Tag Archives: Asian

The Wind Rises (Kaze Tachinu) (2013)

Posted on by

thewindrises

“The Wind Rises” is such a beautiful note for Hayao Miyazaki to leave us on. It’s a bittersweet affair as a film and an animated feature, mainly because Miyazaki hasn’t lost his ability to tell stories. He’s the most incredible animator working today, and his retirement is heartbreaking because the man has many more years left to deliver lucid, entertaining and thought provoking stories to his fan base. “The Wind Rises” is not an explosive, fantastical exit for Miyazaki, but a respectful and quiet bow out. One that really does stick with you long after the credits have ended.

Continue reading →

Zatoichi: The Blind Swordsman (Criterion Collection) (1962)

Posted on by

91rB21Hw8JL._SL1500_

If you’re like me, you’re a fan of “Zatoichi” and know all too well how expensive the movie series can be to purchase. Zatoichi garners almost thirty films in his movie series, two of which are released separately. The first twenty five are, of course, often released in box set form and are sold at terribly expensive prices, and immediately go out of print. If you want to collect all of the movies individually online through a purchase, good luck finding an online seller that won’t charge an arm and a leg. Back in the early aughts I attempted to buy as many “Zatoichi” films as I could, and only ended up finding four. I never could bear to buy the rare box sets at almost five hundred bucks. Thankfully, Criterion comes to the rescue, offering a deluxe box set of one of my favorite action movie series of all time, “Zatoichi.”

Continue reading →

Horror Stories (2012) (DVD)

Posted on by

91aCy+uZ89L._SL1500_

One thing about “Horror Stories” that brings it down from the get go is its lack of ambiguity. Often times this anthology over explains the stories, and can never seem to have confidence in its own plot elements. That said, while “Horror Stories” surely won’t be confused with the brilliant “Three… Extremes,” it’s definitely a solid and often times very scary horror anthology with four really entertaining stories that will keep audiences watching, even when they falter and stumble.

Continue reading →

Horny Diver: Tight Shellfish (Zetsurin ama: Shimari-gai) (1985) (DVD)

Posted on by

HDTSAs with most Nikkatsu Roman Porno, if you’re in it for the hardcore sex, you’re likely going to be disappointed. These films are mainly for the sake of kitsch value and their rarity. “Horny Diver” is one of the many in the later Nikkatsu titles that exercises blurring with the more graphic parts of certain sex scenes.

Continue reading →

Nurse Diary: Wicked Finger (Kangofu nikki: Itazura na yubi) (1979) (DVD)

Posted on by

nursediaryAt barely seventy minutes long, the newest Nikkatsu Erotic Films release “Nurse Diary: Wicked Finger” is less Asian erotica and more Asian melodrama. Young gorgeous Ryoko (Etsuko Hara) is having an affair with her boss at the bospital. He is next in line to become the chief of medicine, and in an effort to escape the nurses dorm she inhabits, she moves in to her own apartment.

Continue reading →

Jackie Chan Double Feature: Crime Story / The Protector [Blu-ray]

Posted on by

jackie-chan-double-featureCourtesy of Shout! Factory, fans of Jackie Chan will be able to get their hands on a double feature from the master of comedy kung-fu, and take hold of two of his notable features from Hong Kong and America. Mostly for Chan buffs, the “Jackie Chan Double Feature” is an interesting double package for bargain hunters alike. The weaker of the duo is 1985’s “The Protector.” Written and directed by James Glickenhaus, this American debut of Chan features Chan teaming with Danny Aiello as two NYPD officers that have to high tail it to Hong Kong.

Continue reading →

Sex Hunter: Wet Target (Sekkusu hantâ: Nureta hyôteki) (1972) (DVD)

Posted on by

sex-hunter-wet-targetI was very disappointed to see the back of the DVD case for “Sex Hunter” compare this short Roman Porno to “Thriller: A Cruel Picture.” It’s very misleading to pair one of the greatest grindhouse revenge thrillers ever made to “Sex Hunter.” It’s an hour long endurance test in tedium and finishes with a climax that is both abrupt and incredibly unsatisfying. Granted, there’s not much to expect in the way of characters and action from a movie barely clocking in at seventy minutes, but a little blood shed wouldn’t have hurt.

Continue reading →