Japanese Cinema

Welcome to a very special episode of the GGtMC!!! THie week Will and Sammy are joined by fellow podcasters Tom Deja from Better In the Dark podcast and Christine from The Feminine Critique podcast and part of the power duo behind Paracinema Magazine, as well as Todd who writes for our blog and Kelly, Master of the Blu Ray from our Facebook community!!! We brought together these fine folks for a dissection of Quentin Tarantino's Django Unchained (2012) and we go into massive detail, including spoilers, on the film and our thoughts on what worked and perhaps what didnt work? Tune in and find out folks!!! We extend our gratitude to the guests that were on with us this week, all of the opinions provided we expected from this diverse and fun loving bunch of film fans...we love you all!!! Emails to midnitecinema@gmail.com Voicemails to 206-666-5207 Adios!!!

On July 13, a new 2-part horror movie by Koji Shiraishi called Ada (literally “rival”, “foe”, etc.) will be released in nation-wide in Japanese theaters. The two parts will be titled “Senritsu-hen” (shiver chapter) and “Zetsubou-hen” (despair chapter), respectively. The film will star idols from Tower Records’ new talent development label T-Palette Records. The story will be depicted from the point of view of two girls who attend a cram school and become involved in a bloody tragedy. Minami...

We have looked at lost Asian films previously, in doing the research for that list I came across many more equally interesting, well at least close to as interesting as Batman Fights Dracula. These movies represent ten more lost golden jewels form Asia we want to see but unfortunately we will be left in continued suspense probably forever. I can’t find anything about this movie but its name translates into biting ghost so… ugh a movie about biting ghosts? That came out in India. That’s all I have. Sounds interesting. A 1923 romance film written and directed by Henry MacRae The film is a romance about a young woman named Suwanna who is the object of affection for many men. In her search for true love, she has many adventures and mishaps, including overcoming her father’s disapproval, before finally finding her soul mate. There is some controversy involving an execution scene and is because of this scene it is believed the film was censored until its disappearance. Hua Jiao Shue Liu is a Chinese 1946 film not much is known about this movie either not even the director is known. But I think the story involved a couple of traders who had run in with thieves, I guess there was some anti-Japanese sentiment in this film but honestly nobody really knows. Alam Ara this was the first Indian sound movie coming out in 1931, it was directed by Ardeshir Irani. Apparently it was so popular that police aid had to be summoned to control the huge crowds. The film is a love story between a prince and a gypsy girl, the story centers on an imaginary, historical royal family in the kingdom of Kumarpur. The main characters are the king and his two warring wives Dilbahar and Navbahar. Their rivalry escalates when a fakir predicts that Navbahar will bear the king’s heir. Dilbahar, in revenge, attempts to have an affair with the kingdom’s chief minister General Adil (Prithviraj Kapoor). The affair goes sour and a vengeful Dilbahar imprisons him. The songs in the movie became instant hits but unfortunately the film was burned in an accident. (Young Miss) directed by Yasujiro ozu who has made up a good portion of the films to make up these lists. Very recently an original poster was discovered at a trade store in Japan. The film involved two lovers one of them was a very independent woman. Ozu was very progressive but he could not hold onto any of his movies at all. Bhakta Prahlada a 1931 Indian film often credited as either the first or second film to have sound. But it is the first to be in the Telugu language. The movie is based off a very famous dramatic play that has been produced thousands of times about Narasimha who is often visualized as half-man/half-lion. He is known primarily as the ‘Great Protector’ who specifically defends and protects his devotees in times of need. I think that’s what the movie dealt with but it really had a scene visualizing the god that would be cool to see. Ang Manananggal 1927 is a horror film from the Philippines possibly the first horror movie in the area. A silent movie portraying the manananggal. It was directed by Jose Nepomuceno and the cast list only has one known person, Mary Walter. The movie revolved around the mythical creature resembling a vampire but mostly female and it can detach most of its body at will. I bet the effects alone would keep me interested in this one. Directed by Fei Mu, this is a 1933 Chinese silent film telling the compelling story of a family stuck in the slums and their impossible struggle to survive and the choices they make meld who they are and where they are going. So it’s kind of like “Do the Right Thing” but in really old China slums. It was highly acclaimed upon its release for its social comments on city life. Some scenes in the film were recreated for the 1991 biographical film “Center Stage” about the life and career of Ruan Lingyu, but there rest of the movie is gone. An epic Chinese recreation of pieces of their history involving a civ

The official website for Ken Ochiai’s upcoming live-action adaption of Tiger Mask has been updated with a brief web-exclusive preview trailer. The footage shows off the post-transformation Tiger Mask costume, which was intended to be somewhat akin to an American style superhero. Based on a pro wrestling-themed manga by Ikki Kajiwara and Naoki Tsuji, the film stars Eiji Wentz as Naoto Date, a young man who grew up in an orphanage called “House for Little Rascals” along with the owner’s daughter...

MONOGATARI SERIES Will Stream Just Hours After Initial Airings in Japan Source: AniplexUSA Official Site: monogatari-series.com (Japan), AniplexUSA.com/monogatari (US) © NISIOISIN/KODANSHA, ANIPLEX, SHAFT Following its recent release of the BAKEMONOGATARI and NISEMONOGATARI Blu-ray Sets earlier this year, Aniplex of America Inc. has announced the acquisition of both the MONOGATARI SERIES SECOND SEASON (???????? ????????, Shiriizu Sekandoshiizun, 2013) and NEKOMONOGATARI BLACK (???(?) Nekomonogatari (Kuro), 2012). Both titles will be available for streaming this summer. The highly anticipated MONOGATARI SERIES SECOND SEASON will be available streaming just hours after its initial airing in Japan. Immediately following the events in NISEMONOGATARI, the second season of the MONOGATARI SERIESis a collection of stories featuring the entire MONOGATARI cast. With so many questions left unanswered from NISEMONOGATARI, what will Koyomi Araragi, Senjyogahara and the others get into next? NEKOMONOGATARI BLACK will also be available streaming this summer. Originally airing in Japan this past December, NEKOMONOGATARI BLACK is set as a prequel to BAKEMONOGATARI and NISEMONOGATARI. Fans will enjoy being fully be up-to-date with the MONOGATARI SERIES. Continued...

???????????????????The Tiger Mask Rises... Will this new incarnation survive the legend?Yesterday, the Japanese entertainment website, Eiga.com, obtained exclusive coverage for the upcoming live action adaptation of Ikki Kajiwara and Naoki Tsuji’s popular manga and anime series, TIGER MASK, starring Eiji Wentz (Ge-Ge-Ge-no Kitaro). Ark Entertainment also announced that the film would see nationwide release in Japan in November, but will have it's world premiere at this July’s Fantasia International Film Festival in Montreal.Striking February 1971 Tiger Mask cover of Bokura Magazine.The original manga was serialized in Bokura (Our) and Weekly Shonen Magazine between 1968 and 1971, and was one of the highest rated animated television series at the same time, achieving a record 31.9%, after gaining national attention. Beginning production in November of 2011, the new film was kept under wraps for a year and a half to fully convey the overwhelming presence of this “Tiger Mask for the Heisei Era.”DVD jacket for the original animated series that ran for 105 episodes.The star had to study for the role before donning the mask and changing into Tiger Mask. At first, Wentz, who is playing Naoto Date, the alter ego of Tiger Mask, was unfamiliar with the original source material. "After receiving the part, I read the original story that introduces a new Tiger Mask, so I decided to create my own image for the new Naoto Date,” he said. Wentz went on to add, “I thought, so even for those generations who are unfamiliar with Tiger Mask, like myself, this will be a film that even they can enjoy.”Eiji Wentz as Naoto Date, the new man behind the Tiger Mask.Production wrapped at the end of December 2011, helmed by director Ken Ochiai (Blood Ties), the first Japanese native to win the Special Jury Prize from Directors Guild of America in 2010 for HALF KENNETH (2009). “We were able to achieve quite a bit, from cinematography to visual effects, and it was a quite a good experience,” he recalled.Natsuna as heroine Ruriko Wakatsuki, Naoto Date's love interest.As Naoto Date, standing in the center of this arena of high stakes and black money, Wentz is joined by Natsuna (Gantz) as Ruriko Wakatsuki and Sho Aikawa (Zebraman) as Mr. X, who are among the star-studded cast, as he dons the special hood to become Tiger Mask. Even the life of his friends, the heart and soul of Naoto, will be robbed by ruthless enemies, pushing him forward in his determination to maintain his belief in justice, while embracing intense hatred.Here's the first teaser trailer for the upcoming live action version.Visit the official TIGER MASK website!

As one of Japan’s preeminent samurai series, Lone Wolf and Cub, establishes itself as something of an outsider when compared to the samurai pictures of yore. The series – which in itself features a cast of characters abandoned by society or outright rejecting it – prides itself on its unabashed use of hyperbolic violence and doesn’t care who enjoys it. It’s out to make a statement and it’s not here to make friends. When you watch the Lone Wolf and Cub films – which aren’t exactly long movies since each film has an average running time of 80 minutes – one of the most immediate things that become noticeable is how much they don’t feel like films. Yes, the production value is there but it doesn’t really ever feel like you’re watching a series of films. Seeing as the series is based on a manga series, each film feels episodic in nature with events and repercussions from previous films hardly carrying over into the next. Whether or not this can be interpreted as a critique on part of the series is entirely up to you but for this writer, it meant having to change my perception of the series. Much of my experience watching Lone Wolf and Cub felt similar to watching television shows and mini-series, and as such, I viewed Lone Wolf and Cub in that manner (which is probably the best to look at the series). The first film in the series, Lone Wolf and Cub: Sword of Vengeance, can perhaps be considered the best of the series. It is in this film that we learn about Ogami Itto, the framed executioner turned assassin who vows vengeance against the Yagyu clan for disgracing his clan and murdering his wife. Together with his son, Daigoro, the two of them wander as steely-eyed assassins-for-hire, referring to themselves as the Lone Wolf and Cub. The reason why this film may be considered to be the series’ best is due to how emotionally resonant it is. This comes as a surprise, given the series’ renowned violence, but certainly gives you a reason to cheer for Ogami and rally against the Yagyu. The flashback scenes are handled quite delicately so as to extract maximum empathy (the scene where Ogami lets his then infant son, Daigoro, to choose between life as an assassin or death with his mother is particularly powerful). Unfortunately, the rest of the series never quite has restrained moments like these which is a shame considering that there’s probably a lot that could have been done to enhance the relationship between Ogami and Daigoro or given them depth. The end of the first film crescendos into a bloody brawl as Ogami kills off a bunch of bandits who had imprisoned him but his journey to vengeance is far from over. As each series progresses, the basic outline of each film becomes more apparent; Ogami and Daigoro are hired to kill someone (or several people) where the final battle in the film usually ends in a bloodbath and stacked body count. To the series’ credit however, though it follows a formula of sorts throughout, it does so in a way where each new episode in the series feels fresh. Each situation feels different and the lead up to the final fights still becomes pretty exciting (even if some of the one on one fights are over in a matter of seconds). Part of this is because the Yagyu clansmen are still out to silence Ogami and his son as thatFor some though, the “monster-of-the-week” trope (in this case, the “monster-of-the-next-movie” trope) that’s often perpetuated in television may prove to be tiresome for those wanting to see something completely different or a change of pace. Repetition notwithstanding, Lone Wolf and Cub is a genuinely exciting series. The second film, Lone Wolf and Cub: Baby Cart at the River Styx is great as it features a great fight between Ogami and three specialist assassins. The sixth film is also another standout and racks up an incredibly large body count – one of the largest I’ve ever seen on film by one man – with a final battle that looks stunning against the snowy backdrop. If there’s one

As I receive more and more anime from NIS, they are rapidly becoming my favorite distributor. Not only do they license great anime but it seems they are passionate about creating a total package. Everyday Tales of a Cat God, The Blu-ray Complete Series (S) Premium Edition contains episodes 1-12 plus the OVA and a hardcover, 32-page art book that provides a deeper viewing experience with illustrations and additional personal touches from each of the characters! The everyday tales of this cat god and her harrowing adventures to the candy shop, a landfill, and a beach resort show Mayu and her friends that sometimes, the simplest things in life are the best. Even though Cat God is not exactly the type of show that I was expecting NIS America to license, they once again come through producing another high-quality LE package. The artbook just looks exceptionally great. It’s all bright and cheerful, which is the proper mood for what this show is about. An engaging slice of deity life comedy with lots of cat jokes about being lazy and greedy for food. The comedic style also runs similarly to Lucky Star. It feels slightly sporadic and silly and very little of what’s going on makes much sense. I love comedy, but my personal choice of comedy usually isn’t the Lucky Star brand of works. While it’s cute, there usually isn’t much substance. So it’s a good thing to watch if you’re in a down mood or had a stressful day. Again, not much is really explained until about halfway through and when it they do it, it really comes as a shocker. It really changed the mood of the whole series and suddenly there was a story arc that took over. Sure the insane antics continued, but the majority of the episodes were far more serious and just peppered with humor. This is what made us to believe that there was a lot they were trying to fit into this run. A lot of things are explained via flashbacks and stories told by Maru or Yuzu for the most part, but there is still quite a bit that’s left up in the air. No complicated story and no distractions. It’s just laid back simple fun which I truly appreciate. It’s a forgotten kind of approach on anime because almost everything now needs to be compelling and intriguing. Once upon a time though, there were anime you just watch on a weekly basis just so you can have fun while watching them. There used to be a lot of simple anime with non-episodic plots. Shows like Love Hina, Sorcerer Hunters and even Galaxy Angel that was just out for fun and nothing more. All in all this leads to an adorable scene where Shamo shows the level of authority she has. She even has the other gods and goddesses bowing to her. Though she sounds stern at first she then reveals that she’s actually proud of the work that they’re doing and that she’ll leave the town…only to then decide to stay because she wants to beat the video game she’s playing. This series is definitely adorable and the comedy isn’t the funniest, but it has it’s moments. If cute and quirky is something you like in a series, you’ll most likely enjoy this one. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8qfio5JioU Some nice seasonal stories as the various gods of Spring, Summer and so on do their “set pieces” throughout the Japanese festival calendar. The animation style is a bit simple, but it’s very clear (especially in HD) and fits the story well. It’s has a pretty modern feel to it. The music is pretty stock for 2010′s Anime, the ending credit song is catchy, the incidental music fits the scenes well. Despite the fact that even the pacing the season and how it was presented was chaotic in and of itself, the show was great. There is also some manga panel style in some of the anime which features another story about a girl and death god. It’s a pretty nice easter egg in the anime. Overall, the good far outweighs the bad.

Latest POWER RANGERS Series Comes to DVD and Digital Download Source: Lionsgate, Bender/Helper Impact press release Official Site: powerrangers.com Special Thanks to Geovani Rocha Cover art for POWER RANGERS MEGAFORCE: ULTIMATE TEAM POWER - Volume 1. Image courtesy of Lionsgate Entertainment. © 2013 SCG Power Rangers LLC. The number one boys live-action series returns for its 20th anniversary season with an all-new series, POWER RANGERS MEGAFORCE currently airing on Nickelodeon. POWER RANGERS MEGAFORCE: ULTIMATE TEAM POWER - Volume 1 includes the first four episodes of POWER RANGERS MEGAFORCE and is arriving on DVD and Digital Download September 3rd from Lionsgate Home Entertainment. New Rangers, Zords, enemies and battles make this anniversary season the most exciting yet! Featuring five new Power Rangers protecting our earth from the evil Warstar aliens to prevent a massive invasion, POWER RANGERS MEGAFORCE: ULTIMATE TEAM POWER - Volume 1 includes the "Power Rangers Morph Through 20 Years" featurette and will be available for the suggested retail price of $14.98. For centuries, the earth has been protected by a supernatural guardian named Gosei and his robotic aide, Tensou. When the evil Warstar aliens plan a massive invasion of Earth, Gosei calls upon five teenagers with talent and attitude to form the ultimate team...the Power Rangers Megaforce! Using their newfound special abilities, mega-weapons, high-tech Zords and giant Megazords to battle this new alien threat, the Power Rangers Megaforce prove that "Earth's defenders never surrender!" Go Go Megaforce! Continued...

Today it was announced that actor Kenichi Matsuyama will star in the upcoming movie Ieji (lit. “the road home”), a family drama set in the aftermath of the Tohoku earthquake of 2011. In the film, Matsuyama will play a young man named Jiro Sawada who was forced to leave his hometown in Fukushima in order to cover for a certain criminal incident. After the earthquake, he decides to return home to the now disaster-ravaged and radiation-covered area to restart his life and reconnect with family...