Movies
A solid drama, though a bit too plain to make a lasting impression. The performances aren't bad, though some of the characters are a little one-dimensional, and not all the dramatic story arcs are properly developed. A smaller set of characters and a tad more focus might've done the film some good. The somewhat lackluster presentation didn't help the film either. It's not overtly ugly, but a lot more could've been done with the cinematography and score to ease the viewer into the drama. There are still some poignant scenes and some interesting moments, but there are so many Japanese dramas out there doing a better job that it's difficult to recommend this one to casual viewers.Read all
A fun, though somewhat limited thriller that morphs into a horror film as it progresses. It reminded me a little of 2LDK, a household battle between two people stuck in a little flat, but it never gets quite as intense or out there. Still, if you want a pleasant 80s horror (or you just want to know how Kiyoshi Kurosawa's Door 3 started out), you won't be disappointed. The build-up is solid, the film becomes increasingly more tense, and even though the soundtrack is a little cheesy and the horror elements are somewhat toned down compared to modern standards, the ending does feel appropriately grotesque. A fine classic Japanese horror film that won't disappoint fans of the genre.Read all
A pretty odd sequel. Don't expect a simple retread of the themes of the first film, instead, this is a more Pinku-inspired film that delivers a somewhat similar feeling of unease but does so with different puzzle pieces. It took me a while to get on board and I don't think it compares favorably to the first one, but it's not a terrible film. The introduction is a bit too long and even though the characters are interesting, the first half hour is a bit too meandering, especially for a film that only lasts 80 minutes. The second half is more interesting, as the tension ramps up, but because the film never settled on a primary genre, it felt a little unfinished.Read all