Kadokawa Pictures USA Movie Blog

Showa Summary

2009-05-26T12:24:00.000-07:00

The following section will address each of the movies and their respective monsters, offering important differences, milestones in the series, and other interesting notes worth mention.

Gamera: This is the only Gamera film in which Gamera does not fight another giant monster. In the first two films, they had not quite fallen into their groove yet, so Gamera is something of a villain at this point. Still, his benevolence (especially toward children) is shown when he rescues a boy (from himself!) and safely returns him to his parents. Finally, this is not only the first and last Gamera shot in black and white, it is the final black and white Kaiju movie ever made.

Japan’s SDF: as mentioned, this is the one Gamera movie without a giant monster, so all I can really talk about is the Japanese Self Defense Force. As far as abilities, well, they have what one might expect of a national military installation- missiles, bombs, bullets- all of which bounce harmlessly from Gamera. Exploiting a weakness of his, their scientifically engineered cold bombs are able to briefly subdue the monster. It would seem the only ace up their sleeves Gamera need worry about, is the mysterious “Plan Z.”

Daikaiju Ketto Gamera tai Barugon (aka Gamera VS Barugon): In this film, Gamera’s altruistic nature is still not fully in place. This is clearly shown in his little indiscretions when he returns to Earth. In fact, when Gamera comes to save the day, the people of Osaka are actually frightened by him and uncertain of his intentions. This film contains a somewhat amusing adventure story in the beginning, and oddly enough, no children! Some consider the first two Showa Gamera films to be in their own series, but I think they are part of the Gamera story in a unique way that is explored more fully in Gamera VS Space Monster Bairus.

Barugon: In my opinion, Barugon got something of a raw deal. The poor Kaiju has a terrible weakness that is remarkably easy to exploit- WATER. He has a somewhat unique design, and he uses his tongue in a way I had not imagined. Rather than sticking it out to catch things and eat them, as a frog or lizard might, he uses it to knock things over and shoot a freezing mist.

Daikaiju Gamera tai Gyaosu (aka Gamera VS Gaos): This film represents the Gamera series in full swing. At this point, they settle comfortably into their pattern, for now ignoring Gamera’s past evils altogether, Gamera is welcomed as a hero and Guardian of the Children. From this film on, all Gamera movies star a young child.

Gaos: Gaos is one of the most beloved of all Gamera villains. He reappears in Bairus and Giron, and he is the first foe Gamera must re-defeat in his final Showa film. Gyaos is also the only original Gamera villain to be revamped and reintroduced in the Heisei Era films as well as the recent Gamera the Brave. He is essentially a giant human eating bat with limited neck-movement capabilities and deadly sonic beams.

Gamera tai Uchukaiju Bairus: The next 3 Gamera films in the series feature a multi cultural, Japanese/White team of young boys cheering for Gamera and trying to help in any way they can. This film also marks the all important “Gamera Retcon” that, in my opinion, doesn’t erase the first two films so much as it puts them in a new light. Comic book fans are familiar with the idea of a “retcon” which is basically going back to an even that occurred earlier in a character’s history and explaining it in a different way. This often changes origins and motivations, or simply places the character in a historically updated context. In this retcon, Gamera is hit with a mind control device and then commits the naughty actions first depicted in the first two films (notably the destruction of Tokyo from the first film, and the assault on the dam from the second). So basically, when we go back and watch the first two Gamera films, we must keep in mind; the evil Bairans are controlling him!

Bairus: Bairus makes his Kaiju debut sometime toward the end of the film and his appearance is supposed to be something of a surprise(hence the lack of a real photo ^_^). He is the first in a series of what I like to refer to as the “sharp-headed” Kaiju. As such, it has the typical weakness of getting stuck in something solid and being rendered relatively helpless. Its greatest power lies in its ability to control Gamera and turn so sharply against his true nature.

Gamera tai Daikaiju Giron (aka Gamera VS Guiron): This film is the only one where Gamera’s great monster battle takes place primarily in space. This is also the first time we are shown Gamera’s playful nature as well as his skill in Giant-Turtle Gymnastics!

Giron: This is perhaps one of Gamera’s deadliest opponents since he is the only one to actually penetrate Gamera’s nearly invincible shell. His power is further displayed in his casual (and all too simple) destruction of a galactic Gaos, who falls much more quickly to Giron than the original did to Gamera. Still, as with Bairus before and Zigura after, his pointy head proves too much a liability.

Gamera tai Daimaju Jaiga (aka Gamera VS Jiger): This film takes Gamera back to his Kaiju roots and once again features good-old-fashioned-middle-of-Japan-combat! Buildings are destroyed, people are terrified and Gamera takes as good as he gives. In my opinion, this is the best of the Showa Gamera series as it embodies all that is great about Giant Monster films. It also contains a rather silly and fun moment of young boys exploring Gamera’s insides with a little yellow submarine. On a side note, Gamera’s victory blow in this film is so violent and shocking that even the crowd he is rescuing are horrified by it! (A very funny moment in the film)

Jaiga: Though one of the most silly looking, he is probably the most dangerous of all the Kaiju that Gamera faces (knocking my previous favorite, Giron, right off the chart!). He has horns, but not an entirely pointy head, projectile spikes, a deadly ray, the ability to fly, and a tail with which he can instantaneously inject his spawn straight into his opponent’s body! It was a miracle Gamera was able to defeat him at all- and as previously mentioned, he has to rise to a new level of violence in order to do so!

Gamera tai Shinkaikaiju Zigara (aka Gamera VS Zigara): In a sense, this is the last true Showa era film, since the final is more of a clip show. This film pits Gamera against another sharp-faced sea creature with expected results. In this film, as in Giron, we are also shown a bit of Gamera’s playfulness when he plays out his theme song (on the spine of his opponent!) and then proceeds to shimmy and shake as only a 200 foot tall turtle can.

Zigara: The monster himself is nothing special, a typical pointy head defeated in the typical way. His true power lies in his ability to control minds, paralyze its victims, and most devastatingly- cause massive earthquakes all over the world!

Uchu Kaiju Gamera (aka Space Monster Gamera): This film marks the end of Gamera’s Showa series. The film does have a great deal of original footage, but all of the giant monster battles (and thus footage of Gamera himself) is actually recycled footage from the previous films. If you hadn’t just watched the other 7 films, this movie is actually put together nicely and it is similar to watching a highlights real of your favorite character.

Zanon: If you view this as a film in and of itself, and not merely a clip show with some spliced in footage, than the great evil space pirate Zanon would definitely be Gamera’s most powerful villain. He has the power to revive, or least of all replicate, all 6 former Gamera monsters. This is of course, in addition to his deadly lasers (that fire with pin point accuracy from billions of light years away) and his faithful “bad space woman” cohort.

Personal Musings

In watching these 8 films, I couldn’t help but notice a few random things that I thought were worth pointing out here.

1. In these films, events don’t flow very logically, often times; characters know things that they shouldn’t and come to conclusions that don’t make sense. I suppose this is a reflection of a simpler time in movie making where people weren’t as cynical or questioning as they are now, or perhaps this is a sign of a greater cultural or historical trend that my modern American sensibilities don’t quite comprehend.

2. As mentioned, Gamera’s greatest ability is his power to adapt, and the fact that he never falls for the same trick twice. That being said…those fights in Space Monster Gamera seemed to go down the exact same as before- not only that, but Gamera seemed to instantly recover from the terrible I wonder why ^_^

3. Gamera can dodge REALLY fast for a turtle!

4. Every Showa Era Japanese boy must have had a white side kick named Tom (or Jim).

5. Space Monster Gamera was the only film to contain truly active female heroes. The rest were either brain-eating aliens, or helpless sisters forced to stay home while their brothers went adventuring!

6. Gamera randomly shows up when people are in trouble- good thing huh? The films make me wonder though, would Gamera show up if it was adults in trouble, or does he only care about children?

7. I love the way Gamera flies. I just had to point that out.

8. Perhaps the greatest thing about these films is that the adults always think the children are absolutely crazy when they say that aliens exist, yet they seem perfectly comfortable with the fact that they live in a world inhabited by giant monsters and a two-hundred foot fire breathing guardian turtle!

Showa Gamera Intro

2009-05-26T12:05:00.000-07:00

昭和ガﾒﾗ

Showa Gamera

(1965-1980)

A well known ancient myth describes the entire world as resting on the back of a giant turtle. In a way, it can be said that Gamera is the giant turtle, on whose back Kadokawa Pictures now rests. At first, created to simply cash in on the Kaiju (Giant monster film) craze, Gamera has managed to become a great cultural icon in his own right. The eight films described here are known as the Showa Gamera films, named after the era of Japanese history in which they were produced.

It’s best to describe these films as a series rather than individual films, since they are somewhat formulaic, but also show an evolution in terms of style and theme. The films’ formula is basically as follows: a monster comes to threaten Japan, the humans attempt to stop it and fail, Gamera attempts to stop in and fails, the human’s develop some sort of Plan B (not to be confused with Plan Z!) to stop the monster, but this too fails and it is ultimately up to Gamera to stop the beast. When Gamera fights the monster for the second time, he doesn’t fall for the same tricks and adapts new ways to combat his latest foe. Other common elements in the films are mischievous children who love and help Gamera, and some sort of vaguely addressed moral message.

Gamera himself is a gigantic (approximately 200ft.) turtle. He is able to swim deep under water as well as fly through space- both at incredible speeds! Gamera can also breathe flames as well as absorb any type of heat energy. Gamera’s only weakness is his distaste for the cold. Perhaps Gamera’s greatest strength is his ability to adapt to situations and quickly discover ways to counter his enemies’ most dangerous attacks. Finally, he also seems to possess a mysterious link with those he protects (especially children) and can often times recover from great injury and push himself to greater limits in order to save the day.

Honestly, the films are great for what they are. I absolutely loved watching them, but make no mistake; they are cheesy, hilarious, and campy good fun. If you love giant monsters or B-Movies in general, you can’t afford not to watch these films. Unlike some Kaiju films, these Showa Gamera episodes have a kind of warmth and heart not easily offered up by Evil-Statues, Reptilian Aliens or Fire-Breathing-Lizard-men.

Be-chan verses Be-chan!

2009-05-19T16:39:00.000-07:00

Japanese Horror Anthology: Underworld

2009-05-19T11:48:00.000-07:00

Japanese Horror Anthology: Underworld
Original title – Inagawa Junji no Senritsu no Horror
Dir. Inagawa Junji

Watch this video at crunchyroll!

Chain Mail
Original title: チェーンメール
A small group of high school girls receive picture text messages on their cell phones purportedly from the girl who committed suicide shortly after a horrendous bullying from them. The messages recommends that each girl pass along the message to three companions lest they themselves suffer the same fate as the girl in the photo.

Review: This one really resembled the plot of Chakushin Ari [One Missed Call], though instead of hearing yourself die, you get to see it in picture form! While Chakushin Ari is a little more horrific with that inexplicable creature-person and those gruesome death scenes, this one does not rely so heavily on that sort of imagery. It focuses more on the fact that this seems endless, no matter what the poor heroine (the tag-along friend of the bullies) seems to do. It made me wary of my ringtone for the rest of the day.
-Latoya

Left Behind in the Mountain
Original title: Yama no Naka no Wasuremono
山の中の忘れ物
A young man increasingly meets a variety of young woman for first dates involving a long drive into the mountains to enjoy refreshing scenery. When they all fail to "put out", his anger causes him to routinely leave the girl at the remote spot. But what happens when one of his abandoned dates returns…

Review: Okay. This guy was the absolute epitome of everything that a woman detests, and then some. I watched the entire thing just waiting for him to get what was coming to him. Is it possible for a horror movie to leave you with a sense of triumph? Yes. I now believe that it is. This aside, the film was extremely successful in giving you an utterly loathable antagonist for a change.
-Latoya

Tattoo
A young woman looking for a racier expression of herself decides to get a tattoo from a mysterious shop. The tattoo seems to carry with it some bizarre characteristics and soon the girl is regularly having nightmares of a bloody and brutal killing.

Review: This was a chilling work, and at one point reminded me of the sort of trippy films one might expect from the sixties. I don’t mean to rant but there is definitely a social criticism to be gotten from this, especially at the beginning. Even none horror fans are bound to enjoy the strange psychological play this movie displays.
-Latoya

Viewfinder's Memory
Original title: Findaa no Kioku
ファインダーの記憶
Three high school boys enjoying a summer vacation encounter a beautiful young woman who quickly takes a liking to them. As they enjoy each others' company on the beach, one boy peers through the video camera he had brought along to capture the memories. The memories projected on his screen, however, are startlingly different from the ones he expects…

Review: This story was perhaps my favorite of them all for the sheer fact that it could have followed the painfully expected stereotypical-horror-genre route of, “and then everybody dies” and yet it just doesn’t let you know what will happen. I don’t want to give too much away but know that it will satisfy both thrill-seekers and those who are inclined to touching movies as well. Extraordinarily bitter sweet.
-Latoya

Guardian Angel
Original title: Dareka ga Miteiru
誰かが見ている
After squandering her grandmother's inheritance on the foolish business ideas of her runaway boyfriend and being hounded by increasingly boisterous creditors demanding their money, a young woman contemplates suicide as the means of escape. Try as she might, however, her attempts are always thwarted by a mysterious force inside the house.

Review: I think that what I enjoyed the most in this short film was its ability to make you hold your breath every single time she goes to kill herself. Even once you get the trend (or read this review) and you know she is going to fail, you still hold your breath. And here again, Junji reveals his apparent fondness for plots about no-good boyfriends and its nice to see a benevolent apparition every once in a while.
-Latoya

Mortuary
Original title: Reianshitsu
霊安室
A new hospital intern is asked to bring the body of a young boy recently killed in an auto accident down to the hospital's morgue. Once in the quiet morgue, the child's mother arrives to inquire about the fate of her boy.

Review: Right off the bat, there will be one scene in this movie where you will audibly show you were startled—it is that out of nowhere, in your face. Viewers will likely relate/sympathize the most with the fumbling protagonist who no one believes and alone has to experience the tormenting visions of the dead.
-Latoya

Kadokawa Mystery and Horror Tales

2009-05-15T14:35:00.000-07:00

“Maybe father was right. Maybe we should not have moved into that house…” When Minako loses her boyfriend in an accident, her sister tries to cheer her up, though sinister forces would have it otherwise.

Watch this video at Crunchyroll
Japanese Horror Anthology 1: Meinichi
Original title – Meinichi

Dir. Tomoyuki Akashi

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As Toshio struggles to make ends meet, his daughter is kidnapped and a ransom note arrives. Desperation leads him to a cruel plan designed to procure the money he needs.

Watch this video at Crunchyroll

Japanese Horror Anthology 1: Cruel Kidnapping

Original title – Sekoi Yukai
Dir. Tomoyuki Akashi

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Alone in her house, Rie comes face-to-face with a murderer. Determined to protect her child, she makes a desperate attempt to convince the man to leave.

Watch this video at Crunchyroll

Japanese Horror Anthology 1: Desire to Kill

Original title – Yukizuri no Satsui

Dir. Kenji Nakanishi

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The distraught Takagi goes to a temple to reconnect with a relative but instead encounters the exceedingly beautiful Yoshie. Their love is ultimately doomed, as Yoshie has a secret too horrible mention.

Watch this video at Crunchyroll

Japanese Horror Anthology 1: Wooden Clogs

Original title – Akai Hanao no Geta

Dir. Kenji Nakanishi

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While undergoing treatment for alcoholism, Professor Ujo meets an intriguing girl. Madly in love, the couple seems destined for happiness, were it not for a dark secret that conspires to keep them apart.

Watch this video at Crunchyroll

Japanese Horror Anthology 1: Regeneration

Original title – Saisei

Dir. Takayuki Sato

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When he was seventeen years old, Tomoya made a grim pact with a girl who claimed to be the god of death. Today, on his 20th birthday, the ominous entity has returned to collect on that desperate promise.

Watch this video at Crunchyroll

Japanese Horror Anthology 1: Last Day as a Teenager

Original title – Jyudai saigo no Hi

Dir. Takayuki Sato

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A young girl is forbidden by her parents to marry and decides to elope. But she is soon killed in a traffic accident, leaving behind the house she and her husband had just bought to sit undisturbed for two years—until a new family moves in. Convinced that the vengeful spirit of the girl lurks within that house, the wife urges her husband to investigate. Yoshio enters the house, convinced that the ghost does not exist. But this quickly changes when he is tormented by her terrifying evil spirit.

Watch this video at Crunchyroll

Japanese Horror Anthology 1: Ghost House

Original title – Yurei Yashiki

Dir. Toshio Ohi

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Takuya, a broadcast journalist, is asked by a program director to investigate a strange tree that is located in the area where he was brought up. According to rumors, the tree is enormous and has a cave under its roots. It is said that if one enters the cave, one can hear strange whispers about one's own private secrets and the voice of one's heart. After visiting the tree, Takuya returns home convinced that this is just another local myth. But strange things start to occur . . . and all turn out to be related to a girl that Takuya broke up with when he was a student.

Watch this video at Crunchyroll
Japanese Horror Anthology 1: Whisper Tree

Original title – Sasayaki

Dir. Tomoyuki Akaishi

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For 20 years, Takei devoted his life to his company and family. Using his weak heart as an excuse, he avoided involvement in social activities. But, this stability is shattered when he suddenly quits his job. The encouragement and consolation from wife only depress him further and drive him away to spend idle hours in coffee shops. He soon meets a woman that bears an uncanny resemblance to his wife in all things but her personality. Where his wife is always cheerful, this new woman is much darker and more pessimistic. He is drawn to her mysterious nature and soon finds himself in love. He ultimately falls into a dreamlike state where he is no longer able to discern the boundary between reality and his amoral dream.

Watch this video at Crunchyroll
Japanese Horror Anthology 1: World of Infinity
Original title – Mugen Ankai
Dir. Hideaki Yoshida
© 2002 KADOKAWA PICTURES, INC.
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The Case of the Phantom Intern

2009-05-14T14:52:00.000-07:00

Latoya's Video Profile

2009-05-12T13:28:00.001-07:00

Itadakimasu! (Korean BBQ)

2009-05-12T12:40:00.000-07:00

Be-Chan Attacks!!!!

2009-05-11T11:44:00.000-07:00

Kadokawa Pictures USA's Senior Vice President Be-chan stars in a tour de force performance in her Intern Blog debut!

Itadakimasu! (Amish Style with Stolen Peaches)

2009-05-11T10:40:00.000-07:00

Hooray! Courtesy of Kagayama-san, the friendship bread is at last COMPLETED!!! Complete with all new ingredients...

すごくおいしかったわよ！！！

and also, for your viewing pleasure we have...PEACHES! Freshly stolen from our own Tasai-san's peach tree!!!

Rental Magica

2009-05-07T15:16:00.000-07:00

Rental Magica

Essential Information

Genre : Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy, Horror, Mystery, Romance, Supernatural
Japanese Title : Rental Magica
Director : Itsuro Kawasaki
Original Story : Makoto Sanda
Series Length : 30min X 24 episodes
Distributor in US : RightStuf International
©2007 MAKOTO SANDA /pako/ KADOKAWASHOTEN/Rental Magica Partners

About the Series

Do you have a poltergeist problem? Have you or a loved one fallen victim to a magic spell gone awry? Perhaps you need to get in touch with the good people at Astral- they rent magicians for all of your magic needs!

Rental Magica centers on this mysterious organization and its members: Honami Takase Ambler- a Celtic-magic wielding schoolgirl/witch, Mikan Katsuragi an adorable little Shinto Shrine maiden, Ren Nekoyashiki- an Onmyoji mystic, Manami Kuroha - the ghost and rookie member of the team, and finally, their president Itsuki Iba- a non-magic user who was blessed/cursed with the mysterious “Glam Sight.”

On the episodic level, the show typically involves some type of taboo (a kind of magical rule-breaking) that leads to a spell wave contamination (basically a chaotic force running amok with various repercussions). It is Astral’s duty to stop this contamination before it gets out of hand and the cryptic “Organization” has to get involved. From time to time, the rival organization Goetia (headed by its headstrong and powerful magician Adelisia) will get involved and the two companies will either clash or be forced to work together.

The larger arc of the story delves into the characters’ (and their respective organizations) shady pasts- uncovering disturbing secrets and explaining the characters’ current status and their relationships to one another.

Review and General Comments

Rental Magica is a visually stunning and well made anime. Thematically, it is reminiscent of Fate: Stay Night in the way that you will see a blending of fantasy and magic with the modern day world. Perhaps one of the most interesting aspects of the series is its inclusion of various types of magic- ranging from a Druidic, nature-based Celtic magic, to culturally distinct Japanese Shinto-style magic. The show’s typical combat scenarios are also quite unique. Rather than the all-too-common super powered demigods clashing on the field of battle (complete with shiny vibrating waves of power) we see our heroes attempting to conquer a conjured evil with their individual magic specialties. As is usually the case in anime, this fails. However, instead of resulting to everyone joining their powers together and shooting a giant energy beam (or magic tiara) the victory is one by the President Iba removing his eye-patch and using his strange “glam site.” This instantly changes his demeanor and he is given incredible battle insights- namely where to strike and what to strike with. The battle is won, but always seems to take a painful toll on our hero. (Explanation stops there for fear of spoilers!!!!).

First-time viewers of the series may start off a bit confused. The first episodes drops us right into the thick of things- it is action packed and quite entertaining, but we really don’t know who these people are or what exactly is happening. The show then takes a leap back in time to give us some important back stories and re-introduce us to all of our principle characters. When I first started watching the series, I thought the episodes were being made in some kind of crazy “Haruhi-broadcast-style” order, but once the flashbacks catch up to the present, they continue in a linear fashion. The show also honors one of the greatest anime traditions by including the always hilarious fan service “hot springs outing” episode!

Having seen many anime series in my day, I found this one to be quite enjoyable- I recommend it for anyone who enjoys the more character and story oriented anime style, and though this is not particularly a “moe” title, it does contain some essential anime archetypes that fans would love. If you are still debating whether or not this show is worth a try, I have two words for you: SCHOOLGIRL+WITCH!!!! If that isn’t a winning combination, I don’t know what is.

Our Magical Cast

The cast members of Rental Magica each represent a different style of magic and for your enjoyment I have compiled a brief list.

Itsuki Iba: The new president of Astral and sole non-magician of the team, Itsuki is an all around nice guy character. He is insightful and sensitive to the needs of others, and cares deeply for his friends (and even enemies!). He may not use any magic, but once he removes his eye-patch, he activates his mysterious “glam sight” ability. This allows him to see weak points as well as the true nature of a magical entity. Later in the series, he learns some basic martial arts which he uses to great effect when combined with his glam sight.

Honami Takase Ambler: Honami is the hard-working, tormented, and often serious member of the team. She is also the principle combatant, usually taking the forefront of dangerous magical situations. Her magic is very similar to what one would expect from the European mythological “Druid” archetype (though shape shifting is not in her repertoire). She can, to an extent, control the natural elements and summon tree roots to entangle an opponent so she can launch her deadly “mistletoe” needles at them.

Ren Nekoyashiki: A fox-faced easy going man of few words and generally light hearted demeanor, he is a senior member of the Astral team and another primary combatant. His dress and magic style are that of an “Onmyoji” (minus the sassy black hat). He is accompanied (and greatly aided) by his cats- who are named after four classic Chinese mythological creatures.

Mikan Katsuragi: A “Lolita” type character, she is both adorable and child-like in her appearance and mannerisms, though no actual reference to her age is ever made. She has great magical power, but is usually a supporting side-lines member of the combat team. Her dress and magic style are that of a Shinto Priestess, or “Miko.”

The Magic of Mikan and Nekoyashiki

I felt it important to give further explanation of these two particular characters as their styles are the most distinctly Japanese. If you are a fan of Japanese film and anime, these two archetypes should be quite familiar to you. Their fighting styles tend to involve very scary sounding chants, writing super-fancy-ancient-complicated Chinese characters (or Kanji) and long, thin strips of paper and either tossing them at demons or placing them strategically to setup a spiritual barrier. Mikan also regularly uses the classic method of spiritual cleansing that involves shaking a stick with white squares of paper attached to it and chanting. As their styles are so compatible, in the show, they often end up together, working toward the same supportive end.

Manami Kuroha: Kuroha is a gentle and shy girl with a strong desire to be helpful to her new friends- especially Iba. The newest (and deadest) member of the team, is not exactly a magician, but still has some mysterious (albeit not well explained) powers. She can make herself tangible (her natural state seems to be intangible) to interact with objects and people around her, she can teleport to some extent, and she can summon forth a strange green energy to use for either destructive or defensive ends.

Adilisia Lenn Mathers: Is the stubborn, arrogant, and headstrong rival of Honami. Rather than through hard work and study, her magical powers (at least to some extent) were inherited through the legacy of King Solomon. Her magical specialty is summoning, and she has at her disposal a host of demonic beasts who are prepared to do her bidding. Though she apparently has access to 72, we rarely see more than 3 different types summoned. The demons are powerful combatants, but can be destroyed. It would appear that after their destruction, they cannot be summoned again for some time.

Release Date

Rental Magica will be released in the United States courtesy of Rightstuf International this Fall. The series is divided into two volumes, with the second being released in the Winter. Please check them out. Want to see more? Check out the trailer and latest news at http://rental-magica.rightstuf.com/

2009-05-06T15:54:00.000-07:00

Spotlight on Anime

...is our newest blog section. We will regularly post synopsis/reviews/character bios and more for Kadokawa Pictures USA's current as well as upcomming anime series!

アニメが大好き！！！

-Anthony

HAPPY CINCO DE MAYO!

2009-05-05T15:30:00.000-07:00

Amish Friendship Bread!
Give the batter to 3 other friends and enjoy sharing the love <3>

Tomie Replay

2009-05-01T14:35:00.000-07:00

After a strange emergency surgery, all of the doctors and nurses on the case begin to disappear. Hospital Director Morita is one of the missing, and his daughter Yumi is determined to find out what happened. Her only clue is her father's research journal, where the words "monster" and "Tomie" appear with increasing frequency, and the last entries are written in blood… Will Yumi solve the mystery of Tomie before the situation at the hospital gets any worse?

Tomie Replay (2000)
Dir. Tomijiro Mitsuishi
Starring: Sayaka Yamaguchi, Yôsuke Kubozuka, Mai Hosho
95 min
© 2000 Kadokawa Pictures/Toie Video
Review:
"Replay" takes the Tomie series back to the suspense genre. There are some nice thrills (if you can call thrills "nice"), especially as Yumi begins to investigate what has been going on in the hospital basement. It's the best Tomie film I've seen so far.

Check it out at Crunchy Roll!

-rebecca

THE SCISSORS MASSACRE (2008)

2009-05-01T11:34:00.000-07:00

Three sisters grow up on a chicken farm in a small town in Gifu. The oldest sister, Sachiko Sawada, is engaged to be married, the middle sister, Yukie works at a beauty salon and the youngest, Mayumi, is on the track team in high school.

Their happy, carefree lives are changed forever when Sachiko's ex-boyfirend Suzuki commits an atrocious crime with Mayumi as the tragic victim. Half-crazed and bent on revenge against the Sawada family, Suzuki mistakes Mayumi for Sachiko and pours acid all over her face.
Overwhelmed by physical and psychological trauma, Mayumi sinks deeper into depression and isolation, unresponsive to her sisters' encouragement...

Meanwhile, chilling news of a serial murderer, who preys on the alumni of Mayumi's high school, sends shockwaves through their small town...

Director: Kohtaro Terauchi
Starring: Rin Asuka, Yukie Kawamura, Mayuko Iwasa
2008/Color/98 min/Vista/DST Stereo
© 2008 “Kuchisake Onna 2” Film Partners

GAMERA

2009-05-01T11:06:00.000-07:00

Tomie Another Face

2009-04-29T16:16:00.000-07:00

The second film in the Tomie franchise explores Tomie's nature in three vignettes. A demon who is continually reborn, Tomie manipulates men and provokes murder. The first story shows her as a high school student whose hold on her boyfriend is threatened when he reunites with his old crush. The second tells the story of a photographer obsessed with the memory of a woman he saw in his youth… Tomie. In the third story, Tomie's fiancé meets a coroner who knows the dark secrets of her past.

Tomie Another Face (1999)
Director: Toshiro Inomata
Starring: Runa Nagai
72 min
© 2000 Junji Ito/ The Asahi Shinbun Company/ Kansai Telecasting/Kadokawa Pictures

Review:
While the original Tomie is played as a thriller, the second film in the series assumes you know Tomie's back-story—she's a regenerative demon that all men find alluring. This film focuses on Tomie's personality, but it brings up just as many questions as it answers. Tomie is shown to be jealous, vindictive, and bloodthirsty, but her demon nature—what exactly she is and why she's this way—isn't as clear-cut and gives the viewer a lot to think about.

Check it out at Crunchy Roll!

--rebecca

Itadakimasu! (Greek Food))

2009-04-28T17:29:00.000-07:00

JAPANESE HORROR ANTHOLOGY: LEGENDS (2005)

2009-04-28T17:07:00.000-07:00

Title: Japanese Horror Anthology: Legends
Alternate Title: Inagawa Junji no Shinjitsu no Horro

Summary:

Peony Lamp: A Japanese maverick samurai, Shinzaburo, receives a surprise night-time visit of his former lover, Tsuyu, who is supposed to have died of a disease.
WANT MORE? WATCH THIS NOW ON CRUNCYROLL!

Review:
A gorgeous-looking history piece, this one was just as much a forbidden-love story as it was a horror story and gives a nice sentimentality for those who love romance to savor. For those of you who don’t love romance, relax, the scary stuff is on its way. The relationship between Tsuyu and Shinzaburo seems so deep that it is impossible to wish for them not to be together, even though it quickly becomes clear that the romance is literally impossible. Still, I could have smacked that idiotic Banzo for saying such horrible things about Tsuyu-dono! This was a touching and beautifully structured ghost tale that leaves you justly shaken, but somehow still believing that love triumphed…probably.
- Latoya

She-Bear: Schoolgirls Mima and Rika saw a poster in a tunnel that warns, "If you see a woman with a teddy-bear doll you should run for your life." Mami feels something disturbing, but Rika dismisses it as just another hoax.

WANT MORE? WATCH THIS NOW ON CRUNCYROLL!

Review:
She-Bear is one of the most utterly terrifying Japanese horrors I’ve seen in a while. Its scare factor is similar to that of the Ring or the Grudge—the two-punch combo of killer audio and a creepy, sub-human monster appearing out of nowhere—I literally jumped at certain parts. The plot revolved around an urban legend: “If you see She-Bear, you should run” and the terrors that befall two friends who don’t heed the warning. Overall, this will leave you huddled in your chair with your hands over your futilely gasping mouth as your eyes pivot upon the screen, unable to do anything but watch in fear and condemnation of the fact that neither of these girls can runaway properly.
-Latoya

Yamamba: Magazine writers are sent out to an outback village to report on anecdote of old mountain hag. They get suspicious as every villager appears to be trying to hide something. They get the answer as a local bonze tells an age-old story.
WANT MORE? WATCH THIS NOW ON CRUNCYROLL!
Review:
After She-Bear, this movie again affirmed my belief that an important factor of a horror heroine (or female victim?) is to have absolutely no knack for fleeing. But that’s besides the point. Yamamba opens with a very safe-feeling introduction to the leads, a newly married photographer and his partner, an enthusiastic rookie reporter, driving towards the mountain home of the legendary deity or devil, Yamamba. The pair is actually very endearing even in their short introduction which makes the horrific progression of this movie all the more terrible: you get to know them just well enough to like them a lot and then…
-Latoya

Nurarihyon: A boy happens to see a specter known as "Nurarihyon" sneaking into his house to cause mischief. The boy tries to be good to the specter, but only gets the cold shoulder. But, at one night, when he is almost attacked by burglars, he learns good intentions are to pay off.

WANT MORE? WATCH THIS NOW ON CRUNCYROLL!

Review:
First off, this is not horror. It is however one of the most endearing/funny/other adjectives to convey greatness movies I’ve seen! What made this stunning was the characters, whose vibrant personalities really hold your interest.The friendship between Shinnosuke and Nurarihyon is so sweet that you forget that a ghost is something that might even be considered terrifying. The little boy is also the most adorable thing in the world. As for Oishi, her bubbly, bumbling character made me laugh every time she appeared on the screen. Though a little bit out of place with the horror genres, it’s definitely a work you’ll enjoy—and it will give those of you who are easily spooked a moment to catch your breath.
-Latoya

Heartbroken Trip: After Chiharu's boyfriend walks out on her, the kind-hearted Yoshiko plans to cheer her up on a trip to a hot springs resort. Arriving at the inn ahead of Yoshiko, Chiharu couldn't possibly know what awaits.
WANT MORE? WATCH THIS NOW ON CRUNCYROLL!

Review:
Though a ghost story, this one is less a scary movie than plain and simple entertainment. Also, it has a nice narrative on friendship bonds and the idea of those you can rely on verses those who will abandon you (ie, Chiharu’s charming text-message-break-up boyfriend!). A cute story with enough ghost presence to give you the mandatory chill.
-Latoya

Lost Souls: A couple is enjoying late night snacks at a lake-side restaurant after a day's drive. Things are just fine until a family of four comes inside. The cook tells the couple never to look at the family because...

WANT MORE? WATCH THIS NOW ON CRUNCYROLL!

Review: Horror lovers rejoice! The last of the anthology definitely brings back the scary with full force. This movie really stood out to me because of its very unique score--a very contemporary blend of jazz and hiphop opens. The story all unfolds in a very isolated area though car travel is a major element. As a ghost story, it is also convincingly orchestrated.

Here for a brief moment I will mention the odd narrator who opens each of these short movies. Truly, his presence within these films makes me think of such other narrated collections as the Twilight Zone. His words in this movie though are particularly cutting since it is the sort of thing most people do. So I will say DO NOT GO WATCH THIS LINK I AM PUTTING HERE FOR YOU, and patiently watch as instinct drives you to defy me *grin*. temptation

SHADOW OF THE WRAITH (2001)

2009-04-28T11:15:00.000-07:00

Shadow of the Wraith gives the stories of two brothrts, Ryoji and Kazuhiko, who are embroiled in paranormal mysteries. At first, Ryoji thinks that the obsessive Asaji is just a little over the top in her pursuit of him. Professing her love, she begins to stalk Ryoji, as well as his girlfriend Mariko; they feel her presence wherever they turn. When people close to Ryoji begin to die mysteriously, he has reason to suspect Asaji, but he has nowhere to turn for help or escape. Ryoji's brother, meanwhile, has become involved with a young girl, Naoko, whose new condominium has a history of horrible accidents. As Naoko begins to experience ever-stranger phenomena, she must come to terms with what lurks in the closet.

Title: Shadow of the Wraith
Alternate Title: Ikisudama
Dir: Toshiharu Ikeda

Review
One of the most striking aspects of this anthology-type movie, I think, is its score. With Koji & Yuichi Matsuo of the J-Pop group “Doggy Bag” as the leading roles, its certainly no surprise that the movie is filled to an almost questionable degree with pop-beats. As far as the plot goes, the story is captivating and honestly chilling, but the switch between part A (Ryoji’s troubles with the telekinetic psycho who has fallen in love with him) to part B (Kazuhiko and his new girlfriend’s combat with a malicious haunt) is so rapid that it leaves the viewer feeling a little bit deprived. Overall, this was nightmare worthy and a definite watch for the horror savvy —though the cliff hangers are straight vertical plummets.
-Latoya

See this NOW on CRUNCHYROLL!: Shadow of a Wraith

Itadakimasu! (Japanese food)

2009-04-27T17:12:00.000-07:00

TOMIE (1999)

2009-04-24T16:49:00.000-07:00

Twenty-something Tsukiko (Mami Nakamura) thinks she might want to be a photographer, but feels lost even with her boyfriend and close friends. She can’t recall an accident from her past, but she feels that she needs to remember it in order to find her place…

But what if the accident wasn’t an accident at all? Tsukiko’s mother and doctor have been covering up her involvement in the death of former classmate Tomie (Miho Kanno), a mysterious girl who has been killed multiple times, and who will return again…

Tomie (1999)
Director: Ataru Oikawa
Starring: Mami Nakamura, Miho Kanno
95 min
© 1998 Kadokawa Pictures/Artport
Review:
“Tomie” unravels slowly, focusing on Tsukiko’s personal problems and a police investigation into multiple murders of a young woman named Tomie. Tension builds as the two storylines weave together, highlighted by an awesomely creepy soundtrack. As Tomie hunts down Tsukiko’s friends and family, you can’t help but wonder what horrible things she has planned for Tsukiko. Their last confrontation is indeed disturbing, but not in the way you might expect…

Want to know what happens? Watch all of Tomie for free, streaming online through our new partnership with Crunchy Roll.
Check it out at Crunchy Roll now!

-rebecca

An-chan Video Profile

2009-04-22T16:28:00.000-07:00

Rebecca's Intern Video Profile

2009-04-22T15:52:00.000-07:00

Itadakimasu!

2009-04-22T15:34:00.001-07:00

tsumaranai tabemono desu kedo...
つまらない食べ物ですけど。。。

-ｱﾝｿﾆｰｶﾗ

Itadakimasu!!

2009-04-22T01:36:00.000-07:00

kadokawa usa employees and interns having an interesting (and very japanese) lunch :D

DARK TALES OF JAPAN (2004)

2009-04-21T10:19:00.000-07:00

After a group of teenagers die in a car crash just after they encounter what seems to be a strange creature on the highway, Yamazaki, a local tabloid journalist, begins to follow the building legend of the Spiderwoman, hoping to uncover her identity.

Dark Tales of Japan: The Spiderwoman
Original title – Kumo Onna
Dir. Yoshihiro Nakamura

Review:
The first story, “The Spiderwoman” by Nakamura follows the horror-riled myth-hunt of tabloid reporter, Yamazaki and the after-hours monster dubbed “the Spiderwoman” by the media world. The opening and ending sequences are identical which posits a very interesting loop-effect to the story which in essence, is never really solved—as most urban legends are left open-ended, this lack of resolution is very appropriate. As an overall work, it was very appealing and kept me guessing till the very end and one that myth and legend fans will enjoy.
- Latoya

Kodera is the guarantor for his high school friend, Shimuzu and is called over to his apartment when Shimuzu skips his rent for three months. Entering the empty room, Kodera finds that every wall and window—every crevice—has been inexplicably covered with red tape.
Kodera cannot fathom what would possess Shimuzu to do this—but then he stumbles upon a video that reveals the morbid truth of his last hours and his disappearance…

Dark Tales of Japan: Crevices
Original title – Sukima
Dir. Norio Tsuruta

© 2004 TBS OZ

Review:
Tsuruta’s “Crevices,” takes a slightly less direct approach to world of horror and I would say it is my second favorite of the five. It is curious that Tsuruta worked on a prequel to the Ring (Ring 0: Birthday) because I found while watching this one that the style of more psychological horror was very reminiscent of the Ring. I also liked the way that the motion of the movie is fast but doesn’t feel rushed at all: as a short work, it fulfills the requirement of just enough but not too much background information. The title reveals itself gradually and reaches relevance around the middle of the story and leaves the viewer with that glorious feeling of, “Oh… Oh! Now I get it!” It ends without you ever fully being told the nature of the terror encountered but the lack of origin only makes it scarier.
- Latoya

Mayu, an office lady working in Tokyo was asked out by her coworker Fukuda but she rejected him immediately. The next day, strange things begin to happen around her...
Just as things are becoming more horrifying, she receives news that her mother has fallen sick. Convinced that Fukuda is somehow involved with her mother’s illness and the strange things occurring around her…what will she find when she sneaks into his house to investigate the truth…?

Dark Tales of Japan: The Sacrifice
Original title – Onamakubi
Dir. Koji Shiraishi

© 2004 TBS OZ

Review:
“The Sacrifice” directed by Shiraishi was interesting in that it seems to be two separate supernatural occurrences going on right up until the middle when you realize how they are bridged. Rather than horror, I would say this felt a little like a ghost story that would thrill you rather than scare you. It left me hungry for more, desperately wanting to know the nature of the sacrifice and this family as well as whether or not the daughter is destined for the same fate. All, in all, the ability of this film to make you thirst for continuations of the plot means that it is intriguing as a story and one I can foresee many a fan-fiction for.
-Latoya

For his job, Ishiguro is sent to Los Angeles where he is instantly amazed by the number of natural blondes!
But when strange things start to happen in the house, he soon finds out that the presence of this blonde isn’t quite the American dream he had in mind…

Dark Tales of Japan: Blonde Kwaidan
Original title – Kinpatsu Kaidan
Dir. Takashi Shimizu
© 2004 TBS OZ

Review:
“Blonde Kwaidan” by Shimizu is the shortest work in the set, and has its own blend of comedy and pure-genre horror. I began this movie laughing (as a resident of Los Angeles, I was really amused by the pleasant switch in location and the exaggeration of blondes. There really aren’t THAT many blondes on Hollywood Boulevard…) because the main character is so loveable…. it retains a strange comic appeal for most of the movie actually.
-Latoya

Office worker Fukawa is leaving his office when he steps into an elevator that gets stuck. Trapped in a metal box between floors, he is unable to contact anyone on his dead cell phone while the clock keeps ticking closer to 7:45 and the final train. There are three other people in this elevator… so why is he the only one who seems to care about ever getting out…?

Dark Tales of Japan: Presentiment
Original title – Yokan
Dir. Masayuki Ochiai
© 2004 TBS OZ

Review:
Finally, “Presentiment” by Ochiai. Truly, the best was saved for last. When this first began, I had no idea what to anticipate—“presentiment” was the only thing I had. You do not get a clear introduction to any of the characters which is a technique I find can be absolutely brilliant if done well—as this one was. You see only that this man is in an office that looks vacant, staring a bit suspiciously at the security camera… then bam, he drops to the floor and begins crawling GI style from cubicle to cubicle and you are all the while staring like, “What…the…” and then his phone rings. Props galore to Ochiai or the screenplay writers for this one—the PHONE reveals his life. Then the audio switches to his mind’s prediction of what the result of his actions are—an in-head news report of the unveiling of his crime. This set up of finding out the past and a rendition of the future is spectacularly cunning because you learn the present without being told it! My favorite scene though was definitely the part where he is in the elevator. Oh the use of cameras that was that scene! And the end of this work gave me chills—oh! Cannot—describe—in words—watch it!
-Latoya

Check it out at Crunchy Roll!

PENGUINS IN THE SKY - ASAHIYAMA ZOO (2008)

2009-04-20T11:08:00.000-07:00

Asahiyama Zoo in Hokkaido, is the northernmost zoo in Japan. The unpopular zoo welcomes a new zoo keeper, young YOSHIDA (Yasuhi NAKAMURA), who has more affection for insects than people after years of being bullied at school when he was young. Yoshida soon realizes that Asahiyama Zoo is facing a financial crisis and the zoo director TAKIZAWA (Toshiyuki NISHIDA) has been doing everything in his power to save the zoo from closing down.

Moved by Takizawa’s passion, Yoshida and other zoo keepers came to share the zoo director’s belief that one’s dreams can come true, and together they tackle this seemingly impossible task of revitalizing Asahiyama. A breakthrough arrives in the form of “Behavioral Exhibition,” a method that is pioneered by Ashiyama’s zoo keepers and which eventually makes the zoo renowned throughout the world.

In 2006, Asahiyama Zoo surpassed Ueno Zoo, Japan’s oldest and the most famous zoo in central Tokyo, in its number of visitors. What’s so special about Asahiyama Zoo and its “Behavioral Exhibition?”

Director: Masahiko Makino
Starring: Toshiyuki Nishida, Yasuhi Nakamura, Ai Maeda
2008/Color/112min/Vista Size/SRD

©2008"PENGUINS IN THE SKY - ASAHIYAMA ZOO"Film Partners

Review: Coming Soon!!

SONOHI NO MAENI (2008)

2009-04-17T16:47:00.000-07:00

Based on the original Naoki-Prize-Winning novel by Kiyoshi Shigematsu, this story focuses on the lives of Kenta and Toshiko, a middle-aged couple whose life takes a tragic and unexpected turn when Toshiko is diagnosed with a terminal illness. Together with her husband and sons, Toshiko is determined to live her life to the fullest until that final day comes. Their journey takes them back to their old town where they relive old memories and revisit their all too brief history together.

Director: Nobuhiko Obayashi
Starring: Kiyotaka Nanbara, Hiromi Nagasaku, Toshio Kakei
2009/Color/139min/Vista Size/Dolby SRD

©2008[その日のまえに]製作委員会

Review: Coming Soon!!

INSTANT NUMA (2009)

2009-04-17T16:39:00.000-07:00

Haname loses her job as an editor when the magazine she works for is suddenly discontinued. When she disposes all her personal belongings to start a new life, she finds a letter that says her biological father is an unknown man named “Noburo.”

Director: Satoshi Miki
Starring: Kumiko Asou, Morio Kazama, Ryo Kase
2009/Color/120min/Vista Size/DTS

©2009[インスタント沼]フィルムパートナーズ (Instant Numa Film Partners)

Review: Coming Soon!!

DIVE (2008)

2009-04-17T14:23:00.001-07:00

Tomoki Sakai (Kento Hayashi ) is an average junior-high student. Fascinated by the diving skills of Yoichi Fujitani (Sosuke Ikematsu ), an elite athlete born into a family of former Olympic divers, Tomoki joins the Mizuki Diving Club (MDC) where Yoichi trains. However, the club is in the red, and its very survival is under question. Beautiful Kayoko Asaki (Asaka Seto ) has just returned from the US and joins the club as a new coach, with the mission to save MDC. Her goal is for the club to produce an athlete capable of competing in the Olympics. She brings in Shibuki Okitsu (Junpei Mizobata), a skillful diver with a wild streak from Tsugaru. His volcanic personality and fierce competitiveness change the stmosphere in the club. Meanwhile, Kayoko discovers that Tomoki possesses an unique ability called “diamond eyes” and inspires him to begin serious training. Tomoki, Yoichi, and Shibuki have to overcome personal problems, and struggle through conflicts and setbacks in the sport to achieve their dreams.
Can they make it to the Olympics?
What is the mystery of the “diamond eyes”?
What do the boys see from the edge of their physical limits?

The hot summer of three boys hooked on the thrill of diving is about to begin.

Director: Naoto Kumazawa
Starring: Kento Hayashi, Sosuke Ikematsu, Junpei Mizobata
2008/Color/115min/Vista Size/Dolby Digital

©2008"DIVE"Film Partners

Review: Coming Soon!!

ZEN (2008)

2009-04-17T14:17:00.001-07:00

The inspiring true story of legendary Zen Master Dogen is brought to vivid life on the screen, more than 750 years after he lived his extraordinary life.

To cast away everything, surrendering yourself to the flow of nature and just sitting in meditation. This is the essence of Dogen&rsquos Zen Buddhism. In the 13th century, Dogen, a young Japanese monk traveled to China, determined to find his true master. There he found a monk who taught him that sitting in Zen meditation is the true and only path to enlightenment. Returning, enlightened, to Japan, Dogen risked his life to pioneer Zen Buddhism, inspiring the millions of Zen Buddhists who practice around the world today.

Director: Banmei Takahashi
Starring: Kantaro Nakamura, Yuki Uchida, Tatsuya Fujiwara
2008/35mm/Color/127min/Vista Size/Dolby SR

©2009"ZEN"Film Partners

Review: Coming Soon!!

DOUBLE TROUBLE (2008)

2009-04-17T14:11:00.000-07:00

It's December 30, and everyone is milling about. But the "incident" that rocked this small town began with a single phone call.
"Hello, Mitama Cultural Center. Yes, you're calling to confirm your concert, correct? That's right. Mitama Chorus Girls. tomorrow evening at 7pm. All set. we'll see you then."
Thus the cultural center's director confidently replies to the caller. But just a moment later, he realizes that they are hardly "all set"! There's the "Mitama Chorus Girls" and "The Mitama Ladies' Chorus": two similar-sounding names were confused bythis hapless director. Of all things, his mismanagement has led to a double-booking on New Year's Eve!

Neither group will budge an inch. The director, who had always enjoyed stability in both his work and private lives, becomes flustered in the face of the ladies' passion for their choral groups. On top of that, his marriage hits a rocky patch, his bar tab is up for payment, and his whole life is turned upside-down. With this catastrophe on New Year's Eve, what will our director's fate be? And what of the "mamas" who have practiced their hearts out for this night?

Director: Joji Matsuoka
Starring: Kiichi Nakai, Kyoka Suzuki, Kazuki Kitamura
2008/35mm/Color/112min/Vista Size/DSR

©2008 CINE QUA NON/HAPPINET/KADOKAWA PICTURES

Review: Coming Soon!!

RESCUE WINGS (2008)

2009-04-17T14:07:00.000-07:00

“Save lives and make it back alive”

Coming to screen a dynamic, amazingly “true to life” rescue action masterpiece featuring the Air Rescue Wing of the Air Self-Defense Force (SDF).

Haruka Kawashima has just started off her career as the first female pilot of the rescue helicopter UH-60J. Through her training and missions, she struggles to overcome the pain of not being able to save all lives...

Director: Masaaki Tezuka
Starring: Yuko Takayama, Dai Watanabe, Syunya Isaka
2008/Color/112min/Vista Size/Dolby SRD

©2008"RESCUE WINGS"Film Partners

Review: Coming Soon!!

SAMURAI GANGSTERS (2008)

2009-04-17T13:59:00.000-07:00

A startup gambler Jirocho leaves behind his newlywed wife Ocho and sets out on a one-year journey with his gang. The gang attracts more members along the way as they come to admire Jirocho as a true man. He eventually becomes a household name in Tokaido. However, as his notoriety grows, more enemies emerge to challenge him. His life is thrown into turmoil as he is relentlessly confronted by Jirocho’s enemies, one after another. In the midst of the chaos, Ocho falls ill and further misfortune strikes the gang.

What will Jirocho do, now at his wit’s end? And what will become of his gang? The Jirocho Family faces a deadly battle...

Director: Masahiko Makino
Starring: Kiichi Nakai, Kyoka Suzuki, Kazuki Kitamura
2008/Color/126min/Vista Size/SRD

©2008"Jirocho Sangokushi"Film Partners

Review: Coming Soon!!

Agitator (2001)

2009-04-17T12:05:00.000-07:00

The Agitator is a complex crime drama, with a lot of people and a lot of subplots. To summarize, there are two rival yakuza gangs, the Shirane, and the Yokomizu. When a Yokomizu gangster causes a scene in a Shirane nightclub, vengeance escalates into murder then breaks out into gang war. The leaders of the gangs make a plan to end the fighting quickly, but a rouge faction, the Higuchi gang, threatens to take them both down.

Director: Takashi Miike
Starring: Masaya Kato, Naoto Takenaka, Masato Ibu

©2001"Agitator"Film Partners

Review:
--------------------------------------------------------------------
The Agitator is heavy on the politics and intrigue between the gangs. Most of the film is spent in meetings, with the gangsters laying out plans for power and then revising them as the Higuchi scatter the pieces to the wind. It’s a thinking gangster’s film.

This doesn’t mean that the movie is lacking in the gory shoot-outs you’d expect from a gangster drama. When they finally decide who they’re killing, the gangsters make good on that promise. As the story moves toward its climax, the violence picks up, and there’s a lot of action (and blood) in the final third.

-Rebecca
--------------------------------------------------------------------

DROP (2009)

2009-04-17T11:11:00.001-07:00

Based on a best-selling comic/novel that has sold more than 2.5 million copies written by Japan’s favorite comedian Hiroshi Shinagawa, DROP tells a fastpaced, sensational story of a youngster dropping out of ‘ordinary’ school life!

Angst-ridden teen, Hiroshi, aspiring to the exciting life of a teenhood, transfers to a public school where he immediately gets in trouble with the school’s tough gang leader, Tatsuya. Though Hiroshi is pummeled, his never-say-die attitude earns him entry into the gang where he sinks into a daily rhythm of rumbles, truancy and hard-earned friendships. But despite all his rebellious energy and youthful zeal, Hiroshi finds his manhood most tested in matters of the heart.

Director: Hiroshi Shinagawa
Starring: Hiroki Narimiya, Hiro Mizushima, Yuika Motokariya
2009/Color/122min/Vista Size/Dolby SRD

©2009"DROP"Film Partners

Review: Coming Soon!!