jbae Reviews

Crying Freeman (1995)

An incredible transfer of kinetics from anime to live-action...

[9/10 · 3 November 1998]

I watched this film with curiosity as I was a serious "Crying Freeman" manga fan. And as I was watching the film, I couldn't help but be mesmerized how well Mark Dacascos played the main character, "Crying Freeman" or "Yo". The overall production of the film was very high, and the screenplay writers/director kept the little details of the original story intact. I was very pleasantly surprised and am happy to recommend this film to anyone who enjoys a good action/adventure movie. Unfortunately this film is not available here in any format except as a Laserdisc import. I wish some company would pick up the distribution rights so that American audiences will be able to see this film. Highly recommended.

Wicked City (1992)

A poor remake of a Japanese Anime...

[5/10 · 3 November 1998]

This movie just goes to prove that most anime or manga "A" titles do not translate well to live action. Taken from the Anime of the same title (or AKA Supernatural Beast City) by Kawajiri Yohiataki, it lacks the visceral punch of the original. I was sorely disappointed with the "soft-core" shots and "soft-core" action. It coulda been a contenda...

Wicked City (1987)

Anime with action, gore, and sex to the hilt...

[8/10 · 3 November 1998]

Kawajiri outdid himself in this "retold" story of Demon City Shinjuku. Personally I am not clear on which came first, but I was exposed to Supernatural Beast City first. And let me tell you, exposed it the word for this film. It is a film filled with government agents, otherworldly beings, incredible gore, and incredible sex. If any anime other than Urotsukidoji deserves being called "Hentai" it's this film. If you are one with a strong stomach for violence and mayhem, watch this film. I personally enjoyed watching this thoroughly but I would not make it a date feature... unless you really wanted to scare her away. Note: last I checked, only the dubbed version was available through Orion - no subbed version was ever marketed here in the U.S.

Jeremiah Johnson (1972)

Enjoyable conflict between nature and man

[9/10 · 9 October 1998]

My first thought: Robert Redford the mountain man? The hillbilly music did nothing to disperse this twisted image of good ol' Bob wrestling naked with a bear... Surprisingly enough, the movie was a rather enjoyable experience for someone who enjoys his westerns hardboiled with flying bullets (i.e. Wild Bunch). The action was fun, dialogue well written (for the most part) and it had no ending. Robert Redford did a smashing job of doing the stunts and fights throughout the movie. The supporting cast was, well, very supportive. I recommend this film to all Western junkies. Also, it should be noted that the DVD of this film is superb in transfer and with additional materials.