everything I could possibly want from the Maestro and more." Following its successful film circuit run, the yakuza film from one of the most prolific directors working today is coming to Blu-ray, DVD, and Digital on February 11th from Well Go USA Entertainment, and we have the release details and a look at the cover art:
From the Press Release: Plano, Texas – Prolific auteur Takashi Miike is at his most fun and anarchic with the noir-tinged violent yakuza film First Love, debuting on Digital, Blu-ray™ Combo Pack and DVD February 11 from Well Go USA Entertainment. The wild, genre-blending story follows a young boxer and a call girl who fall passionately in love while getting innocently caught up in a drug-smuggling scheme over the course of one night in Tokyo. First Love stars Masataka Kubota...
From the Press Release: Plano, Texas – Prolific auteur Takashi Miike is at his most fun and anarchic with the noir-tinged violent yakuza film First Love, debuting on Digital, Blu-ray™ Combo Pack and DVD February 11 from Well Go USA Entertainment. The wild, genre-blending story follows a young boxer and a call girl who fall passionately in love while getting innocently caught up in a drug-smuggling scheme over the course of one night in Tokyo. First Love stars Masataka Kubota...
- 1/14/2020
- by Derek Anderson
- DailyDead
Elisabeth Moss and Randall Park will be getting a taste of the aloha spirit at the Hawaii International Film Festival. The two actors will be honored at the 39th edition of the fest. Moss is set to receive the Halekulani Career Achievement Award while Park will receive the Halekulani Maverick Award. The two will join previously announced honorees iconic director John Woo and Australian journalist Stan Grant. Hiff takes place November 7-17 in Honolulu, Hawaii.
The Halekulani Career Achievement Award is given to an artist who has reached the career pinnacles very few have achieved via industry awards and accolades and a body of work that is known globally. Moss is in good company, joining past recipients actress Moon So-ri, Bill Pullman, Maggie Cheung (In The Mood For Love). The Emmy-winning actress from The Handmaid’s Tale is also known...
The Halekulani Career Achievement Award is given to an artist who has reached the career pinnacles very few have achieved via industry awards and accolades and a body of work that is known globally. Moss is in good company, joining past recipients actress Moon So-ri, Bill Pullman, Maggie Cheung (In The Mood For Love). The Emmy-winning actress from The Handmaid’s Tale is also known...
- 10/19/2019
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
Roadside Attractions’ launch of musical “Judy” gave the weak specialized box office a much-needed boost. The bravura performance by Renée Zellweger along with sustained interest in Hollywood icon Judy Garland propelled the film to a strong initial response at 461 theaters. Other award contenders will have to step up to similar numbers to redeem a problematic year, but this is a promising start of the season. Roadside also notched a box-office milestone as its steady performer “The Peanut Butter Falcon” passed A24’s long-running hit “The Farewell.”
On a smaller scale, Japanese genre film “First Love” (Well Go USA) also started impressively for a subtitled film with $25,000 in two theaters. This bodes well for several highly anticipated foreign-language films ahead.
Several titles of note did not report grosses this week: Netflix opened Steven Soderbergh’s “The Laundromat” starring Meryl Streep and Gary Oldman ahead of its October 18 streaming date. No gross was reported,...
On a smaller scale, Japanese genre film “First Love” (Well Go USA) also started impressively for a subtitled film with $25,000 in two theaters. This bodes well for several highly anticipated foreign-language films ahead.
Several titles of note did not report grosses this week: Netflix opened Steven Soderbergh’s “The Laundromat” starring Meryl Streep and Gary Oldman ahead of its October 18 streaming date. No gross was reported,...
- 9/29/2019
- by Tom Brueggemann
- Indiewire
A loser salary man escapes in alcohol causing everything around him to collapse. Kenji Katagiri’s second feature film surpasses his theatrical debut “Room Laundering” (2018).
“A Life Turned Upside Down” is screening at Camera Japan 2019
In the middle of the chaos stands Saki, played by 22-year-old actress Honoka Matsumoto. She wants to be a Manga artist and her identity crisis is portrayed with fitting speech bubbles that share her inner monologue with the audience. The sad fairy tail is comedy and drama at the same time. Narrated by Saki, the story may appear simple, but is well elaborated. Heavy subjects like alcoholism, suicide, and existential fear are presented light-hearted, but not in a naive way. Unlike Katagiri’s debut “Room Laundering” (2018), “A Life Turned Upside Down” manages to hit the right tones and keeps the balance between the mix of genres.
Besides the story elements, the stylistic approach also contributes a lot to the movie.
“A Life Turned Upside Down” is screening at Camera Japan 2019
In the middle of the chaos stands Saki, played by 22-year-old actress Honoka Matsumoto. She wants to be a Manga artist and her identity crisis is portrayed with fitting speech bubbles that share her inner monologue with the audience. The sad fairy tail is comedy and drama at the same time. Narrated by Saki, the story may appear simple, but is well elaborated. Heavy subjects like alcoholism, suicide, and existential fear are presented light-hearted, but not in a naive way. Unlike Katagiri’s debut “Room Laundering” (2018), “A Life Turned Upside Down” manages to hit the right tones and keeps the balance between the mix of genres.
Besides the story elements, the stylistic approach also contributes a lot to the movie.
- 9/29/2019
- by Alexander Knoth
- AsianMoviePulse
Hirokazu Kore-eda’s Distance (2001) will be screening at Webster University Thursday September 26th at Webster University’s Moore Auditorium (470 East Lockwood). The Film starts at 7:30 pm. A Facebook invite can be found Here
Doomed by timing but not by quality, Distance had its North American premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 10, 2001. The film takes the Aum Shinrikyo sarin gas attacks on the Tokyo subway in 1995 as reference point, here looking at the aftermath of a (fictional) extreme Japanese sect who poisoned Tokyo’s water supply and committed mass suicide some years prior. On the anniversary of the attack, surviving members of the families of the terrorists convene on the lake where the sect members killed themselves, only to discover that in their midst is a member of the cult, Sakata (Tadanobu Asano of Silence and Ichi the Killer), who defected at the last minute.
In Japanese with English subtitles.
Doomed by timing but not by quality, Distance had its North American premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 10, 2001. The film takes the Aum Shinrikyo sarin gas attacks on the Tokyo subway in 1995 as reference point, here looking at the aftermath of a (fictional) extreme Japanese sect who poisoned Tokyo’s water supply and committed mass suicide some years prior. On the anniversary of the attack, surviving members of the families of the terrorists convene on the lake where the sect members killed themselves, only to discover that in their midst is a member of the cult, Sakata (Tadanobu Asano of Silence and Ichi the Killer), who defected at the last minute.
In Japanese with English subtitles.
- 9/24/2019
- by Tom Stockman
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
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