Especially since he past away recently, Film Forum should have a whole retrospective on him soon so that way criterion could put it out on dvd. He hasn’t even made that many films except “A Brighter Summer Day” which is about 4 hours long. Glad to hear that Scorsese is screening it.
It’s a tough call for me because I love all of his films so far. If I had to choose It would be a tie between After Life and Maborosi with Nobody Knows as my second favorite. How about you guys? Did any of you get a chance to see Still Walking or Air Doll?
Very tough call but I chose mine for their solid and seminal body of work. No applicable order.
1. Yasujiro Ozu
2. Werner Herzog
3. Ingmar Bergman
4. Edward Yang (Only few seem to like him :( )
5. Hiroshi Teshigahara (Only few seem to like him :( )
6. Federico Fellini
7. Satyajit Ray (Only few seem to like him :( )
8. Pier Paolo Pasolini (Only few seem to like him :( )
9. Maya Deren (She’s one of best!)
10. Takashi Miike (Miike! No one mentioned Miike?)
Others I tried to fit in: Alfred Hitchcock, Kenneth Anger (He definitely deserves to be on the list), Lars von Trier, Michael Haneke and Shinya Tsukamoto.
Yeah thank the lord. I stacked up and got Late Spring, Tokyo Story, Branded to Kill and Europa for 60% off (with additional membership sale). I can’t seem to find Taste of Cherry or any Ophuls. Also luckily Repulsion just came out as well. Stack up while you can, it’s only till Aug. 2 or 3rd.
Interesting choices. Perhaps I like Maboroshi a inch more than After Life. One thing I find interesting is that the original Japanese title of the film is 幻の光/Maboroshi no Hikari which translates something like phantasmic light. I’m dying to see Still Walking. It’s still not available on region 1, is it? Air Doll could be his most commercial film, but also his most ambitious. The snobs at Cannes didn’t seem to like it too much (I don’t really trust Cannes these days). Their were mixed reviews and many critics seemed to point that although film is visually pleasing, it’s a bit diffused and lacks a narrative. I don’t care what they say and I think it’ll be a great film. I think many critics dismiss the Japanese notion that Hirokazu displays: his films attempt to epitomize (what I think is) the major theme of his work: a conscientious Japan (and globe) in the center of expeditious modernization whose occupants often fail to attain true intimacy. Similar to the author Haruki Murakami, Hirokazu often presents a sense of absurdity and pathos in the quotidian lives of his characters. They really should do a Hirokazu retrospective and include his documentary works.
Koreeda Hirokazu is a lasting and seminal filmmaker. Probably the most cinematically unique and delicate director from Japan. Sure he recalls Ozu, but there is something utterly Hirokazu about him. I’m dying to see Air Doll and Still Walking. Let’s just say if i had to pick a final filmed memory to live with in my “After Life,” it would be Maboroshi no Hikari.
I would have to say Salo, or The 120 Days of Sodom. Audition really caught me by surprise and made cringe several times as well as Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer. Some may say Ichi the Killer, some may say Mondo Cane or Cannibal Holocaust and others might say Irreversible. Visitor Q, also left me a bit inert. What do you guys say>?
For those of you who are unaware, Pinku Eiga (Pink Film) is a genre-style of filmmaking that operated as Japanese Sexploitation which took over the major studios during the 70’s. Whether it’s a Pink Film or Roman Porno, you choose. My favorite Pinku Eiga is: 女囚７０１号 さそり Joshuu 701 Go – Sasori/ Female Prisoner #701: Scorpion. Also, I love Meiko Kaji.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dl9AmGLRyXA
Rescue Dawn was his closest attempt to Hollywood but it still had some quintessential Herzogian merits. Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans must be his most commercial film to date. I guess he needs more money.
I think it also had a lot to do with spirits. It’s true that this film is a bit more unconventional in its shot composition and overall style of cinematography but I personally feel that the cinematography is what holds the narrative together. When the audience feels worn out by Yumiko’s loss, we have the beautiful scenery to purge our emotions upon (in much softer way, it’s almost Brechtian. We are asked to self-reflect in some of these scenes). The Sea of Japan is symbolic in Maboroshi no hikari. It seems that the director uses the sea as a metaphor for Yumiko’s cathartic experiences. There is even a scene in which her 2nd husband mentions, “The sea is beguiling.” The notion that the sea possesses a phantasmal light is very Japanese and spiritual. The sea in this case is a spirit (kami) that helps Yumiko confront her losses. This first being her grandma, and the second: her husband.
I’d Love to Bejuan, Sano and Boomstickplease mentioned some great ones as well. Some I would start with would be Female Convict 701: Scorpion, Female Prisoner Scorpion: Beast Stable, Shogun’s Joys of Torture, Horrors of Malformed Men, Abashiri Prison Series, The Blind Women’s Curse (is a fun one since it’s kaleidoscope of genres), The Bite, Go Go Second Time Virgin, Ecstasy of the Angels, The Glamorous Life of Sachiko Hanai, Daydream (dir. Tetsuji Takechi, both versions), Wife to be Sacrificed, Terrifying Girls’ High School: Lynch Law Classroom, Girl Boss Guerilla, Sex & Fury, School of the Holy Beast.
Hopefully some of those films pique your interest. Some Dir. I recommend are: Shunya Ito, Teruo Ishii, Koji Wakamatsu, Tetsuji Takechi and Masaru Konuma.
Some Stars of the era: Meiko Kaji (she didn’t star in many pink films but did in many cult classics, such as Lady Snowblood), Reiko Ike, Miki Sugimoto, Naomi Tani and Junko Miyashita.
Hope this helped all who are interested. I’d like to hear you opinions once you get a hold of pink film.
And Yes Myra, I would say Funeral Parade of Roses counts. It didn’t have a home and was lost somewhere between Pink film and Japanese New Wave but what a interesting picture.
For me the ones who manage to irritate me every-time are as follows: Tarantino, Wes Anderson,Sofia Coppola, Luc Besson (I’m really sorry but he’s very uneven and pretentious. He also wrote mindless junk like District B13, and terribly adapted Joan of Arc. I know that must have pissed a few but really), Francis Ford Coppola (This hurts I know), Noah Bambauch (maybe he’s not that popular but he aggravates me) and I’ll have to conclude with Clint Eastwood. These are all my opinions and nothing more.
And Ozu is a genius. It may take a lifetime to appreciate his work but almost ever filmmaker is influenced by him in some way (maybe these universal themes of family don’t connect with you?). Aki Kaurismaki, Stanley Kwan, Paul Schrader, Lindsay Anderson, Wim Wenders and Hou Hsiao Hsien are some dir. who worship him. Kiarostami does as well.
For me: Audition also had the strongest impact for me. But Ichi would definitely come second for its audacity, tight camera work and mysterious milieu. Gozu for an even stranger sphere. The Bird People in China proves Miike to be one of the best new directors coming out Japan aside from Shinya Tsukamoto and many have struggled to follow his footsteps since.
Lately Miike has been leaning towards larger budget-projects which is great but Yattaman is a remake of an old Japanese superhero and the Crows Zero series were adapted from mangas. Is Miike responding to his popularity overseas and will he continue to focus on popular culture?
Yeah I left the question a little too out in the open but I agree completely: the more appraisal Miike gets the better. So what I was referring to was his recent commercial efforts. It’s great that he’s a versatile director but I’m just curious to see if he will continue to linger towards more commercial pictures. But you’re right again, it’s all up to him.
Secret Sunshine!!!! what a performance. Then 3-Iron, Lady Vengeance, Oldboy, Sympathy of Mr. Vengeance (Sorry I was a bit disappointed in Thirst). A Tale of Two Sisters and Im Kwon Taek’s works are classics.
Yes, Zorn did great covers in his “The Big Gundown”. I’ve seen both acts live and they are both amazing. It certainly isn’t a fair comparison since they are both geniuses. I still think Morricone deserves all credit he can get and Zorn’s getting there. It was about time they gave him a lifetime achievement award at the oscars and I still can’t believe he has never won best musical score (and then again, I don’t trust those awards). Aside from Zorn’s radical works he has made some really beautiful compositions, such as: Masada Live in Sevilla, Masada String Trio, Redbird and his various filmworks. As a said, this debate is unfair and I couldn’t honestly give an answer. Just figured, I should raise a few eyebrows.
Yes, Zorn did great covers in his “The Big Gundown”. I’ve seen both acts live and they are both amazing. It certainly isn’t a fair comparison since they are both geniuses. I still think Morricone deserves all credit he can get and Zorn’s getting there. It was about time they gave him a lifetime achievement award at the oscars and I still can’t believe he has never won best musical score (and then again, I don’t trust those awards). Aside from Zorn’s radical works he has made some really beautiful compositions, such as: Masada Live in Sevilla, Masada String Trio, Redbird and his various filmworks. As a said, this debate is unfair and I couldn’t honestly give an answer. Just figured, I should raise a few eyebrows.
Edward Yang almost 3 years ago
Especially since he past away recently, Film Forum should have a whole retrospective on him soon so that way criterion could put it out on dvd. He hasn’t even made that many films except “A Brighter Summer Day” which is about 4 hours long. Glad to hear that Scorsese is screening it.
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What is your favorite Koreeda Hirokazu film? almost 3 years ago
It’s a tough call for me because I love all of his films so far. If I had to choose It would be a tie between After Life and Maborosi with Nobody Knows as my second favorite. How about you guys? Did any of you get a chance to see Still Walking or Air Doll?
Go to Comment
Top 10 Directors. almost 3 years ago
Very tough call but I chose mine for their solid and seminal body of work. No applicable order.
1. Yasujiro Ozu
2. Werner Herzog
3. Ingmar Bergman
4. Edward Yang (Only few seem to like him :( )
5. Hiroshi Teshigahara (Only few seem to like him :( )
6. Federico Fellini
7. Satyajit Ray (Only few seem to like him :( )
8. Pier Paolo Pasolini (Only few seem to like him :( )
9. Maya Deren (She’s one of best!)
10. Takashi Miike (Miike! No one mentioned Miike?)
Others I tried to fit in: Alfred Hitchcock, Kenneth Anger (He definitely deserves to be on the list), Lars von Trier, Michael Haneke and Shinya Tsukamoto.
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Heads up!!!! 50% off Criterions almost 3 years ago
Yeah thank the lord. I stacked up and got Late Spring, Tokyo Story, Branded to Kill and Europa for 60% off (with additional membership sale). I can’t seem to find Taste of Cherry or any Ophuls. Also luckily Repulsion just came out as well. Stack up while you can, it’s only till Aug. 2 or 3rd.
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Two Lovers almost 3 years ago
I just rented it. Excited to see it. Is it really such unique film as everyone claims?
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Best Films with NO soundtrack almost 3 years ago
Cache!
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What is your favorite Koreeda Hirokazu film? almost 3 years ago
Interesting choices. Perhaps I like Maboroshi a inch more than After Life. One thing I find interesting is that the original Japanese title of the film is 幻の光/Maboroshi no Hikari which translates something like phantasmic light. I’m dying to see Still Walking. It’s still not available on region 1, is it? Air Doll could be his most commercial film, but also his most ambitious. The snobs at Cannes didn’t seem to like it too much (I don’t really trust Cannes these days). Their were mixed reviews and many critics seemed to point that although film is visually pleasing, it’s a bit diffused and lacks a narrative. I don’t care what they say and I think it’ll be a great film. I think many critics dismiss the Japanese notion that Hirokazu displays: his films attempt to epitomize (what I think is) the major theme of his work: a conscientious Japan (and globe) in the center of expeditious modernization whose occupants often fail to attain true intimacy. Similar to the author Haruki Murakami, Hirokazu often presents a sense of absurdity and pathos in the quotidian lives of his characters. They really should do a Hirokazu retrospective and include his documentary works.
Go to Comment
Maborosi almost 3 years ago
Koreeda Hirokazu is a lasting and seminal filmmaker. Probably the most cinematically unique and delicate director from Japan. Sure he recalls Ozu, but there is something utterly Hirokazu about him. I’m dying to see Air Doll and Still Walking. Let’s just say if i had to pick a final filmed memory to live with in my “After Life,” it would be Maboroshi no Hikari.
Go to Comment
Most Disturbing Film Ever (strictly speaking) almost 3 years ago
I would have to say Salo, or The 120 Days of Sodom. Audition really caught me by surprise and made cringe several times as well as Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer. Some may say Ichi the Killer, some may say Mondo Cane or Cannibal Holocaust and others might say Irreversible. Visitor Q, also left me a bit inert. What do you guys say>?
Go to Comment
Favorite Pinku Eiga Film? almost 3 years ago
For those of you who are unaware, Pinku Eiga (Pink Film) is a genre-style of filmmaking that operated as Japanese Sexploitation which took over the major studios during the 70’s. Whether it’s a Pink Film or Roman Porno, you choose. My favorite Pinku Eiga is: 女囚７０１号 さそり Joshuu 701 Go – Sasori/ Female Prisoner #701: Scorpion. Also, I love Meiko Kaji.
Go to Comment
Bad Lieutenant: Has Werner Herzog Sold His Soul To The Devil? almost 3 years ago
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dl9AmGLRyXA
Rescue Dawn was his closest attempt to Hollywood but it still had some quintessential Herzogian merits. Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans must be his most commercial film to date. I guess he needs more money.
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Bad Lieutenant: Has Werner Herzog Sold His Soul To The Devil? almost 3 years ago
Thanks for the tip.
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Maborosi almost 3 years ago
I think it also had a lot to do with spirits. It’s true that this film is a bit more unconventional in its shot composition and overall style of cinematography but I personally feel that the cinematography is what holds the narrative together. When the audience feels worn out by Yumiko’s loss, we have the beautiful scenery to purge our emotions upon (in much softer way, it’s almost Brechtian. We are asked to self-reflect in some of these scenes). The Sea of Japan is symbolic in Maboroshi no hikari. It seems that the director uses the sea as a metaphor for Yumiko’s cathartic experiences. There is even a scene in which her 2nd husband mentions, “The sea is beguiling.” The notion that the sea possesses a phantasmal light is very Japanese and spiritual. The sea in this case is a spirit (kami) that helps Yumiko confront her losses. This first being her grandma, and the second: her husband.
I also agree with what you two said.
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Favorite Pinku Eiga Film? almost 3 years ago
I’d Love to Bejuan, Sano and Boomstickplease mentioned some great ones as well. Some I would start with would be Female Convict 701: Scorpion, Female Prisoner Scorpion: Beast Stable, Shogun’s Joys of Torture, Horrors of Malformed Men, Abashiri Prison Series, The Blind Women’s Curse (is a fun one since it’s kaleidoscope of genres), The Bite, Go Go Second Time Virgin, Ecstasy of the Angels, The Glamorous Life of Sachiko Hanai, Daydream (dir. Tetsuji Takechi, both versions), Wife to be Sacrificed, Terrifying Girls’ High School: Lynch Law Classroom, Girl Boss Guerilla, Sex & Fury, School of the Holy Beast.
Hopefully some of those films pique your interest. Some Dir. I recommend are: Shunya Ito, Teruo Ishii, Koji Wakamatsu, Tetsuji Takechi and Masaru Konuma.
Some Stars of the era: Meiko Kaji (she didn’t star in many pink films but did in many cult classics, such as Lady Snowblood), Reiko Ike, Miki Sugimoto, Naomi Tani and Junko Miyashita.
Hope this helped all who are interested. I’d like to hear you opinions once you get a hold of pink film.
Cheers
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Favorite Pinku Eiga Film? almost 3 years ago
And Yes Myra, I would say Funeral Parade of Roses counts. It didn’t have a home and was lost somewhere between Pink film and Japanese New Wave but what a interesting picture.
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Bad Lieutenant: Has Werner Herzog Sold His Soul To The Devil? almost 3 years ago
Possibly. Originally, I had Hollywood in mind.
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Who do you think the most overrated director is? almost 3 years ago
For me the ones who manage to irritate me every-time are as follows: Tarantino, Wes Anderson,Sofia Coppola, Luc Besson (I’m really sorry but he’s very uneven and pretentious. He also wrote mindless junk like District B13, and terribly adapted Joan of Arc. I know that must have pissed a few but really), Francis Ford Coppola (This hurts I know), Noah Bambauch (maybe he’s not that popular but he aggravates me) and I’ll have to conclude with Clint Eastwood. These are all my opinions and nothing more.
Go to Comment
Who do you think the most overrated director is? almost 3 years ago
And Ozu is a genius. It may take a lifetime to appreciate his work but almost ever filmmaker is influenced by him in some way (maybe these universal themes of family don’t connect with you?). Aki Kaurismaki, Stanley Kwan, Paul Schrader, Lindsay Anderson, Wim Wenders and Hou Hsiao Hsien are some dir. who worship him. Kiarostami does as well.
Go to Comment
Best Takashi Miike movie? almost 3 years ago
For me: Audition also had the strongest impact for me. But Ichi would definitely come second for its audacity, tight camera work and mysterious milieu. Gozu for an even stranger sphere. The Bird People in China proves Miike to be one of the best new directors coming out Japan aside from Shinya Tsukamoto and many have struggled to follow his footsteps since.
Go to Comment
what did you watch today? almost 3 years ago
Story of Qiu Ju. Glad I did. Gong is beaut. in this one.
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IS TAKASHI MIIKE BECOMING TO POP? almost 3 years ago
Lately Miike has been leaning towards larger budget-projects which is great but Yattaman is a remake of an old Japanese superhero and the Crows Zero series were adapted from mangas. Is Miike responding to his popularity overseas and will he continue to focus on popular culture?
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IS TAKASHI MIIKE BECOMING TO POP? almost 3 years ago
Sorry i meant to say TOO. I wrote this 2 in the morning, please excuse my errors.
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IS TAKASHI MIIKE BECOMING TO POP? almost 3 years ago
Yeah I left the question a little too out in the open but I agree completely: the more appraisal Miike gets the better. So what I was referring to was his recent commercial efforts. It’s great that he’s a versatile director but I’m just curious to see if he will continue to linger towards more commercial pictures. But you’re right again, it’s all up to him.
Go to Comment
Favourite Korean Films? almost 3 years ago
Secret Sunshine!!!! what a performance. Then 3-Iron, Lady Vengeance, Oldboy, Sympathy of Mr. Vengeance (Sorry I was a bit disappointed in Thirst). A Tale of Two Sisters and Im Kwon Taek’s works are classics.
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Where are you from? almost 3 years ago
Tokyo, Japan. Lived in New York City almost all my life.
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Begotten almost 3 years ago
Where can you get this?
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John Zorn or Ennio Morricone almost 3 years ago
Lov’ em both.
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Movie adaptations that REEEEEEEEALLY missed the point! almost 3 years ago
Also, Orlando Bloom cannot act.
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John Zorn or Ennio Morricone almost 3 years ago
Yes, Zorn did great covers in his “The Big Gundown”. I’ve seen both acts live and they are both amazing. It certainly isn’t a fair comparison since they are both geniuses. I still think Morricone deserves all credit he can get and Zorn’s getting there. It was about time they gave him a lifetime achievement award at the oscars and I still can’t believe he has never won best musical score (and then again, I don’t trust those awards). Aside from Zorn’s radical works he has made some really beautiful compositions, such as: Masada Live in Sevilla, Masada String Trio, Redbird and his various filmworks. As a said, this debate is unfair and I couldn’t honestly give an answer. Just figured, I should raise a few eyebrows.
Go to Comment
John Zorn or Ennio Morricone almost 3 years ago
Yes, Zorn did great covers in his “The Big Gundown”. I’ve seen both acts live and they are both amazing. It certainly isn’t a fair comparison since they are both geniuses. I still think Morricone deserves all credit he can get and Zorn’s getting there. It was about time they gave him a lifetime achievement award at the oscars and I still can’t believe he has never won best musical score (and then again, I don’t trust those awards). Aside from Zorn’s radical works he has made some really beautiful compositions, such as: Masada Live in Sevilla, Masada String Trio, Redbird and his various filmworks. As a said, this debate is unfair and I couldn’t honestly give an answer. Just figured, I should raise a few eyebrows.
Go to Comment