Anno delivers an action-hero experience that is both incredibly fun and emotionally touching.
Category: Action
Our recommendations: Fantasia 2023
Any cinephile should watch these 5 Japanese movies at the Fantasia Film Festival.
Ebirah, Horror Of The Deep (1966) review [The Godzilla Project]
A pleasant Kaiju film that continues to emphasize the imaginary dynamic of us (i.e. societal harmony) against them (i.e. the Otherness that threatens it)
Baby Assassins: 2 babies (2023) review [Nippon Connection 2023]
Sakamoto’s latest film has such a irresistible charm that even those who normally shy away of action or comedy narratives will leave satisfied.
Invasion of Astro-Monster (1965) review [The Godzilla Project]
A great narrative that is marred by budget and time-constraints.
Setagaya Game (2023) review
The Ohara Bros do not only offer the spectator a pleasant concatenation of kicks and punches, but also deliver a touching emotional pay-off.
The Executioner (1974) review
A highly enjoyable narrative that delivers everything a fan of the martial arts genre desires.
Electric Dragon 80000V (2001) review
The beauty of the monochrome visuals as well as the roughness of the musical accompaniment is enough to keep the spectator engaged from start to finish.
Joint (2021) review [The Japan Foundation Touring Film Programme]
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.
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.”