Brought me back memories of highschool, jdramas and kingdom hearts.
There will always be a place in my heart for you hikki <3
There will always be a place in my heart for you hikki <3
Reviews
25 Reviews
The Whispering Star
(2015)
What is it that makes us human?
2 December 2020
The beautiful and minimalist imagery is very haunting and it gave me a perfect feeling of isolation, just like in 2001: A Space Odyssey. Even the AI in the spaceship is very reminiscent of HAL 9000. The silence and the whispering give it such a peaceful yet lonely feeling, almost in an hypnotizing way. Little things like smoking a cigarette or riding a bicycle are a reminder of what makes us human in the first place in an universe where mankind is almost extinct. Humans prefer to send their deliveries using the traditional way; they avoid using teleportation or, in other words, the use of technology that is slowly leading the human race to complete isolation.
The movie follows a meaningless android deliverywoman who gets curious about these humans as she interacts with them, giving her something to feel near the end of the movie as she becomes as much human as these people. The movie ends with a final delivery in a place with a bunch of people interacting with each other where no sign of technology is seen. Even the recipient of this final delivery doesn't want to have any interaction with this cyborg deliverywoman.
A simple and original concept of a movie that definately requires you to be in the right mood to watch it. It's also a cool companion to Kairo as they share some similar themes.
The movie follows a meaningless android deliverywoman who gets curious about these humans as she interacts with them, giving her something to feel near the end of the movie as she becomes as much human as these people. The movie ends with a final delivery in a place with a bunch of people interacting with each other where no sign of technology is seen. Even the recipient of this final delivery doesn't want to have any interaction with this cyborg deliverywoman.
A simple and original concept of a movie that definately requires you to be in the right mood to watch it. It's also a cool companion to Kairo as they share some similar themes.
Linda Linda Linda
(2005)
I love girls.
2 December 2020
Watching this movie now as an adult feels like coming back to my last days of highschool to meet my best friends from that time.
It depicts the atmosphere of those days I still didn't really know what I was doing or what I was going to do in the future, but in the end they were just unforgettable.
This group of friends just want to have the fun of their lives because they know everything will change as soon as they enter the adult world. Their friendship is very sweet and it's fun to see these cute girls doing cute things.
The cast is lovely and the soundtrack by James Iha (ex-Smashing Pumpkins) is very peaceful.
It depicts the atmosphere of those days I still didn't really know what I was doing or what I was going to do in the future, but in the end they were just unforgettable.
This group of friends just want to have the fun of their lives because they know everything will change as soon as they enter the adult world. Their friendship is very sweet and it's fun to see these cute girls doing cute things.
The cast is lovely and the soundtrack by James Iha (ex-Smashing Pumpkins) is very peaceful.
Random jokes and baka characters.
2 December 2020
Funny comedy with lots of random jokes and baka characters that made me laugh so hard a few times. The main character puts so much energy and passion in his garage band it's easy to feel so much sympathy for him despite how stupid the songs are.
On the other hand there's an idol played by Fumi Nikaido who finds value in those losers after watching them play in a random concert. She feels free from her life as an Idol after kicking the singer from the stage and stealing the show.
These are two characters with very different purposes in the world of music that develop a wonderful bond throughout the movie.
The ending was a bit underwhelming though, it has been done too many times before and I just didn't see the movie going in that direction. I also felt like Naoto Takenaka was underused.
All in all, it's a fun movie for what is it. The humour, the band and the important role of a kawaii girl are very reminiscent of "Brass Knuckle Boys" starring Aoi Miyazaki.
On the other hand there's an idol played by Fumi Nikaido who finds value in those losers after watching them play in a random concert. She feels free from her life as an Idol after kicking the singer from the stage and stealing the show.
These are two characters with very different purposes in the world of music that develop a wonderful bond throughout the movie.
The ending was a bit underwhelming though, it has been done too many times before and I just didn't see the movie going in that direction. I also felt like Naoto Takenaka was underused.
All in all, it's a fun movie for what is it. The humour, the band and the important role of a kawaii girl are very reminiscent of "Brass Knuckle Boys" starring Aoi Miyazaki.
The Limit of Sleeping Beauty
(2017)
One of the best japanese movies of the decade.
2 December 2020
A movie that will help people to deal with the death of a loved one using a sexy combination of sound and image. So much energy it made me want to dance with the girl. Ken Ninomiya is a talent to follow and this movie will get its cult following over the years.
Love Exposure
(2008)
my favourite film since a decade ago
2 December 2020
This is what I personally believe to be the best film of all time from my favourite director Sion Sono.
The story goes around religion, love, fetish and social standards and it all sums up in the best love story ever depicted in any movie. It's always so charming, funny and intelligent with such a crazy and beautiful ending. This has been my favourite movie for a decade as no other movie has had the same impact on me, even on a personal level. As such, this is the only movie in my book to deserve a 10/10 rating.
I can only thank my mother for being alive to watch this masterpiece.
On a side note, this is the first time I've seen the TV version. While it adds some key scenes that give a better understanding about Koike's feelings towards Yu and her plan to take more people into joining Church Zero, especially to anyone who's watching this movie for the first time, I absolutely dislike the fact that I had to watch the opening and ending credits of all episodes. Kinda breaks the flow of a movie that isn't meant to be seen in an episodic format. I obviously enjoyed a lot watching the new content, but the movie version is how it is meant to be seen.
I'm praying to the Hentai God to give us the 6 hour version one day.
The story goes around religion, love, fetish and social standards and it all sums up in the best love story ever depicted in any movie. It's always so charming, funny and intelligent with such a crazy and beautiful ending. This has been my favourite movie for a decade as no other movie has had the same impact on me, even on a personal level. As such, this is the only movie in my book to deserve a 10/10 rating.
I can only thank my mother for being alive to watch this masterpiece.
On a side note, this is the first time I've seen the TV version. While it adds some key scenes that give a better understanding about Koike's feelings towards Yu and her plan to take more people into joining Church Zero, especially to anyone who's watching this movie for the first time, I absolutely dislike the fact that I had to watch the opening and ending credits of all episodes. Kinda breaks the flow of a movie that isn't meant to be seen in an episodic format. I obviously enjoyed a lot watching the new content, but the movie version is how it is meant to be seen.
I'm praying to the Hentai God to give us the 6 hour version one day.
Pulse
(2001)
Loneliness and isolation... Kiyoshi Kurosawa's best film.
2 December 2020
What seems to be your average j-horror, soon becomes a film about loneliness and isolation.
We often see the characters spend their time alone and the internet is used as a way that can lead even more to the end of social interaction. There are a few dialogue scenes that get very awkward, representative of how hard social interactions can be.
It might be hard for some of us to get into social interactions, but this movie encourages us to put some effort in it, even if we get hurt again and again by getting too close to other people. Total isolation in order to avoid that kind of pain is not the solution. The apocalyptic imagery at the end of the film is awesome.
We often see the characters spend their time alone and the internet is used as a way that can lead even more to the end of social interaction. There are a few dialogue scenes that get very awkward, representative of how hard social interactions can be.
It might be hard for some of us to get into social interactions, but this movie encourages us to put some effort in it, even if we get hurt again and again by getting too close to other people. Total isolation in order to avoid that kind of pain is not the solution. The apocalyptic imagery at the end of the film is awesome.
Swing Girls
(2004)
My favourite japanese teen comedy
2 December 2020
Honest and feel-good comedy with a simple story and lovely characters.
I enjoyed the Jazz music a lot, even though I'm not a fan. The characters show so much passion playing their instruments, they give me the will to learn Jazz too! All songs are performed by the actor and actresses themselves, with months of training before the shooting with concerts in Japan and USA to help to promote the movie.
There's so much joy in the final act. Makes me wanna stand up and dance. Japanese girls + jazz music = a wonderful combination.
I enjoyed the Jazz music a lot, even though I'm not a fan. The characters show so much passion playing their instruments, they give me the will to learn Jazz too! All songs are performed by the actor and actresses themselves, with months of training before the shooting with concerts in Japan and USA to help to promote the movie.
There's so much joy in the final act. Makes me wanna stand up and dance. Japanese girls + jazz music = a wonderful combination.
Your Name.
(2016)
My favourite anime
2 December 2020
Beautiful love/fantasy/time travel story that covers the emotions of falling in love for someone even if you haven't actually met. The feeling that someone out there loves you. Wonderful animation. Romance and comedy are well balanced. Soundtrack is very catchy. Not only my favourite film from director Makoto Shinkai but also my favourite anime film of all time.
Chiwawa
(2019)
Ken Ninomya is my new favourite japanese director
2 December 2020
In my "The Limit of Sleeping Beauty" review, I mentioned that it was "A movie that will help people to deal with the death of a loved one using a sexy combination of sound and image." Chiwawa, however, is a friendship story that might convey the same feelings for the death of a friend.
The introduction of Chiwawa is pretty cool and while the story and themes are somewhat reminiscent of "Spring Breakers", it ends up following a different direction. The story of this character is told by each one of her friends and it keeps getting interesting as we dive deeper into the mind of someone who is seen as just as an instagram celebrity by those who don't know her. Not only her, but there's always something to say about her friends as well.
It has a lot of that energy of "The Limit of Sleeping Beauty" with all the music and dancing. It's just as frenetic and colorful as that one, with very catchy songs. One more sexy movie from Ken Ninomiya.
The introduction of Chiwawa is pretty cool and while the story and themes are somewhat reminiscent of "Spring Breakers", it ends up following a different direction. The story of this character is told by each one of her friends and it keeps getting interesting as we dive deeper into the mind of someone who is seen as just as an instagram celebrity by those who don't know her. Not only her, but there's always something to say about her friends as well.
It has a lot of that energy of "The Limit of Sleeping Beauty" with all the music and dancing. It's just as frenetic and colorful as that one, with very catchy songs. One more sexy movie from Ken Ninomiya.
Sion Sono's segment is worth watching
2 December 2020
Watched segments 1 and 2 without subtitles so all I got was "pantsu" and "hentai".
The 1st segment "No Pants Girls" is set in an elementary school and for whatever reason, something felt really disturbing.
The 2nd segment "Gaiden" left me so confused. It's just so random and I didn't get it, but still watchable stuff when compared to the previous segment. It's just girls throwing their panties to a river for whatever reason and some curious people passing nearby.
The 3rd segment "Otona ni Nattara" directed by Sion Sono is the best one here. It goes around 3 girls who are assigned an homework to write about what they want to become when they grow up, yet their feelings are not the same as any other kid of their age as they are discovering sexuality.
It's pretty random, fast-paced and funny, with a lot of hentai moments. The girls get replaced by older versions of themselves in these scenes. There's also a couple of kids trying to find the owner of some lost panties in the school. I just love how Sion Sono feels that it is important to specify the style of panties each girl was using.
The 1st segment "No Pants Girls" is set in an elementary school and for whatever reason, something felt really disturbing.
The 2nd segment "Gaiden" left me so confused. It's just so random and I didn't get it, but still watchable stuff when compared to the previous segment. It's just girls throwing their panties to a river for whatever reason and some curious people passing nearby.
The 3rd segment "Otona ni Nattara" directed by Sion Sono is the best one here. It goes around 3 girls who are assigned an homework to write about what they want to become when they grow up, yet their feelings are not the same as any other kid of their age as they are discovering sexuality.
It's pretty random, fast-paced and funny, with a lot of hentai moments. The girls get replaced by older versions of themselves in these scenes. There's also a couple of kids trying to find the owner of some lost panties in the school. I just love how Sion Sono feels that it is important to specify the style of panties each girl was using.
Not directed by Sion Sono
2 December 2020
It's not as funny and hentai as all the other All Esper Dayo stuff, but it's still a fun time. The original cast and characters are back in a new original story, with a new mysterious character in the series - Asuka.
Only for fans of the series and movies.
Only for fans of the series and movies.
First Love
(2019)
Takashi Miike never lost his touch
2 December 2020
After a couple of bad movies done in the past years, Miike is back with one of his best movies in a long time.
This was very reminescent of some his previous Yakuza stuff, easily explained by the fact that the script comes from the writer of "Dead or Alive 2", "The Bird People in China" and the "Young Thugs" movies, which also stand as some of my favourites from Miike.
I believe this is a director that, at this point, just enjoying making every movie he gets offered to get his paycheck. However, stuff like "First Love" still remind me of what made me fall in love with him in the first place.
Loved how it took place mostly at night. It reminded me a lot of the Yakuza videogames with all the punching, kicking, street neons and intrigue between rival yakuza gangs. A lot of "who are you?" and "what is happening?" moments added a lot of enjoyment to this very fun script.
I loved the young couple. This is Miike's most romantic movie since "For Love's Sake" and would love to see the continuation of this story in a sequel.
Shota Sometani is good as always and Becky who plays Julie is a lot of fun, which I immediately recognized from watching her in the "Nodame Cantabile" series back in highschool. What a comeback for this actress!
There is a lot of violence, car chases and also a very interesting animated scene. Happy this was my 90th movie from Miike.
This was very reminescent of some his previous Yakuza stuff, easily explained by the fact that the script comes from the writer of "Dead or Alive 2", "The Bird People in China" and the "Young Thugs" movies, which also stand as some of my favourites from Miike.
I believe this is a director that, at this point, just enjoying making every movie he gets offered to get his paycheck. However, stuff like "First Love" still remind me of what made me fall in love with him in the first place.
Loved how it took place mostly at night. It reminded me a lot of the Yakuza videogames with all the punching, kicking, street neons and intrigue between rival yakuza gangs. A lot of "who are you?" and "what is happening?" moments added a lot of enjoyment to this very fun script.
I loved the young couple. This is Miike's most romantic movie since "For Love's Sake" and would love to see the continuation of this story in a sequel.
Shota Sometani is good as always and Becky who plays Julie is a lot of fun, which I immediately recognized from watching her in the "Nodame Cantabile" series back in highschool. What a comeback for this actress!
There is a lot of violence, car chases and also a very interesting animated scene. Happy this was my 90th movie from Miike.
Underrated sequel for fans of the series
2 December 2020
Finally decided to give this one a watch as I gave up on waiting to watch the live-action miniseries with english subtitles. And it turned out to be such a surprise!
I knew this live-action would take place after the events of the anime movies, but I didn't know it would take so much from Patlabor 2's story, which is, hands down, one of the best animated movies of all time. For that reason, I regret not watching this right after Patlabor 2 when it was still fresh in my mind. The mood and philosophical themes are still here, even the soundtrack sounds exactly the same. The boat scene under the bridge is clearly an homage to the same scene in Patlabor 2. There's some siliness too, which used to be so common in the tv show and the animated miniseries.
It is still possible to follow the story of this movie without prior watching of the live-action miniseries. Well, at least I felt like that it was a new story created for this movie. However, it definitely feels like I was missing a lot of the characters' backgrounds and sense of companionship from not watching these characters' adventures before.
The action and special effects are awesome, yet it isn't what makes these series so interesting (especially the movies), so it won't be for anyone who's just looking for that.
I knew this live-action would take place after the events of the anime movies, but I didn't know it would take so much from Patlabor 2's story, which is, hands down, one of the best animated movies of all time. For that reason, I regret not watching this right after Patlabor 2 when it was still fresh in my mind. The mood and philosophical themes are still here, even the soundtrack sounds exactly the same. The boat scene under the bridge is clearly an homage to the same scene in Patlabor 2. There's some siliness too, which used to be so common in the tv show and the animated miniseries.
It is still possible to follow the story of this movie without prior watching of the live-action miniseries. Well, at least I felt like that it was a new story created for this movie. However, it definitely feels like I was missing a lot of the characters' backgrounds and sense of companionship from not watching these characters' adventures before.
The action and special effects are awesome, yet it isn't what makes these series so interesting (especially the movies), so it won't be for anyone who's just looking for that.
Inland Empire
(2006)
Watch it during your sleeping time
2 December 2020
Watched this movie during my usual sleeping time from 4am until 7am to make me feel like I was having a nightmare. It broke my head as much as it did on my first viewing back in highschool when it got released.
I'm aware of very extensive analysis videos and even a book that attempts to explain the meaning of INLAND EMPIRE. Honestly I've always avoided to follow anyone else's interpretation and come up with my own meaning and feelings this movie gives me. You would need to be inside Lynch's brain to understand why a character blinked 2x faster than usual or farted quietly on a certain scene. This is one of those movies that will give you a very unique experience if you go along with all the weirdness on the screen.
I'm aware of very extensive analysis videos and even a book that attempts to explain the meaning of INLAND EMPIRE. Honestly I've always avoided to follow anyone else's interpretation and come up with my own meaning and feelings this movie gives me. You would need to be inside Lynch's brain to understand why a character blinked 2x faster than usual or farted quietly on a certain scene. This is one of those movies that will give you a very unique experience if you go along with all the weirdness on the screen.
The Rocking Horsemen
(1992)
Obayashi's "Linda Linda Linda" with boys
2 December 2020
A group of kids start a band, practise and play in public covers of japanese songs while they spend the rest of their time talking about girls. There's a huge focus on the kids' sexuality and inocense of their age. There's one funny scene in which a boy tries to hide his boner for seeing his crush on a swimming suit on the beach.
It's set on a small rural town just like most of the other movies from this director, starring a very young Asano Tadanobu. It's a fun little movie, but at 2h15min it drags a lot. The Rocking Horsemen's first and final big show at the school festival wasn't very rewarding either.
It's set on a small rural town just like most of the other movies from this director, starring a very young Asano Tadanobu. It's a fun little movie, but at 2h15min it drags a lot. The Rocking Horsemen's first and final big show at the school festival wasn't very rewarding either.
Gonin 2
(1996)
Enjoyable sequel
2 December 2020
Fun movie with a new original story. It isn't a continuation of the previous movie, but the themes are still relatable enough to make it feel like a sequel. The catchy theme song is also back. Characters are not as memorable as in the original (the girls seem to have very similar looks and personalities, also no Kitano this time), but the performances are pretty convincing to make me feel all the tension and the action is cool. Glad I gave this a rewatch, this movie deserves a little more attention.
Gonin Saga
(2015)
Takashi Ishii's masterpiece!
2 December 2020
One of the best and most overlooked Yakuza movies in recent years.
Has a pretty slow but needed 1st act in order to recap the events from the original movie and get the viewer to know the main characters and their motivations. I guess this is where the theatrical's version suffered most of the cuts.
It brings back the same old formula of these movies in a very interesting revenge story packed with a lot of action and drama. Some of the characters from the original are surprisingly back also. This is more fun to watch compared to the very disturbing tone of the original, but some of that stuff is still here. It's still very violent and I loved the blood made of red smoke filling the screen in some shotting scenes. There's a lot of raining which always makes any scene more dramatic, even on one of the posters it is raining.
The heist made me feel so anxious but it's in the final climax where this movie shines. It's my favourite of these movies with an awesome singing scene with Anna Tsuchiya just before the face-off between the 'good' and bad guys. There's even that classic asmr with The Last Waltz played by Morita Doji (R.I.P.).
Has a pretty slow but needed 1st act in order to recap the events from the original movie and get the viewer to know the main characters and their motivations. I guess this is where the theatrical's version suffered most of the cuts.
It brings back the same old formula of these movies in a very interesting revenge story packed with a lot of action and drama. Some of the characters from the original are surprisingly back also. This is more fun to watch compared to the very disturbing tone of the original, but some of that stuff is still here. It's still very violent and I loved the blood made of red smoke filling the screen in some shotting scenes. There's a lot of raining which always makes any scene more dramatic, even on one of the posters it is raining.
The heist made me feel so anxious but it's in the final climax where this movie shines. It's my favourite of these movies with an awesome singing scene with Anna Tsuchiya just before the face-off between the 'good' and bad guys. There's even that classic asmr with The Last Waltz played by Morita Doji (R.I.P.).
Chizuko's Younger Sister
(1991)
R.I.P. Nobuhiko Obayashi
2 December 2020
Chizuko's Younger Sister has always been one of my favourites from this director. It's such a sad movie that deals with the loss of a close family member from the perspective of a younger sister and the parents. Chizuko's song has been on my mind ever since I watched this movie 6 years ago, it's so beautiful.
Also, soundtrack by Joe Hisaishi is both cute and melancholic and it's personally one my favourites from this composer. You can still find some of that wacky stuff from this director in a wonderful scene in which characters are watching the fireworks and there's also a very funny racing scene.
At 150 minutes it drags a bit sometimes though and I didn't care much for the subplot about the dad and the other woman in the last act of the movie.
Rewatched in memory of Nobuhiko Obayashi. Rest in peace my sweet prince. Sayonara.
Also, soundtrack by Joe Hisaishi is both cute and melancholic and it's personally one my favourites from this composer. You can still find some of that wacky stuff from this director in a wonderful scene in which characters are watching the fireworks and there's also a very funny racing scene.
At 150 minutes it drags a bit sometimes though and I didn't care much for the subplot about the dad and the other woman in the last act of the movie.
Rewatched in memory of Nobuhiko Obayashi. Rest in peace my sweet prince. Sayonara.
We Are Little Zombies
(2019)
Makoto Nagahisa is a new mad man to follow in japanese cinema!
2 December 2020
This is my favourite "life is like a videogame" movie now. Previously, that place belonged to Brian De Palma's Scarface, but the final act of "Game Over> Continue>Yes" in this movie won me over the bad sequel on the Wii.
Can't wait to explore more from this director in the future. You can find all his previous work (mostly videoclips) on his website. Also, make sure you watch his short movie "And So We Put Goldfish in the Pool." which shares some of the same style.
Can't wait to explore more from this director in the future. You can find all his previous work (mostly videoclips) on his website. Also, make sure you watch his short movie "And So We Put Goldfish in the Pool." which shares some of the same style.
The Flowers of Evil
(2019)
An hidden "Love Exposure"
2 December 2020
A sentimental film about human identity and escapism that feels like a mix of the emptiness from "Goth" with the hentai stuff from "Love Exposure". Performances are amazing, didn't expect to become so emotionally attached to these characters.
I just don't seem to get tired of these romance films about outcast teens as I get older. This is easily Noboru Iguchi's best film and very different from all his previous stuff.
On a side note, the story was so good it made me watch the anime afterwards. It's a much darker version of the story, but sadly only covers the first half of the movie. They are both very different and I love both versions.
I just don't seem to get tired of these romance films about outcast teens as I get older. This is easily Noboru Iguchi's best film and very different from all his previous stuff.
On a side note, the story was so good it made me watch the anime afterwards. It's a much darker version of the story, but sadly only covers the first half of the movie. They are both very different and I love both versions.
One of the best japanese teen dramas in recent years
2 December 2020
Brought me back the anxiety of talking to a whole class of strangers (thank god those times are over lol). An heartwarming story about 3 outcasts that become friends for their love for music, but the movie doesn't really follow such a generic formula as it may sound.
Shino gives it all in the crying scenes, Okasaki plays the cool girl and Kikushi is a funny idiot.
Any japanese movie with highschool teens singing/playing music or with a scene on a beach is always a must-watch for me.
Shino gives it all in the crying scenes, Okasaki plays the cool girl and Kikushi is a funny idiot.
Any japanese movie with highschool teens singing/playing music or with a scene on a beach is always a must-watch for me.
Prison School
(2015)
Noboru Iguchi fans will enjoy it
2 December 2020
The most similar thing to Sion Sono's Minna! ESPer Dayo!, also based on a manga.
Doesn't get as hentai as that one though as most of the actresses are younger. This one feels more childish with very stupid jokes. For example, a boy sees a girl taking a piss and the girl demands the boy to take a piss in front of her as revenge (it escalates quickly).
All characters are funny and have their own personalities, with the blond girl beeing my favourite one. This miniseries has 9 episodes in total with 25 minutes each, which makes it very easy to watch.
Doesn't get as hentai as that one though as most of the actresses are younger. This one feels more childish with very stupid jokes. For example, a boy sees a girl taking a piss and the girl demands the boy to take a piss in front of her as revenge (it escalates quickly).
All characters are funny and have their own personalities, with the blond girl beeing my favourite one. This miniseries has 9 episodes in total with 25 minutes each, which makes it very easy to watch.
Kill Bill: Vol. 1
(2003)
Tarantino's best remix
2 December 2020
I've been watching this multiple times since midschool, grew up with the poster of Vol. 1 in my bedroom.. But I wanted to rediscover this movie. For that, I spent this past month watching +50 of the movies referenced in Kill Bill that I hadn't watched before. And it added so much to the experience! Characters, fighting techniques and even objects have a new meaning to me now. And it's pretty cool to finally know who Annie Oakley is!
Kill Bill is such an epic 4-hour fantasy revenge story and the wet dream of a movie fanboy that grew up watching thousands of spaghetti westerns, kung fu, samurai and yakuza movies. And also pretty much everything else. Quentin Tarantino is a cinematographic DJ and this is his best remix.
Soon I'll read David Carradine's "The Diary of Kill" and watch the japanese tv-show "Shadow Warriors". I don't think my passion for this movie will ever die!
Kill Bill is such an epic 4-hour fantasy revenge story and the wet dream of a movie fanboy that grew up watching thousands of spaghetti westerns, kung fu, samurai and yakuza movies. And also pretty much everything else. Quentin Tarantino is a cinematographic DJ and this is his best remix.
Soon I'll read David Carradine's "The Diary of Kill" and watch the japanese tv-show "Shadow Warriors". I don't think my passion for this movie will ever die!
Make the Last Wish
(2009)
Sion Sono + Hikari Mitsushima + Avril Lavigne
27 November 2020
Before Mondo Grosso's song "Labyrinth" became a huge hit on youtube, Hikari Mitsushima was singing Avril Lavigne's songs 10 years ago in this movie written and directed by Sion Sono.
This movie is loosely based on the american manga "Make 5 Wishes", which follows the lonely teenage girl Hana who is obsessed with Avril Lavigne as a way to escape from her current life. In the manga, Avril plays as her conscience and as her imaginary friend. Things change as soon as Hana orders a demon-like creature which grants her any 5 wishes of her choice. The excitement, hope and companionship that this "real" creature provides her, slowly starts replacing the imaginary Avril in her mind. However, serious consequences come along with each one of her wishes.
The main difference in the live-action adaptation is the change of Hana with her twin sister Minami as the main character, who didn't exist in the manga. Hana's story is told through Minami's flashbacks, as she explains her reasons to join the singing competition.
This competition, which didn't exist in the manga, takes most of the plot in the movie. On the other hand, the manga focuses on Hana and her interactions with the people around her. While the doll is seen as a way to make any wish come true just by asking it, the auditions convey the message that you must work hard if you want your dreams to come true. A nice change by Sion Sono which added more depth to the story.
For those who are curious about the manga, it is on youtube.
"Make the Last Wish" came 1 year after "Love Exposure" and it's easy to notice how it borrows so much from that movie, with Hikari Mitsushima playing Minami/Hana and Sakura Ando in a minor role playing a bully, characters that remind me of Yoko and Koike. Some of the same soundtrack is here as well. For me, all these similarities were a big plus. Always nice to watch anything with Hikari Mitsushima in her prime!
This movie is loosely based on the american manga "Make 5 Wishes", which follows the lonely teenage girl Hana who is obsessed with Avril Lavigne as a way to escape from her current life. In the manga, Avril plays as her conscience and as her imaginary friend. Things change as soon as Hana orders a demon-like creature which grants her any 5 wishes of her choice. The excitement, hope and companionship that this "real" creature provides her, slowly starts replacing the imaginary Avril in her mind. However, serious consequences come along with each one of her wishes.
The main difference in the live-action adaptation is the change of Hana with her twin sister Minami as the main character, who didn't exist in the manga. Hana's story is told through Minami's flashbacks, as she explains her reasons to join the singing competition.
This competition, which didn't exist in the manga, takes most of the plot in the movie. On the other hand, the manga focuses on Hana and her interactions with the people around her. While the doll is seen as a way to make any wish come true just by asking it, the auditions convey the message that you must work hard if you want your dreams to come true. A nice change by Sion Sono which added more depth to the story.
For those who are curious about the manga, it is on youtube.
"Make the Last Wish" came 1 year after "Love Exposure" and it's easy to notice how it borrows so much from that movie, with Hikari Mitsushima playing Minami/Hana and Sakura Ando in a minor role playing a bully, characters that remind me of Yoko and Koike. Some of the same soundtrack is here as well. For me, all these similarities were a big plus. Always nice to watch anything with Hikari Mitsushima in her prime!
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