This is our third consecutive review of Alter Ego Cinema’s “Amateur Porn Star Killer,” and by now with our record number of reviews for one film, it’s obvious that we pretty much support this film and Alter Ego Cinema’s methods of filmmaking. No, they’re not paying us to shill for them. Long ago, “Amateur Porn Star Killer” arrived at my doorstep and I viewed the press materials, viewed the packaged films and pretty much procrastinated reviewing it, writing it off as a home video that was filled with gore in an attempt to shock indie audiences. Trust me, I’ve come across too many movies like that. But upon viewing this film finally, Shane Ryan just blew me away and he convinced me to never prejudge a film however unusual it may be.
Even though “Azumi” was clearly adapted from a quite visual fantasy comic book, that doesn’t mean it lacks any of the emotion or complexities it attempts to inject within its epic scale. “Azumi” is quite possibly one of the most visually amazing samurai epics I’ve ever seen. From sweeping landscapes, to rather fantastic battle sequences, Kitamura’s film is a pure gem to watch, and the long run time makes it all the more rewarding experience, because it will be difficult to turn away from and watch end. Filled with colorful characters, memorable villains (Saru is my favorite: played well by Minoru Matsumoto), and a wonderful heroine, “Azumi” is the tale of a young girl discovered by the side of her mother’s body. Taken in by a sympathetic wanderer and his three sons, she grows to be a powerful samurai warrior in a dojo led by her master.
