One of the best films in 2010 when taking romance and "americana" into consideration.

Impossible to recommend to a casual viewer but essential to the Oshii completionist when it comes to tackling AVALON's themes.

Seriously. This is far better than you'd assume it is. So don't fall prey to the "IT LOST MONEY OPENING WEEKEND" trope.

Despite what Tsukamoto says, this is a culmination of the Tetsuo series and concept. The original drab gray man of "iron" has morphed into a whirling dervish of gears and steam; Tetsuo has gone from being the "Iron Man" to simply a weapon waiting to be used. Tsukamoto's notion of being completely aware of Tetsuo and not giving a shit comes off only in interviews. But in a weird way, this is the happiest ending you'll ever see in a Tetsuo film. What's stranger is the early twist when Tetsuo isn't just a man turning into a machine, but how his entire creation gets explained. Much like Body Hammer, this Tetsuo is nurtured by his environment to be a weapon, but also acts in his own self interest for once.

this is quite possibly the worst film of 2010. but it has a sole redeeming point from a sundance q&a: person: Why did you [Adrien Brody] agree to be in this? Brody: I wasn't really into the film until I got to the part where I [spoiler] in the barn. I was sold on the notion of that.

this is a far better film than it should be. closest thing i can equate it to, in terms of offering sheer fun, is the faculty.

you won't find a sillier film that is entirely about pimping young girls and showcasing Michael Shannon.

A third hand story: at Japan Cuts in NYC, Sono was on-hand for a post-screening Q&A. Someone asked how he felt to be compared to another "visual auteur" like Tarantino. Sono, a bit tipsy, responded: "Don't compare me to that hack. I'm worlds better than he is." Again, a third hand story. But my god, if he isn't right and if this isn't proof Sono exists in a tier all to himself.

there's a joke about Chinatown in this film, but I just can't put my finger on it.

I will take back every negative thing I wrote about this if the filmmakers agree to my one clause: rename it THE CRYING DONKEY.

It's a horrible film, yet must be seen to appreciate the mangled abortion that is Cage as Kinski.

Relationships are hard and people are weird. And flighty gingers will throw themselves at things (people, windows, etc.) to be loved.