Japanese Fim Suggestions for David
This was taken from a conversastion that I had with David earlier today. I figure that since I'm sharing them with him, I should share it with everyone else. I should also note, that all of the films that I've suggested can be acquired at most good video stores. Rent 'em or buy 'em, they're all good, baby.


Audtion: I suggest Audition. To know nothing about the film is bliss. Rent it and sell it to your friends as a romance. *giggles*

Seijun Suzuki films: I recommend any of the yakuza movies by Seijun Suzuki. They're not overtly violent, but rather, they're incredible examples of style and class. His movies were filmed in two weeks and got him fired from the most prolific sudio in Japan because they were "out there". If you're going with Suzukie, I recommend either Youth of the Beast or Tokyo Drifter, as they're the more accessable of his films. Tokyo Drifter is artsty action, and if was there with you I'd gush about how good it is scene after seen. It has to be seen to be believed. Brilliant. If you want to go with a double bill, I suggest that you rent Branded to Kill followed by Ghost Dog. Scratch your head as you try to decipher the plot of Killer #2 and his fetish for boiled rice. Swoon as you meet his love interest who's presence causes rain. Be shocked when you watch Ghost Dog with it's blatant rips of some of the best scenes.

After-life: Do you want a movie that will make you comtemplate the meaning of life and what happens when you die? If that's the case, I suggest that you watch After-life. I like After-life because it forces us to look at our lives and asks us the question: "If we are to live one memory for eternity, which memory would it be"? Slow moving and slightly arty, it might be up your alley with your liberal friends.

Brother: This is probably treading your violence line a little bit, but I recommend Beat Takeshi's Brother. Brother his Takeshi's first American film since Johny Mnemonic and I assure you that it's ten times better than that. Whereas Jackie Chan's American films deal with Chan losing his Chinese identity for a more American one, Brother deals with a mobster kicked out of his gang after two warring factions combine into one. AS a result, he heads to America and becomes more Japanese than he did there. Fantastic performances by all the actors, especially Omar Epps. Although it's not my favorite Takeshi movie (that would be Fireworks), it's the one that I've seen more than any other. I have fond memories of watching the film. Dig Beat beating up punks and giving out lots of money.