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Reviews
Back Street Girls (2018)
A brilliant critique of consumerism and misogyny in Japan
Though masquerading as a crass comedy about Yakuza members turned idols by a sadistic boss, this show offers a remarkably brutal critique of the idol culture it portrays. The literal emasculation of the three Yakuza members reflects the cultural emasculation of Japan following the second world war in an attempt to downplay the war crimes of the nation. I don't think that its an accident that the mastermind if this emasculation is an American, referring likely to the US's efforts to forget Japanese warcrimes to set them up as a viable ally against the Soviets. The show also highlights the truly abhorrent conditions with its own tongue-in-cheek comedy. Such a framing device makes the expose more palpable to both local and western audiences. Acknowledging such mistreatment represents a vital beginning step for the culture of Japan. Furthermore was the representation of the rampant objectification and misogyny in both Japan at large and idol culture comes to light in the characteristic brutal satire of the Gokudolls. A large number of the 'fans' of the Gokudolls are shown to be slobbish and disgusting wastes of men. Their internal ugliness made physical. This show is a sadly overlooked and under appreciated satire, especially by those who refuse to acknowledge the problematic aspects of anime.
Captain America: Civil War (2016)
Steps up to the line of greatness, but doesn't cross
I've sat on my feelings of this film for a while. I've come to the conclusion that it's honestly not great. I love the Marvel franchise, but this film was a huge let down. Everything seems to fall apart half way through the airport battle. For a film putting a spotlight on superheroes causing carnage, the massive destruction of the airport seemed excessive. The final battle between Stark and Cap and Bucky was poorly set up. Stark attacks Bucky out of vengeance instead of having a conversation like this character is known to. This defies the point of the film. The final battle is about vengeance, not conflicting views of how the world works. Even the reason for the Sokovia Accords existing misses the point. The issue of the Avengers is that they violate sovereign boarders, determine their own enemies, and kill without answering to any authority; not that there are civilians killed (though this is also an issue). The characters also change inexplicably. Stark goes from rational man to homicidal lunatic in seconds. The Stark of previous films deeply cares and is incredibly analytical and intelligent, this Stark is a one-dimensional copy. Additionally Captain America acts like an idiot, assaulting a police force who are attempting to arrest a man they have good evidence is a mass murderer. His actions are so unbelievably righteous he is almost a parody of himself. The ending is easily the worst part of the film, Cap's letter removes any impact from the film. It doesn't matter that they just had several battles, everything is fine in Cap's world. The lack of a death annoyed me as well, thematically I felt a death was needed, and it's lack left the film feeling toothless. In the end I didn't hate this film, but I would solidly put it as one of my least favorite Marvel films and I sincerely fear for the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.