Oudai Kojima proves, once again, that the yakuza genre is not dead and that, given the current societal constellation and the various currents within, engaging crime narratives can still be made.
Category: Action
Godzilla Raids Again (1955) review [The Godzilla Project]
This sequel lacks the impact of Honda’s classic, but Oda’s narrative does deliver enough action and destruction to satisfy any Kaiju fan.
Bad City (2022) review [Camera Japan Festival]
Sonamura delivers everything one expects from an action-thriller.
Parallel (2022) review
A fabulous narrative that does not only delivers a thrilling slasher-like experience, but offers a touching romance between two people that are, in their own particular way, deeply marked by their traumatic past.
Shin-Ultraman (2022) review [Fantasia Film Festival]
Higuchi and Anno deliver an impressive love letter to their childhood, yet their devoted love, which is sensible in every aspect of the narrative, might not be able reach those who do not call themselves fans.
The Mole Song: Final (2021) review [Fantasia Film Festival]
Miike’s narrative delivers everything a fan of the previous narratives desires and even succeeds in inviting newcomers to delve into Reiji’s past exploits.
Punk Samurai Slash Down (2018) review
“Ishii’s narrative meanders a bit too much, but it luckily never outstays its welcome.”
Battlecry (2021) review [IFFR 2022]
Yanakaya succeeds in visually engaging the spectator and deliver a narrative that will leave audiences satisfied.
Rurouni Kenshin: The Beginning (2021) review
“Ohtome succeeds in giving Himura’s bloody and tragic coming-into-being its rich and engaging emotional texture.”
Rurouni Kenshin: The Final (2021) review
“Ohtomo’s does not only preserve the essence of Watsuki’s narrative but delivers this essence with necessary emotionality and adorns it with many breathtaking sword-fighting moments that neither a manga nor an anime can deliver.”
The Sun Does Not Move (2021) review
“A highly pleasant action spy thriller that will satisfy both those hungry for exciting action and those who love a dense narrative with twist and turns.”
The Invisible Man Appears (1949) review
“Adachi’s mystery sci-fi film remains, after all these years, a highly entertaining narrative.”
Baby Assassins (2021) review
“One of the most satisfying Japanese action films of this year.”
Legends of the poisonous seductress: Quick-draw Okatsu (1969) review
“Nakagawa offers everything a spectator and fan has come to except from the genre: exciting action and violent exploitation.”
I Never Shot Anyone (2020) review [Camera Japan Festival]
“Sakamoto creates a nice, pleasant ride, but one that will be easily forgotten.”
psycho-cinematography 