1 I Am Legend (Warner Bros.)
2 Mari To Koinu No Monogatari (A Tale of Mari and Her Three Puppies; Toho)
3 National Treasure: Lincoln Ansatsusha No Kikki (National Treasure 2: Book of Secrets; Disney)
4 AVP2 - Alien vs. Predator (Alien vs Predator: Requiem; 20th Century Fox)
5 Louis To Mirai Dorobou (Louis & The Future Bandit/Meet The Robinsons; Disney)
6 Eiga De toujyo! Tamagochi Doki Doki! Uchu No Maigochi!? (Our Movie Debut! Exciting Tamagochi! Lost In Space!?; Toho)
7 Gekijouban Bleach The Diamond Dust Rebellion - Mohitotsu No Hiyorinmaru (Movie Ver. Bleach - The Diamond Dust Rebellion - The Other Hiyorinmaru; Toho)
8 Always Zoku: San Cho Me No Yuhi (Always - Series: Setting Sun on 3rd Avenue; Toho)
9 Tsubaki Sanjuro (Toho)
10 Moryo No Hako (Shadow Spirit; Toshiba)

Continue Reading "Weekend Japan Box Office Top Ten - 2008/1/5 ~ 2008/1/6"...

Ardvark here: just when you thought it was safe to enter the website… there’s another MEGA-ToM entry!

At the start of December we celebrated the 50th Twitch-O-Meter article by making it a huge multi-part one, written by 9 writers who each gave a list of his 5 most favorite directors. James told me he had wanted to be part that but alas, he couldn’t make it.
Well, I’m still interested to see his list of five favorite directors, so who cares if the MEGA-ToM was a month ago? Not me!

The stage is all yours James...

Sorry for this late entry to the Mega-ToM lists.  Special thanks to Ardvark for letting me submit this after-the-fact.

Taking a cue from the other Mega-TOM entries, I tried to avoid going with well known directors as well as those directors who have already been mentioned (Steven Spielberg, Ridley Scott, Peter Greengrass, Johnny To, John Woo, Akira Kurosawa, The Brothers Coen, The Brothers Wachoski, Peter Jackson, Guillermo del Toro, Quentin Tarantino etc.) even though I definitely am a big fan of their works as well.  Selecting just five favorite directors was difficult but I think I got some good choices down.

I tried to select at least one director from each of the last five/six decades for variety.

Here’s my list…

Continue Reading "JMaruyama’s MEGA-ToM aftershock! (Twitch-O-Meter turns 50, late submission)"...

1 I Am Legend (Warner Bros.)
2 National Treasure: Lincoln Ansatsusha No Kikki (National Treasure 2: Book of Secrets; Disney)
3 Mari To Koinu No Monogatari (A Tale of Mari and Her Three Puppies; Toho)
4 Gekijouban Bleach The Diamond Dust Rebellion - Mohitotsu No Hiyorinmaru (Movie Ver. Bleach - The Diamond Dust Rebellion - The Other Hiyorinmaru; Toho)
5 Louis To Mirai Dorobou (Louis & The Future Bandit/Meet The Robinsons; Disney)
6 Eiga De toujyo! Tamagochi Doki Doki! Uchu No Maigochi!? (Our Movie Debut! Exciting Tamagochi! Lost In Space!?; Toho)
7 Always Zoku: San Cho Me No Yuhi (Always - Series: Setting Sun on 3rd Avenue; Toho)
8 Mouryou No Hakou (Demon Box; Showgate)
9 Koizora (Toho)
10 Tsubaki Sanjuro (Toho)

Continue Reading "Weekend Japan Box Office Top Ten - 2007/12/22 ~ 2007/12/23"...

One of the shows that I still love and have fond childhood memories of was the David Weir/Fabulous Films UK dubbed version of the Kokusai Hoei/Nihon TV program “Saiyuki” (AKA Monkey, Monkey Magic or Way To The West) which ran in Japan from 1978-1979. It was a whimsical, fantastical adventure story that could be seen as comparable to some of the live action children’s programs that were made by Sid & Marty Krofft or Gerry Anderson (not quite Tokusatsu but more fantasy action).

The series was loosely based on the famous Chinese novel, “Hsi Yu Chi” (Literally: “Record Of A Journey To The West") by Wu Cheng-en (1505-1580), which in turn was based on the semi-legendary pilgrimage of the priest, Hsuan-Tsang (602-664 AD) also known as Tripitaka, to India in the 7th century.

While the pilgrimage is historical fact, in time certain liberties were introduced to the story, turning it into a “supernatural adventure” of spiritual exploration. These legends told that Hsuan-Tsang was helped on his journey by a trio of supernatural animal spirits (the Monkey-King, a pig-spirit and a Kappa or Water Goblin). The Monkey-King became a legend onto itself, becoming a folklore icon (the Monkey-King character may have been based on the Hindu Monkey God – Hanuman).

Wu Cheng-en took these folk stories and made a definitive version, combining satire, fantasy, comedy and allegory. Hsuan-Tsang’s pilgrimage to India became an allegory for man’s pilgrimage through life. The Novel was brought to the West under the title, “Monkey”, by Arthur Waley, originally published by Allen & Unwin in 1942.

There have literally been hundreds of adaptations of the story in Japan from the 1960’s “Saiyuki” cartoon (AKA Alakazam The Great based on Tesuka Osamu’s Manga “My Son Goku") to the space action anime “SF (Science Fiction) Saiyuki – Starzingers” (AKA Spaceketters, 1979) by Matsumoto Leiji. Of course the most popular reinterpretation of the story took the form of the immensely popular “Dragon Ball” series (1986-1989) written by Toriyama Akira.

Other live action adaptations have since shown on TV including one in 1984, another in 1994 and even a TV special with the beautiful Miyazawa Rie portraying Sanzouhoshi in 1993.  The most recent adaptation of the timeless tale took the form of Fuji TV’s 2006 series “Saiyuki” which set itself apart from the others above by going back to the wacky comedy and action of the 70s series.  While it only last 11 episodes it drew decent ratings in Japan and even spawned one TV movie special.

As with other popular TV series like “Hero” and “Unfair”, a film version of “Saiyuki” debuted this past Summer in Japan and was fairly well received. The R2 DVD will finally be released early January 2008.

Sawada Kensaku’s “Saiyuki” is the “eiga ban” (movie version) of the Fuji TV series and brings back many of the TV drama cast for this big screen version.

Continue Reading "Review for Sawada Kensaku’s “Saiyuki” (Monkey AKA Way To The West)"...

1 I Am Legend (Warner Bros.)
2 Mari To Koinu No Monogatari (A Tale of Mari and Her Three Puppies; Toho)
3 Eiga De toujyo! Tamagochi Doki Doki! Uchu No Maigochi!? (Our Movie Debut! Exciting Tamagochi!  Lost In Space!?; Toho)
4 Koizora (Toho)
5 Always Zoku: San Cho Me No Yuhi (Always - Series: Setting Sun on 3rd Avenue; Toho)
6 Surf’s Up (Sony Pictures)
7 Tsubaki Sanjuro (Toho)
8 Smile-Seiya No Kiseki (Smile-Holy Night of Miracles; Toho)
9 Beowulf (WB)
10 The Bourne Ultimatum (Universal Pictures; Jp Distributor Toho-Towa)

Continue Reading "Weekend Japan Box Office Top Ten - 2007/12/15 ~ 2007/12/16"...

1 Mari To Koinu No Monogatari (A Tale of Mari and Her Three Puppies, Toho)
2 Koizora (Toho)
3 Always Zoku: San Cho Me No Yuhi (Always - Series: Setting Sun on 3rd Avenue; Toho)
4 Beowulf (WB)
5 Tsubaki Sanjuro (Toho)
6 Biohazard III (Resident Evil: Extinction; Screen Gems; Jp Distributor - Sony)
7 The Bourne Ultimatum (Universal Pictures; Jp Distributor Toho-Towa)
8 Midnight Eagle (Shochiku)
9 Crows Zero (Toho)
10 Eiga Yes! Puricure 5 -Kagami No Kuni No Miracle Dai Boken (Movie- Yes! PreCure 5 - Big Miracle Adventure in the Land of Mirrors, Toei)

Continue Reading "Weekend Japan Box Office Top Ten - 2007/12/8 ~ 2007/12/9"...

Weekend Japan Box Office Top Ten - 2007/12/1 ~ 2007/12/2

1 Always Zoku: San Cho Me No Yuhi (Always - Series: Setting Sun on 3rd Avenue; Toho)
2 Koizora (Toho)
3 Beowulf (WB)
4 Tsubaki Sanjuro (Toho)
5 Biohazard III (Resident Evil: Extinction; Screen Gems; Jp Distributor - Sony)
6 The Bourne Ultimatum (Universal Pictures; Jp Distributor Toho-Towa)
7 Midnight Eagle (Shochiku)
8 Crows Zero (Toho)
9 Eiga Yes! Puricure 5 -Kagami No Kuni No Miracle Dai Boken (Movie- Yes! PreCure 5 - Big Miracle Adventure in the Land of Mirrors)
10 Saw IV (Lions Gate; Jp Distributor - Asmik Ace)

Continue Reading "Weekend Japan Box Office Top Ten - 2007/12/1 ~ 2007/12/2"...

There aren’t that many “talento” in Japan that can genuinely be regarded as superstars but Kimura Takuya is definitely one of them.  From J-pop idol (as a member of 90s boy band SMAP) to model, to TV drama hot throb to movie star, “Kimutaku” has done it all. With his boyish good looks, charming charisma and decent acting talents he can easily be compared to Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio and has just as many adoring female Japanese fans. And now he can also add the title of “box office king” to his resume as his recent movie “Hero” (the theatrical follow up to his immensely popular 2001 TV drama) dominated the Japanese box office for six consecutive weeks this past month and earned over $70 million in ticket sales to date.

Continue Reading "Suzuki Masayuki’s “Hero” Review"...

It can easily be said that Japan is one of the cellular capitols of the world, where people use their cellular phones not only as communication devices but also for a number of business and personal functions from text messaging and web browsing to paying bills online and watching streaming content. Therefore it was just a matter of time before novels and manga/comics became widely available via online cellular services.

“Mahou No i Rando” (a play on “Magic Island") is one of the more popular services to come out specializing in “Keitai Shosetsu” (mobile/cellular novels). Following the success of their first cellular novel “Deep Love”, “Koizora” was touted as a “true story” based on the life experiences of its young author “Mika”, a first time/amateur novelist.

With its tearful story of young love, loss and perseverance, it was an instant hit among readers particularly young, female high schoolers.  However, much criticism also accompanied the novel particularly from those who saw its depictions of underage sex, rape and pregnancy as obscene. Many also criticized the novels portrayal of cancer victims as not really realistic.

Despite these criticisms, the novel was a best seller and widely read, spawning a couple of stories - “Kimi Zora” (You, Sky) which took the point of view from the side of “Koizora” character Hiro and “Another Koizora”, a sequel of sorts.

It was only time before the film adaptation of “Koizora” became a reality. Directed by TBS (Tokyo Broadcasting System) TV J-Dorama director Imai Natsumi (Orange Days, Koko Kyoshi), the film is a faithful interpretation of the cellular novel and is every bit as tearful, heartbreaking and poignant as its source material. It’s success at the Japanese box office (currently in the Top Ten as of 11/28/07) is another indication of the impact it has on audiences.

Continue Reading "Imai Natsuki’s Koizora (Love Sky) Review"...

1 Always Zoku: San Cho Me No Yuhi (Always - Series: Setting Sun on 3rd Avenue; Toho)
2 Koizora (Toho)
3 Biohazard III (Resident Evil: Extinction; Screen Gems; Jp Distributor - Sony)
4 The Bourne Ultimatum (Universal Pictures; Jp Distributor Toho-Towa)
5 Midnight Eagle (Shochiku)
6 Crows Zero (Toho)
7 Eiga Yes! Puricure 5 -Kagami No Kuni No Miracle Dai Boken (Movie- Yes! PreCure 5 - Big Miracle Adventure in the Land of Mirrors)
8 Saw IV (Lions Gate; Jp Distributor - Asmik Ace)
9 Number 23 (The Number 23; New Line Cinema, Jp. Distributor -Herald)
10 A Mighty Heart (UIP)

Continue Reading "Weekend Japan Box Office Top Ten - 2007/11/24 ~ 2007/11/25"...

1 Koizora (Toei)
2 Always Zoku: San Cho Me No Yuhi (Always - Series: Setting Sun on 3rd Avenue; Toho)
3 Biohazard III (Resident Evil: Extinction; Screen Gems; Jp Distributor - Sony)
4 The Bourne Ultimatum (Universal Pictures; Jp Distributor Toho-Towa)
5 Crows Zero (Toho)
6 Eiga Yes! Puricure 5 -Kagami No Kuni No Miracle Dai Boken (Movie- Yes! PreCure 5 - Big Miracle Adventure in the Land of Mirrors)
7 Saw IV (Lions Gate; Jp Distributor - Asmik Ace)
8 Hairspray (New Line; Jp Distributor -GAGA)
9 Yajikita Dochu - Telesco” (AKA Three For The Road)
10 Zou No Senaka (Back of an Elephant; Shochiku)

Continue Reading "Weekend Japan Box Office Top Ten - 2007/11/17 ~ 2007/11/18"...

Weekend Japan Box Office Top Ten - 2007/11/10 ~ 2007/11/11

Japan Box Office Top Ten report for the weekend of 2007/11/10 ~ 2007/11/11

1 Koizora (Toei)
2 Always Zoku: San Cho Me No Yuhi (Always - Series: Setting Sun on 3rd Avenue; Toho)
3 Biohazard III (Resident Evil: Extinction; Screen Gems; Jp Distributor - Sony)
4 The Bourne Ultimatum (Universal Pictures; Jp Distributor Toho-Towa)
5 Crows Zero (Toho)
6 Eiga Yes! Puricure 5 -Kagami No Kuni No Miracle Dai Boken (Movie- Yes! PreCure 5 - Big Miracle Adventure in the Land of Mirrors)
7 Hairspray (New Line; Jp Distributor -GAGA)
8 Zou No Senaka (Back of an Elephant; Shochiku)
9 Hero (Toho)
10 Disturbia (Dreamworks SKG; Jp Distributor - Herald)

Continue Reading "Weekend Japan Box Office Top Ten - 2007/11/10 ~ 2007/11/11"...

Weekend Japan Box Office Top Ten - 2007/11/3 ~ 2007/11/4

1 Biohazard III (Resident Evil: EXtinction; Sony)
2 Always Zoku: San Cho Me No Yuhi (Always - Series: Setting Sun on 3rd Avenue; Toho)
3 Koizora (Toei)
4 Crows Zero (Toho)
5 Hairspray (New Line; Jp Distributor -GAGA)
6 Hero (Toho)
7 Zou No Senaka (Back of an Elephant; Shochiku)
8 Brave One (The Brave One; WB)
9 Good Shepard (The Good Shepard;Universal, Jp Distributor - Toho-Towa)
10 Stardust (UIP)

Continue Reading "Weekend Japan Box Office Top Ten - 2007/11/3 ~ 2007/11/4"...

Weekend Japan Box Office Top Ten - 2007/10/27 ~ 2007/10/28

1 Crows Zero (Toho)
2 Hero (Toho)
3 Hairspray (New Line; Jp Distributor -GAGA)
4 Zou No Senaka (Back of an Elephant; Shochiku)
5 Brave One (The Brave One; WB)
6 Stardust (UIP)
7 Jigyaku No Uta (Song of Unhappiness; Shochiku)
8 Kamen Rider The Next (Toei)
9 Mirai Yosouzu (signs of Love; Shochiku)
10 Miezaru Teki (The Kingdom; UIP)

Continue Reading "Weekend Japan Box Office Top Ten - 2007/10/27 ~ 2007/10/28"...

Aloha again from Honolulu and the 27th Annual Louis Vuitton Hawaii International Film Festival, the premier international film festival of the Pacific. With the festival slowing drawing to a close many of the remaining film showings have been sold out with long wait lines. Announcements were made last Thursday regarding some of the award winners for this year’s festival. Awards were handed out to the following films and individuals:

Halekulani Golden Orchid for Best Feature - “The Home Song Stories” by Tony Ayres.
Halekulani Golden Orchid for Best Documentary - “Beautiful Son” by Don adn Julianne King
NETPAC Award - “Owl and the Sparrow” by Stephane Gauger
Halekulani Golden Orchid Special Mention - “Kalaupapa Heaven” by Paul Cox
Pacific Panorama Award presented by PIC - “Lahaina: Waves of Change” by Eddie Kamae
Honolulu Magazine Short Film Award - “Pretend (Nagpapanggap)” by Debbie Formoso
VOD Viewers Choice Award presented by Oceanic Time Warner Cable - “The Monkeyboy Fever” by Dane Neves
Short Film Special Mention for Animation - “I Met the Walrus” by Josh Raskin
Cause and F(X) Dream Digital Award - “Brother” by Miki Magasiva

The Audience Choice Award has yet to be announced.

South Korean director Kyung-Taek Kwak ("A Love") was presented with the Achievement in Directing Award and South Korean actor Lee Jun-Ki ("May 18") was awarded the Rising Star Award.

Kudos go out to the HIFF staff and army of volunteers for putting on yet another great and rewarding festival. Their efforts and hard work are definitely much appreciated. One of the films I was able to get into this week was Matsuoka Joji’s heart-touching and poignant adaptation of Lily Franky’s best selling story Tokyo Tower - Okan To Boku To Tokidoki Oton (Tokyo Tokyo - Me, My Mom and Sometimes Dad). 

Continue Reading "HIFF Report - Part 2 and Review for Matsuoka Joji’s Tokyo Tower"...