Each new episode of Shōgun raises the stakes, deepens the political intrigue, and brings us closer to the brink of war. It’s a description that, years ago, would have applied to Game of Thrones, a show to which Shōgun has been compared ad nauseam. It’s not an inappropriate comparison. Both tout sprawling casts, sweeping locations, political intrigue, backstabbing, and characters residing in moral gray areas, ready to surprise and disappoint. Though, it may be more apt to compare the show to Japan’s Chanbara or samurai films.
Given Shōgun’s intensity and cliffhangers, waiting a week between episodes is excruciating. Digging back into Game of Thrones or even House of the Dragon might not scratch that Shōgun itch in the long days between installments.
Instead, let’s dive into samurai epics in and around the Edo period when Ieyasu Tokugawa unified Japan and built a shogunate that ruled for more than two centuries,...
Given Shōgun’s intensity and cliffhangers, waiting a week between episodes is excruciating. Digging back into Game of Thrones or even House of the Dragon might not scratch that Shōgun itch in the long days between installments.
Instead, let’s dive into samurai epics in and around the Edo period when Ieyasu Tokugawa unified Japan and built a shogunate that ruled for more than two centuries,...
- 3/26/2024
- by Alec Bojalad
- Den of Geek
When Guillermo del Toro accepted the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature ("Pinocchio") in 2022, he proclaimed during his speech, "Animation is cinema. Animation is not a genre. Animation is ready to be taken to the next step, we are all ready for it." Well, 2023 certainly heard him, because this year we were gifted an embarrassment of riches — all using the animated medium to push the limits of storytelling and visual artistry. At the same time, animated projects are constantly under attack by powerful millionaires in positions of power who can't or refuse to see the value in animation and instead still operate under the false assumption that it's nothing more than "kid's stuff." And even still, there was plenty of incredible animation this year specifically targeting young audiences, like the "Craig of the Creek" prequel film "Craig Before the Creek," Apple TV+'s "The Snoopy Show," and of course, the undisputed children's champion,...
- 12/14/2023
- by SlashFilm Staff
- Slash Film
Netflix is undergoing cuts and changes to its animation department yet again, but thankfully good work is not going unrewarded. One of the most celebrated Netflix animated shows of the year, "Blue Eye Samurai," is getting a second season. The show is essentially an animated riff on "Lady Snowblood" that was created by Amber Noizumi and Michael Green and directed by Jane Wu.
The adult animated series is a tale of revenge and blood, following a young biracial woman born out of sexual violence in early Edo period Japan who embarks on a journey of vengeance to find out which of the four remaining white men in Japan is her father. As our own Bj Colangelo wrote, "With only eight episodes, 'Blue Eye Samurai' is an easily digestible watch, but with an addictive story that you'll have to fight yourself from binging."
The show has been praised by animators,...
The adult animated series is a tale of revenge and blood, following a young biracial woman born out of sexual violence in early Edo period Japan who embarks on a journey of vengeance to find out which of the four remaining white men in Japan is her father. As our own Bj Colangelo wrote, "With only eight episodes, 'Blue Eye Samurai' is an easily digestible watch, but with an addictive story that you'll have to fight yourself from binging."
The show has been praised by animators,...
- 12/12/2023
- by Rafael Motamayor
- Slash Film
(Welcome to Animation Celebration, a recurring feature where we explore the limitless possibilities of animation as a medium. In this edition: "Blue Eye Samurai.")
When's the last time you watched something and felt compelled to fist pump at the TV? For most, it was probably a favorite sports team winning the big game. But for me, it was the first episode of the new Netflix series, "Blue Eye Samurai." During the premiere of the show (attended by /Film's Jenna Bush-Henderson), it was revealed that the seed for the new animated series from Michael Green and Amber Noizumi was first planted about 15 years ago after the show creators welcomed the birth of their daughter. She was born with blue eyes, and Noizumi, who is half-Japanese, found herself wondering, "Why am I so excited that my daughter has blue eyes? What's the big deal about that? And why am I so excited...
When's the last time you watched something and felt compelled to fist pump at the TV? For most, it was probably a favorite sports team winning the big game. But for me, it was the first episode of the new Netflix series, "Blue Eye Samurai." During the premiere of the show (attended by /Film's Jenna Bush-Henderson), it was revealed that the seed for the new animated series from Michael Green and Amber Noizumi was first planted about 15 years ago after the show creators welcomed the birth of their daughter. She was born with blue eyes, and Noizumi, who is half-Japanese, found herself wondering, "Why am I so excited that my daughter has blue eyes? What's the big deal about that? And why am I so excited...
- 11/11/2023
- by BJ Colangelo
- Slash Film
Set in 17th-century Edo-period Japan, the new Netflix series "Blue Eye Samurai" follows Mizu (voiced by "Pen15" star Maya Erskine), a mixed-race master of the sword who lives a life in disguise seeking to deliver revenge. "It's an Edo-period tale of revenge — Kill Bill meets Yentl," co-creator Amber Noizumi told Tudum. During this time period, borders to Japan were closed to other countries, with the exception of illegal trade. Knowing that there were only four white men in Japan at the time of her conception, Mizu decides to track them down and kill them in the hopes of enacting revenge against the man who made her a "creature of shame." Her quest requires her to hide not just her blue eyes but also her gender, because as is narrated in the series' trailer, "Under the law, revenge is a luxury for men. Women must be practical."
/Film's own Jenna Busch-Henderson...
/Film's own Jenna Busch-Henderson...
- 11/7/2023
- by BJ Colangelo
- Slash Film
This article contains no spoilers for Netflix’s Blue Eye Samurai.
Academy Award nominee Michael Green and co-writer Amber Noizumi have created Netflix’s latest original animated series Blue Eye Samurai. Set during the Edo Period, the height of feudalism in Japan, a mixed-race samurai woman named Mizu traverses the countryside hunting for those responsible for the death of her mother. Along the way, Mizu incurs the ire of dangerous enemies who pursue her as she quickly realizes her vendetta has far greater consequences and implications for the Land of the Rising Sun.
Packed with blood-soaked fights, Blue Eye Samurai doesn’t pull its punches when it comes to on-screen sex and violence as Mizu seeks vengeance. But more than just being a sweeping revenge yarn, filled with memorable enemies and visually stunning set pieces, the animated series is truly a love letter to classical Japan. Backed by an all-star voice cast,...
Academy Award nominee Michael Green and co-writer Amber Noizumi have created Netflix’s latest original animated series Blue Eye Samurai. Set during the Edo Period, the height of feudalism in Japan, a mixed-race samurai woman named Mizu traverses the countryside hunting for those responsible for the death of her mother. Along the way, Mizu incurs the ire of dangerous enemies who pursue her as she quickly realizes her vendetta has far greater consequences and implications for the Land of the Rising Sun.
Packed with blood-soaked fights, Blue Eye Samurai doesn’t pull its punches when it comes to on-screen sex and violence as Mizu seeks vengeance. But more than just being a sweeping revenge yarn, filled with memorable enemies and visually stunning set pieces, the animated series is truly a love letter to classical Japan. Backed by an all-star voice cast,...
- 11/3/2023
- by Alec Bojalad
- Den of Geek
Rousing action films get your blood pumping and lift your spirits. In some respects, they're even more thrilling when women play the action hero. Though ladies have been kicking butt in movies for decades now, it's still just as exciting when a new woman fights her way to the big screen and into our hearts. If you're a fan of action films -– and hopefully if you're a fan of women –- you've probably seen many of this century's most popular female-led action epics. There are the "Kill Bill" films, of course, Ripley's badassery in "Aliens," and more recent fare like "Atomic Blonde" and "Mad Max: Fury Road."
These are all incredible films that certainly deserve their place in the action pantheon, but others deserve our attention, too. For one thing, there actually were a few female-led action films made before the year 2000, something you might not be aware of...
These are all incredible films that certainly deserve their place in the action pantheon, but others deserve our attention, too. For one thing, there actually were a few female-led action films made before the year 2000, something you might not be aware of...
- 2/26/2023
- by Kira Deshler
- Slash Film
If there's a basic, no-frills definition for movies, it's that they're made to be seen. Cinema is a populist medium, attempting to reach as wide an audience as possible for as long as possible.
Perhaps that's why the feeling of "discovering" a movie can be so powerfully enjoyable. It gives you the sense, however false, that you're stumbling upon a secret piece of entertainment made just for you. If you happen to discover such a movie in the wee hours of the morning, so much the better — the surreal setting only serves to make what you're watching seem that much more unreal, richer, and special.
It's that sensation that the programming block on Turner Classic Movies known as "TCM Underground" sought to capture every Friday night-turned-Saturday morning. Begun by Eric Weber in 2006 and continued by programmer Millie De Chirico starting in 2007, TCM Underground made it its business to curate some of the most obscure,...
Perhaps that's why the feeling of "discovering" a movie can be so powerfully enjoyable. It gives you the sense, however false, that you're stumbling upon a secret piece of entertainment made just for you. If you happen to discover such a movie in the wee hours of the morning, so much the better — the surreal setting only serves to make what you're watching seem that much more unreal, richer, and special.
It's that sensation that the programming block on Turner Classic Movies known as "TCM Underground" sought to capture every Friday night-turned-Saturday morning. Begun by Eric Weber in 2006 and continued by programmer Millie De Chirico starting in 2007, TCM Underground made it its business to curate some of the most obscure,...
- 2/24/2023
- by Bill Bria
- Slash Film
When a filmmaker writes and directs their own script, they run the risk of comparing their strengths and weaknesses. Take Zack Snyder — few would say he can wield a pen as well as he can a camera. On the flip side, there's Joss Whedon; his writing has shaped pop culture, for better or worse, but his visual craftsmanship never grew beyond 1990s network TV.
Quentin Tarantino is aware of this dichotomy and it has motivated him to push himself as an artist. In the wake of his breakout run in the 1990s, "Reservoir Dogs," "Pulp Fiction," and "Jackie Brown," Tarantino was especially praised for his dialogue. With conversations littered with pop culture ephemera, Tarantino's characters don't sound much like real people, but they certainly argue like them. Unlike many other writers famous for stylized dialogue (see the aforementioned Whedon), he gives all of his characters distinct voices too.
But Tarantino...
Quentin Tarantino is aware of this dichotomy and it has motivated him to push himself as an artist. In the wake of his breakout run in the 1990s, "Reservoir Dogs," "Pulp Fiction," and "Jackie Brown," Tarantino was especially praised for his dialogue. With conversations littered with pop culture ephemera, Tarantino's characters don't sound much like real people, but they certainly argue like them. Unlike many other writers famous for stylized dialogue (see the aforementioned Whedon), he gives all of his characters distinct voices too.
But Tarantino...
- 2/5/2023
- by Devin Meenan
- Slash Film
“People say you can’t wash away the mud of this world with pure white snow. You need asura snow – stained fiery red.“
The Strange Brew Cult Movie night returns at their new home, the Arkadin Cinema & Bar, with a screening of Lady Snowblood (1973) on Wednesday, April 6th at 8:00 pm. The Arkadin is located at 5228 Gravois Ave, St Louis, Mo 63116. The Strange Brew Cult Movie night takes place the first Wednesday of every month at Arkadin Cinema. Films are currently showing on the Backlot Patio (Enter through the Heavy Anchor) and bringing extra lawn chairs is strongly encouraged. Admission: 9.00. Tickets can be purchased in advance Here.
Yuki’s family is nearly wiped out before she is born due to the machinations of a band of criminals. These criminals kidnap and brutalize her mother but leave her alive. Later her mother ends up in prison with only revenge to keep her alive.
The Strange Brew Cult Movie night returns at their new home, the Arkadin Cinema & Bar, with a screening of Lady Snowblood (1973) on Wednesday, April 6th at 8:00 pm. The Arkadin is located at 5228 Gravois Ave, St Louis, Mo 63116. The Strange Brew Cult Movie night takes place the first Wednesday of every month at Arkadin Cinema. Films are currently showing on the Backlot Patio (Enter through the Heavy Anchor) and bringing extra lawn chairs is strongly encouraged. Admission: 9.00. Tickets can be purchased in advance Here.
Yuki’s family is nearly wiped out before she is born due to the machinations of a band of criminals. These criminals kidnap and brutalize her mother but leave her alive. Later her mother ends up in prison with only revenge to keep her alive.
- 3/31/2022
- by Tom Stockman
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Following its well-received world premiere at Fantasia Film Festival, Yakuza Princess is now on 4K, Blu-ray, DVD, and Digital HD from Magnolia Pictures & Magnet Releasing, and we caught up with lead actress Masumi to discuss training in martial arts, working with her husband (renowned martial artist Kenny Leu), and collaborating with Vicente Amorim for Yakuza Princess.
How did you first get involved with Yakuza Princess, and what about the character and the story made you interested in taking on this role?
I had just started going to an acting school that my husband (Kenny Leu) introduced me to. Three months into the school, I found out that Kenny’s manager (Andrew Ooi) was at a meeting with Yakuza Princess’ producer regarding another project, and happened to have spoken about the movie. Andrew happened to have my self-tape (was given by my agent Sara at Brs/Gage days prior) at the time,...
How did you first get involved with Yakuza Princess, and what about the character and the story made you interested in taking on this role?
I had just started going to an acting school that my husband (Kenny Leu) introduced me to. Three months into the school, I found out that Kenny’s manager (Andrew Ooi) was at a meeting with Yakuza Princess’ producer regarding another project, and happened to have spoken about the movie. Andrew happened to have my self-tape (was given by my agent Sara at Brs/Gage days prior) at the time,...
- 11/18/2021
- by Jonathan James
- DailyDead
Kazuo Koike was one of Japan’s leading seinen (“youth”) manga writers and several of his works, like “Lady Snowblood” and “Lone Wolf and Cub”, have seen big-screen adaptations that’re much loved the world over. However, one of his best adaptations that still remains less discovered and even lesser discussed is “Bohachi Bushido”. The rights to the manga were secured by superstar Tetsuro Tamba, who then brought director Teruo Ishii to make what would end up being one wild ride.
One evening, when fighting a horde of enemies, weathered samurai Shino Ashita just about has enough of life in general and, out of weariness from the constant fighting that he has always seen, decides to end his life. However, it doesn’t go quite as planned, as he is rescued by people of the Bohachi clan. This clan is notorious for having forgone eight important morals...
One evening, when fighting a horde of enemies, weathered samurai Shino Ashita just about has enough of life in general and, out of weariness from the constant fighting that he has always seen, decides to end his life. However, it doesn’t go quite as planned, as he is rescued by people of the Bohachi clan. This clan is notorious for having forgone eight important morals...
- 3/9/2021
- by Rhythm Zaveri
- AsianMoviePulse
After their first quite successful collaboration, it was only a matter of time before Meiko Kaji and director Toshiya Fujita would revisit the story of Yuki Kashima, better known under her nickname “Lady Snowblood”. While the first entry into the series followed in the footsteps of the manga series by Kazuo Kioke and Kazuo Kamimura, the sequel titles “Lady Snowblood: Love Song of Vengeance” is quite an interesting entry into the franchise, but also within Kaji’s career, as the political undertones which were already present in its predecessor became even more evident, which might have been also thanks to Norio Osada’s script. In that context the second movie about the female assassin wandering the roads of rural Japan in the Meji era is again on the one hand a period piece, albeit quite exaggerated or “heightened” at times, and on the other hand a sign of its times,...
- 3/5/2021
- by Rouven Linnarz
- AsianMoviePulse
Although the role of Yuki Kashima, better known under her nickname “Lady Snowblood”, is one of Meiko Kaji’s trademark characters and perhaps has become increasingly more relevant within global pop culture, initially director Toshiya Fujita had doubts about Kaji, perhaps refusing to act as the titular character in his next project. However, Kaji, having worked with the filmmaker on the “Stray Cat Rock”-series, was quite eager to collaborate with Fujita on what was quite a risky project for both of them, given its period setting during the Meji era in Japan. In the end, “Lady Snowblood” would mark another milestone in the career of the actress, and even inspired the likes of Quentin Tarantino, to name the most prominent examples, with the finale of “Kill Bill, Vol. I” being the most direct homage to Fujita’s film and Kaji’s performance. Considering its status as exploitation cinema and its influence on pop culture,...
- 3/4/2021
- by Rouven Linnarz
- AsianMoviePulse
In her feature film debut, actress-turned-director Emerald Fennell swings for the fences with an unapologetically bold thriller rooted in the conversations about #MeToo, consent and slut-shaming. Written and directed by Fennell, “Promising Young Woman” is a twisted tale of trauma and revenge with so many surprises that it may be hard to guess where the movie is going at times. Things shift from bad to good, hopeful to dreadful at quick speeds, adding to the chaos already within the story.
In the film, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January, we first meet Cassie (Carey Mulligan) at a time when it looks as if she might be in trouble. As she unsteadily shifts in her seat from too much drinking, a man tries to take advantage of her until she snaps out of her false stupor to scare him out of his predatory behavior.
Cassie has a habit...
In the film, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January, we first meet Cassie (Carey Mulligan) at a time when it looks as if she might be in trouble. As she unsteadily shifts in her seat from too much drinking, a man tries to take advantage of her until she snaps out of her false stupor to scare him out of his predatory behavior.
Cassie has a habit...
- 12/23/2020
- by Monica Castillo
- The Wrap
Movie director Quentin Tarantino is known for being a cinephile who makes no secret of his influences. As a result, his movies often feature unashamed homages to the great directors, actors, and composers of days gone by. But amongst all this, he brings a bunch of style and ideas that make his movies unique, and he has also had a big influence on popular culture himself.
Of all his films, the one that best represents his habit of honoring his heroes, is the Kill Bill duology released in 2003 and 2004. Originally planned as a single movie, the movie’s producers indulged Tarantino by suggesting he could split the films into two volumes to avoid cutting some crucial scenes – there is even talk of a third movie in the pipeline, as discussed by www.variety.com. The two movies were heavily influenced by Asian cinema (amongst other genres) and are widely regarded as modern classics.
Of all his films, the one that best represents his habit of honoring his heroes, is the Kill Bill duology released in 2003 and 2004. Originally planned as a single movie, the movie’s producers indulged Tarantino by suggesting he could split the films into two volumes to avoid cutting some crucial scenes – there is even talk of a third movie in the pipeline, as discussed by www.variety.com. The two movies were heavily influenced by Asian cinema (amongst other genres) and are widely regarded as modern classics.
- 4/21/2020
- by Peter Adams
- AsianMoviePulse
“Flowing , a woman’s tears pour out/
Softly floating on the river./
The river overflows/
Overflowing to the shore/
Overflowing, overflowing/
Drowning all the men.”
After the commercial success of the first movie, it was obvious Japanese production company Toei wanted a sequel to the “Female Prisoner #701: Scorpion”, a movie which not only manifested leading actress Meiko Kaji’s but also director Ito’s reputation among the Japanese film industry as well as audiences. The success was also proof Kaji’s and Ito’s approach to the role of Nami Matsushima nicknamed “Sasori” (scorpion) had been the right direction playing her in almost complete silence with only Kaji’s eyes doing most of the talking, a movie which would make the character iconic beyond the borders of Japan.
For Kaji, who was 25 at the time the second movie was filmed, the sequel was a blessing as well as a curse.
Softly floating on the river./
The river overflows/
Overflowing to the shore/
Overflowing, overflowing/
Drowning all the men.”
After the commercial success of the first movie, it was obvious Japanese production company Toei wanted a sequel to the “Female Prisoner #701: Scorpion”, a movie which not only manifested leading actress Meiko Kaji’s but also director Ito’s reputation among the Japanese film industry as well as audiences. The success was also proof Kaji’s and Ito’s approach to the role of Nami Matsushima nicknamed “Sasori” (scorpion) had been the right direction playing her in almost complete silence with only Kaji’s eyes doing most of the talking, a movie which would make the character iconic beyond the borders of Japan.
For Kaji, who was 25 at the time the second movie was filmed, the sequel was a blessing as well as a curse.
- 12/6/2019
- by Rouven Linnarz
- AsianMoviePulse
Although most people tend to think of Quentin Tarantino’s “Kill Bill” series when it comes to female-driven revenge films, the genre itself existed well before Uma Thurman donned her iconic Bruce Lee-inspired outfit. From classics like “Lady Snowblood,” “Carrie,” and “The Quick and the Dead,” cinema had been showcasing women with a vengeful bone to pick for years.
Continue reading ‘Reprisal’ Trailer: Abigail Spencer Does Her Best ‘Kill Bill’ In New Hulu Revenge Series at The Playlist.
Continue reading ‘Reprisal’ Trailer: Abigail Spencer Does Her Best ‘Kill Bill’ In New Hulu Revenge Series at The Playlist.
- 10/4/2019
- by Wilson Kwong
- The Playlist
Close-Up is a feature that spotlights films now playing on Mubi. Josef von Sternberg's Anatahan (1953) is showing June 4 – July 3, 2019 in the United States.Its premise alone is intriguing. A group of Japanese sailors are attacked at sea and become stranded on an island for seven years, with no knowledge of how the outside world carries on without them. A world, it’s worth noting, that is currently at war. The 1944 incident served as the basis for Michiro Maruyama’s 1954 novel, Anatahan, in which he detailed the ordeal and his time on the Northern Mariana island of that name. Intriguing, yes, but perhaps not a subject immediately associated with filmmaker Josef von Sternberg, a director best known for ornate, cloistered, exotic, and sometimes romantically convoluted dramas. Yet von Sternberg had, in fact, harbored an interest in Japanese culture and art for some time, and the prospect of translating Maruyama’s text to film,...
- 6/10/2019
- MUBI
Review by Roger Carpenter
After experiencing huge critical and commercial success with the five-part film series collectively known as Battles without Honor and Humanity, the Toei Company asked director Kinji Fukasaku to continue the series. The original five films were based upon several magazine articles, themselves based upon the memoirs of an actual member of the Japanese mafia, or yakuza. The films proved to be so successful that Fukasaku essentially created a new subgenre known in Japan as Jitsuroku eiga, “actual record films,” or films based upon true tales of real-life adventures. But having run out of material with the first five films, Fukasaku would have to turn to more fictionalized stories as well as new characters if he wanted to continue the series. This three-film series became known as New Battles without Honor and Humanity and, though there have been other films in the series, these are the last directed by Fukasaku.
After experiencing huge critical and commercial success with the five-part film series collectively known as Battles without Honor and Humanity, the Toei Company asked director Kinji Fukasaku to continue the series. The original five films were based upon several magazine articles, themselves based upon the memoirs of an actual member of the Japanese mafia, or yakuza. The films proved to be so successful that Fukasaku essentially created a new subgenre known in Japan as Jitsuroku eiga, “actual record films,” or films based upon true tales of real-life adventures. But having run out of material with the first five films, Fukasaku would have to turn to more fictionalized stories as well as new characters if he wanted to continue the series. This three-film series became known as New Battles without Honor and Humanity and, though there have been other films in the series, these are the last directed by Fukasaku.
- 9/20/2017
- by Movie Geeks
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Craig Lines Apr 5, 2017
Marvel? DC? They have their moments, but how about Shogun Assassin, and in turn, the Lone Wolf & Cub movies?
Like most western viewers, I came to the Lone Wolf & Cub series via Shogun Assassin – a recut/mash-up of the first two movies, trimmed to 90 minutes and dubbed into English by a pair of enterprising Andy Warhol acolytes. It was one of the original 'video nasties' in the UK, banned for years, so highly desirable to a kid like me. And it didn’t disappoint. In fact, it was probably the goriest movie on the list.
While it may seem criminal now to butcher a pair of bona fide Japanese classics and completely change their meaning and tone, Shogun Assassin got away with it by being so vibrant and hyperactive. The inappropriate score is a joyful synthesiser meltdown and the spirited dub goes full-pelt, even if what they...
Marvel? DC? They have their moments, but how about Shogun Assassin, and in turn, the Lone Wolf & Cub movies?
Like most western viewers, I came to the Lone Wolf & Cub series via Shogun Assassin – a recut/mash-up of the first two movies, trimmed to 90 minutes and dubbed into English by a pair of enterprising Andy Warhol acolytes. It was one of the original 'video nasties' in the UK, banned for years, so highly desirable to a kid like me. And it didn’t disappoint. In fact, it was probably the goriest movie on the list.
While it may seem criminal now to butcher a pair of bona fide Japanese classics and completely change their meaning and tone, Shogun Assassin got away with it by being so vibrant and hyperactive. The inappropriate score is a joyful synthesiser meltdown and the spirited dub goes full-pelt, even if what they...
- 4/4/2017
- Den of Geek
In celebration of iconic Japanese actress Meiko Kaji's upcoming 70th birthday and Valentine's Day, Japan Society is throwing a mini retro party of the inimitable actress. Best known for her role as Nami "Sasori (Scorpion)" Matsushima in the Female Prisoner series and later as Yuki, the Lady Snowblood, Kaji dominated the exploitation-tinged 60s and 70s Japanese cinema. Marc Walkow, the man mainly responsible for bringing the Female Prisoner series to Arrow for restoration and subsequent Blu-ray releases, and who helped release the Lady Snowblood series at Criterion, curates the selections for the occasion. They are: New Battles Without Humanity: The Boss's Head, Lady Snowblood: Love Song of Vengeance, Stray Cat Rock: Sex Hunter, Blind Woman's Curse & Female Prisoner Scorpion: Beast Stable Please visit Japan Society website for...
[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...
[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...
- 2/8/2017
- Screen Anarchy
To celebrate The Criterion Collection’s 2016 releases — and there’s a lot to celebrate — Arik Devens, David Blakeslee, Keith Enright, Scott Nye, and Trevor Berrett gather to talk about the past year in Criterion, including their favorite three Criterion releases of 2016.
Subscribe to the podcast via RSS or in iTunes
Episode Notes Arik’s List
– Favorite Cover: A Brighter Summer Day
– Favorite Packaging: Trilogia de Guillermo del Toro
– Favorite Releases:
3) Fantastic Planet
2) Wim Wenders: The Road Trilogy
1) Night and Fog
David’s List
– Favorite Cover: Lady Snowblood
– Favorite Packaging: Dr. Strangelove, or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb
– Favorite Releases:
3) The Executioner/Death by Hanging
2) Chimes at Midnight
1) The Emigrants/The New Land
Keith’s List
– Favorite Cover: Akira Kurosawa’s Dreams
– Favorite Packaging: Valley and Beyond the Valley
– Favorite Releases:
3) Valley of the Dolls and Beyond the Valley
2) One-Eyed Jacks
1) The Kennedy Films of...
Subscribe to the podcast via RSS or in iTunes
Episode Notes Arik’s List
– Favorite Cover: A Brighter Summer Day
– Favorite Packaging: Trilogia de Guillermo del Toro
– Favorite Releases:
3) Fantastic Planet
2) Wim Wenders: The Road Trilogy
1) Night and Fog
David’s List
– Favorite Cover: Lady Snowblood
– Favorite Packaging: Dr. Strangelove, or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb
– Favorite Releases:
3) The Executioner/Death by Hanging
2) Chimes at Midnight
1) The Emigrants/The New Land
Keith’s List
– Favorite Cover: Akira Kurosawa’s Dreams
– Favorite Packaging: Valley and Beyond the Valley
– Favorite Releases:
3) Valley of the Dolls and Beyond the Valley
2) One-Eyed Jacks
1) The Kennedy Films of...
- 1/18/2017
- by David Blakeslee
- CriterionCast
Christmas has come a little early to anyone hoping to score some Criterion Collection deals on Amazon today. While Amazon has been running a pretty good sale on a handful of discs throughout December, they’ve lowered the prices on lots of Blu-rays today, including a few pre-orders for next year.
Amazon doesn’t usually announce when an impromptu sale like this will end, so don’t hesitate. And don’t forget that you can lock in the pre-order price for some of the upcoming titles as well, but Amazon won’t charge you until they ship.
You can currently pre-order The Before Trilogy for $52.47 (48% off)
The following Blu-rays are currently (as of December 23rd at 10:30pm Pacific) down below $21 each.
The Asphalt Jungle Boyhood The Complete Lady Snowblood The Devil’s Backbone Diabolique Easy Rider The Executioner F for Fake The Game Harakiri Harold and Maude Hidden Fortress...
Amazon doesn’t usually announce when an impromptu sale like this will end, so don’t hesitate. And don’t forget that you can lock in the pre-order price for some of the upcoming titles as well, but Amazon won’t charge you until they ship.
You can currently pre-order The Before Trilogy for $52.47 (48% off)
The following Blu-rays are currently (as of December 23rd at 10:30pm Pacific) down below $21 each.
The Asphalt Jungle Boyhood The Complete Lady Snowblood The Devil’s Backbone Diabolique Easy Rider The Executioner F for Fake The Game Harakiri Harold and Maude Hidden Fortress...
- 12/24/2016
- by Ryan Gallagher
- CriterionCast
Ryan Lambie Oct 31, 2016
Before Resident Evil, there was Sweet Home. Ryan looks at how a half-forgotten film and game spawned a videogame genre...
Ring, Audition, Dark Water, Onibaba, House, Kuroneko... ask most film fans to name a prominent Japanese horror, and one of those titles would probably come up. Ask most videogame fanatics to name a Japanese horror game, and they'd probably reply with Resident Evil, Silent Hill, or, if they're feeling a bit retro, Splatterhouse or Castlevania.
See related Marvel's Luke Cage episode 13 viewing notes: You Know My Steez The Punisher: 5 new cast members and 2017 release confirmed
There's one name that almost certainly won't come up in conversations about either category: Sweet Home. Yet this 1989 horror, and the videogame of the same name released with it, inadvertently helped define an entire genre - and even spawn the Resident Evil franchise, which is still going 20 years later.
The Sweet Home...
Before Resident Evil, there was Sweet Home. Ryan looks at how a half-forgotten film and game spawned a videogame genre...
Ring, Audition, Dark Water, Onibaba, House, Kuroneko... ask most film fans to name a prominent Japanese horror, and one of those titles would probably come up. Ask most videogame fanatics to name a Japanese horror game, and they'd probably reply with Resident Evil, Silent Hill, or, if they're feeling a bit retro, Splatterhouse or Castlevania.
See related Marvel's Luke Cage episode 13 viewing notes: You Know My Steez The Punisher: 5 new cast members and 2017 release confirmed
There's one name that almost certainly won't come up in conversations about either category: Sweet Home. Yet this 1989 horror, and the videogame of the same name released with it, inadvertently helped define an entire genre - and even spawn the Resident Evil franchise, which is still going 20 years later.
The Sweet Home...
- 10/28/2016
- Den of Geek
Every week, IndieWire asks a select handful of film and TV critics two questions and publishes the results on Monday morning. (The answer to the second, “What is the best film in theaters right now?” can be found at the end of this post.)
At long last, the Alamo Drafthouse is finally opening in Brooklyn this Friday, complementing a new wave of New York City cinemas that already includes the Metrograph, the Nitehawk (which will soon open another location), and the iPic chain, and is scheduled to add several more exciting venues 2017. With that exciting news in mind, we’ve put forward the following question to our panel of critics: What is the best movie theater that you have ever been to, and what made it so special?
Miriam Bale (@mimbale), Freelance
The Castro Theater in San Francisco is obviously the best. See anything there and you’ll know why.
At long last, the Alamo Drafthouse is finally opening in Brooklyn this Friday, complementing a new wave of New York City cinemas that already includes the Metrograph, the Nitehawk (which will soon open another location), and the iPic chain, and is scheduled to add several more exciting venues 2017. With that exciting news in mind, we’ve put forward the following question to our panel of critics: What is the best movie theater that you have ever been to, and what made it so special?
Miriam Bale (@mimbale), Freelance
The Castro Theater in San Francisco is obviously the best. See anything there and you’ll know why.
- 10/24/2016
- by David Ehrlich
- Indiewire
If you are a fan of Lady Snowblood, you’ll know doubt know the intensity of Meiko Kaji, and how iconic her performance is. This is why the release of the Female Prisoner Scorpion: The Complete Collection by Arrow Video should catch your interest straight away. If you’ve yet to experience the story of Nami Matsushima, also known as Scorpion this is your perfect chance.
The Female Prisoner Scorpion: The Complete Collection includes four films: Scorpion, Jailhouse 41, Beast Stable, and #701’s Grudge Song. Being exploitation movies it they take a route that you’ll likely expect. There is plenty of nudity, and violence against women. You’ll have to have a strong stomach for some of the scenes which do include rape.
While this type of thing is used as a shock tactic in many more modern exploitation movies, there is a reason for this level of violence though.
The Female Prisoner Scorpion: The Complete Collection includes four films: Scorpion, Jailhouse 41, Beast Stable, and #701’s Grudge Song. Being exploitation movies it they take a route that you’ll likely expect. There is plenty of nudity, and violence against women. You’ll have to have a strong stomach for some of the scenes which do include rape.
While this type of thing is used as a shock tactic in many more modern exploitation movies, there is a reason for this level of violence though.
- 9/22/2016
- by Paul Metcalf
- Nerdly
For fans of cult foreign cinema, actresses don’t come more badass than Meiko Kaji. The star of the “Stray Cat Rock” flicks and the “Lady Snowblood” films carved a unique path, but her boldest outing ever may have been across the four movies in the “Female Prisoner Scorpion” series. And thanks to the devoted folks over […]
The post Exclusive: Trailer For Arrow Video’s Newly Restored ‘Female Prisoner Scorpion’ Series Starring Meiko Kaji appeared first on The Playlist.
The post Exclusive: Trailer For Arrow Video’s Newly Restored ‘Female Prisoner Scorpion’ Series Starring Meiko Kaji appeared first on The Playlist.
- 6/30/2016
- by Edward Davis
- The Playlist
Mvd Entertainment Group furthers the distribution of "Arrow Video" in the Us with several new home video titles available July 2016, including "The Swinging Cheerleaders" [Blu-ray + DVD] (July 5th), "Crimes Of Passion [Blu-ray + DVD] (July 12th) and "Female Prisoner Scorpion: The Complete Collection" [Blu-ray + DVD] (July 26th):
"The Swinging Cheerleaders" [Blu-ray + DVD] (July 5th):
"'Kate', an undergraduate at 'Mesa University', goes undercover as a cheerleader for her college newspaper in order to expose 'female exploitation in contemporary society'. But instead of oppression she finds love, friendship and a bigger fish to fry: namely corruption in the football team, headed up by the coach and his pals..."
Cast includes Colleen Camp ("Wayne's World"), Rainbeaux Smith ("Caged Heat") and Playboy Playmate Rosanne Katon.
Bonus Materials include :
- Brand new 2K restoration from original film materials
- High Definition (1080p) and Standard Definition DVD Presentations
- Optional subtitles
- Audio commentary
- Brand new interview with Jack Hill
-...
"The Swinging Cheerleaders" [Blu-ray + DVD] (July 5th):
"'Kate', an undergraduate at 'Mesa University', goes undercover as a cheerleader for her college newspaper in order to expose 'female exploitation in contemporary society'. But instead of oppression she finds love, friendship and a bigger fish to fry: namely corruption in the football team, headed up by the coach and his pals..."
Cast includes Colleen Camp ("Wayne's World"), Rainbeaux Smith ("Caged Heat") and Playboy Playmate Rosanne Katon.
Bonus Materials include :
- Brand new 2K restoration from original film materials
- High Definition (1080p) and Standard Definition DVD Presentations
- Optional subtitles
- Audio commentary
- Brand new interview with Jack Hill
-...
- 5/27/2016
- by Michael Stevens
- SneakPeek
Can’t get enough looks at Independence Day: Resurgence before its release on June 24th? Four new behind-the-scenes videos have dropped, giving us a look at some pivotal scenes in the film as well as a profile of director Roland Emmerich. Also: a Ghoster concept trailer, details on three new Arrow Video Us releases, and info on the Dances with Films screening of Beacon Point.
Watch Four New Independence Day: Resurgence Videos: “We always knew they were coming back. After Independence Day redefined the event movie genre, the next epic chapter delivers global spectacle on an unimaginable scale. Using recovered alien technology, the nations of Earth have collaborated on an immense defense program to protect the planet. But nothing can prepare us for the aliens’ advanced and unprecedented force. Only the ingenuity of a few brave men and women can bring our world back from the brink of extinction.
Directed by Roland Emmerich,...
Watch Four New Independence Day: Resurgence Videos: “We always knew they were coming back. After Independence Day redefined the event movie genre, the next epic chapter delivers global spectacle on an unimaginable scale. Using recovered alien technology, the nations of Earth have collaborated on an immense defense program to protect the planet. But nothing can prepare us for the aliens’ advanced and unprecedented force. Only the ingenuity of a few brave men and women can bring our world back from the brink of extinction.
Directed by Roland Emmerich,...
- 5/20/2016
- by Tamika Jones
- DailyDead
Mark and Aaron change things up by talking about a variety of topics. We delve into Don Hertzfeldt, Lady Snowblood, our recent purchases, films we’ve seen lately, Criterion news, and a strange story about a trolling incident.
Episode Links & Notes
0:00 – Intro & Show Preview
2:15 – Show Format Changes
5:55 – The “Troll” Incident
14:00 – Don Hertzfeld
19:25 – Recent Purchases
31:05 – Lady Snowblood
38:35 – A Little Bit of Criterion News
51:15 – 4K TV Discussion
57:00 – Short Takes (A Poem is a Naked Person, The Miracle Worker, The Swimmer, Embrace of the Serpent, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, Crimson Peak)
Wrong Reel: Episode 119 Don Hertzfeldt Kickstarter Ccu 23.5 – Star Wars: The Force Awakens Clouds of Sils Maria Movie Mezzanine. No Home Video: On Women-Directed Films. Criterion Response to Movie Mezzanine Criterion Forum Women Filmmakers Thread Episode Credits Mark Hurne: Twitter | Letterboxd Aaron West: Twitter | Blog | Letterboxd Criterion Close-Up: Facebook | Twitter | Email
Next...
Episode Links & Notes
0:00 – Intro & Show Preview
2:15 – Show Format Changes
5:55 – The “Troll” Incident
14:00 – Don Hertzfeld
19:25 – Recent Purchases
31:05 – Lady Snowblood
38:35 – A Little Bit of Criterion News
51:15 – 4K TV Discussion
57:00 – Short Takes (A Poem is a Naked Person, The Miracle Worker, The Swimmer, Embrace of the Serpent, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, Crimson Peak)
Wrong Reel: Episode 119 Don Hertzfeldt Kickstarter Ccu 23.5 – Star Wars: The Force Awakens Clouds of Sils Maria Movie Mezzanine. No Home Video: On Women-Directed Films. Criterion Response to Movie Mezzanine Criterion Forum Women Filmmakers Thread Episode Credits Mark Hurne: Twitter | Letterboxd Aaron West: Twitter | Blog | Letterboxd Criterion Close-Up: Facebook | Twitter | Email
Next...
- 4/14/2016
- by Aaron West
- CriterionCast
Mark and Aaron are joined by Michele Rosenthal, professional illustrator and Criterion fan artist. She’s also a Criterion fan, but approaches the label from a different angle compared to most collectors. We talk to her about her process, passion, and dedication, and we also discuss the June 2016 release slate with her.
Episode Links & Notes
Special Guest: Michele Rosenthal from Criterion Affectiont. You can find her on Twitter, Tumblr, and at her personal/professional website.
0:00 – Intro and Welcome Michele
2:15 – Michele’s Criterion Connection
7:30 – Housekeeping
9:00 – Feedback from Gross-Out
10:45 – June Criterion Releases
31:10 – Michele Rosenthal
CriterionCast Interview with David Blakeslee Queers in History Tumblr Funny or Die, Robert E Lee – Children Beware! Funny or Die – Honest Snow Globes Head Antichrist Summer Hours Mon Oncle In the Mood for Love Get Michele’s Graphic Novel at FutureVisions Episode Credits Mark Hurne: Twitter | Letterboxd Aaron West: Twitter | Blog | Letterboxd...
Episode Links & Notes
Special Guest: Michele Rosenthal from Criterion Affectiont. You can find her on Twitter, Tumblr, and at her personal/professional website.
0:00 – Intro and Welcome Michele
2:15 – Michele’s Criterion Connection
7:30 – Housekeeping
9:00 – Feedback from Gross-Out
10:45 – June Criterion Releases
31:10 – Michele Rosenthal
CriterionCast Interview with David Blakeslee Queers in History Tumblr Funny or Die, Robert E Lee – Children Beware! Funny or Die – Honest Snow Globes Head Antichrist Summer Hours Mon Oncle In the Mood for Love Get Michele’s Graphic Novel at FutureVisions Episode Credits Mark Hurne: Twitter | Letterboxd Aaron West: Twitter | Blog | Letterboxd...
- 4/7/2016
- by Aaron West
- CriterionCast
With the exception of several crowd-pleasing samurai epics (like Zatoichi and Three Outlaw Samurai) and a few bargain-priced historical costume dramas (such as The Ballad of Narayama and Gate of Hell), the flow of newly released Japanese art films by the Criterion Collection has slowed to a trickle over the past five years or so. (And for the sake of politeness and avoiding pointless controversy, I won’t invoke Jellyfish Eyes in this argument either.) We’ve obviously enjoyed a steady stream of chanbara, Ozu and especially Kurosawa Blu-ray upgrades during this past half-decade, and there have been several outstanding Japanese sets recently issued as part of the Eclipse Series as well, but we really haven’t seen much else along these lines in the main lineup since Kaneto Shindo’s Kuroneko came out in the fall of 2011. That’s over 200 spine numbers ago! But I’m happy to report...
- 2/16/2016
- by David Blakeslee
- CriterionCast
Does revenge have a place in any modern civilization? The concept of vengeance incarnated via a young woman becomes a force expanding from individuals to community and finally ignites on a national scale in two surprisingly bloody and yet contemplative "Lady Snowblood" movies, recently remastered and released on Blu-ray by The Criterion Collection. Directed by Toshiya Fujita, a filmmaker whose two “Stray Cat Rock” films have just been issued on Blu-ray by Arrow Video and whose other credits are not well known outside Japan, ”Lady Snowblood" (1973) and the unlikely but fitting sequel "Lady Snowblood 2: Love Song of Vengeance" (1974) star Meiko Kaji as the title character, the single-minded swordswoman Yuki Kashima. The first film follows Yuki as she tracks two men and a woman who are the surviving members of a gang which raped Yuki's mother and killed the woman's husband and son. In the sequel, Yuki’s vengeful motivation is co-opted by a shady.
- 2/4/2016
- by Russ Fischer
- The Playlist
That’s right. Hulu. I’m here to tell you that there’s a cinematic streaming goldmine available on Hulu that includes recent hits, older classics, domestic releases, and foreign imports. It’s even home to hundreds of Criterion titles. Sure there’s plenty of filler and seemingly thousands of titles I’ve never heard of before, but I’m not here to talk about possible gems like The Ouija Resurrection: Ouija Experiment 2… I’m here to recommend some good movies to watch this month on Hulu. Pick of the Month: Blood Simple (1984) Not that you need an excuse, but since Joel and Ethan Coen’s 17th feature film, Hail, Caesar!, opens this Friday it’s as good a time as any to revisit the brothers’ feature debut. It’s a terrific Texas noir featuring a quartet of characters whose motivations and allegiances aren’t always crystal clear. They’re brought to life through strong performances too...
- 2/3/2016
- by Rob Hunter
- FilmSchoolRejects.com
HumanSide is a new bimonthly podcast on TwitchFilm dedicated to exploring the human side of popular culture. Our first episode explores the reasoning behind HumanSide, a look at the Criterion Collection's recent release of The Lady Snowblood Collection and an interview we conducted at last year's Fantastic Fest with Nicolas Winding Refn about his new book on Fab Press, The Act of Seeing. ...
[Read the whole post on twitchfilm.com...]...
[Read the whole post on twitchfilm.com...]...
- 1/18/2016
- Screen Anarchy
“White Snow, Red Blood”
By Raymond Benson
I’m not sure how, when, and where Quentin Tarantino actually saw these two Japanese films back in the day (they weren’t released in the U.S.), but the character of a vengeful female samurai assassin was a major inspiration for the director’s Kill Bill pictures; in fact, Lucy Liu’s character of O-Ren Ishii is so close to Lady Snowblood that it’s unclear if she’s an homage or a rip-off. At any rate, if you’re a fan of Kill Bill, then you will most likely appreciate these low budget cult action films.
Based on a Japanese manga by Kazuo Koike and Kazuo Kamimura (Shurayuki-hime) published in 1972 and 1973, both features star the beautiful Meiko Kaji as Lady Snowblood, a kimono-dressed assassin who is active in the late 19th Century and wields a mean blade hidden in an umbrella.
By Raymond Benson
I’m not sure how, when, and where Quentin Tarantino actually saw these two Japanese films back in the day (they weren’t released in the U.S.), but the character of a vengeful female samurai assassin was a major inspiration for the director’s Kill Bill pictures; in fact, Lucy Liu’s character of O-Ren Ishii is so close to Lady Snowblood that it’s unclear if she’s an homage or a rip-off. At any rate, if you’re a fan of Kill Bill, then you will most likely appreciate these low budget cult action films.
Based on a Japanese manga by Kazuo Koike and Kazuo Kamimura (Shurayuki-hime) published in 1972 and 1973, both features star the beautiful Meiko Kaji as Lady Snowblood, a kimono-dressed assassin who is active in the late 19th Century and wields a mean blade hidden in an umbrella.
- 1/14/2016
- by nospam@example.com (Cinema Retro)
- Cinemaretro.com
Lady Snowblood/Lady Snowblood 2: Love Song of Vengeance
Written by Norio Osada
Directed by Toshiya Fujita
Japan, 1973/1974
Even the Criterion Collection’s own synopsis can’t help but mention that Lady Snowblood was a major influence on Kill Bill. Chances are, many who have seen this 1973 Japanese film within the past ten year or so, including myself, have done so only after having heard of its connection to Quentin Tarantino’s 2003-04 dual-volume feature. Make no mistake, though, released by Criterion along with its 1974 sequel, Lady Snowblood 2: Love Song of Vengeance, a lesser film in many regards, this is an exceptional movie in its own right, and a pleasant surprise from the estimable distribution company.
Beginning in a Tokyo prison circa 1874, a baby girl, Yuki, is born. Against the dazzling backdrop of a pelting snowstorm, she is delivered into a life of violence and unpleasantness, and is urged by her mother,...
Written by Norio Osada
Directed by Toshiya Fujita
Japan, 1973/1974
Even the Criterion Collection’s own synopsis can’t help but mention that Lady Snowblood was a major influence on Kill Bill. Chances are, many who have seen this 1973 Japanese film within the past ten year or so, including myself, have done so only after having heard of its connection to Quentin Tarantino’s 2003-04 dual-volume feature. Make no mistake, though, released by Criterion along with its 1974 sequel, Lady Snowblood 2: Love Song of Vengeance, a lesser film in many regards, this is an exceptional movie in its own right, and a pleasant surprise from the estimable distribution company.
Beginning in a Tokyo prison circa 1874, a baby girl, Yuki, is born. Against the dazzling backdrop of a pelting snowstorm, she is delivered into a life of violence and unpleasantness, and is urged by her mother,...
- 1/11/2016
- by Jeremy Carr
- SoundOnSight
The bloody adventures of a swordswoman dedicated to murderous revenge provided Quentin Tarantino with a major inspiration. Director Toshiyo Fujita's impeccable images make the gorgeous Meiko Kaji into an almost abstract superheroine in beautiful cultured dress and hairstyles -- and soaked with sprayed blood. The Complete Lady Snowblood Lady Snowblood & Lady Snowblood: Love Song of Vengeance Blu-ray The Criterion Collection 790 & 791 1973/1974 / Color / 2:35 widescreen / 97 & 89 min. / "Shurayukime" & "Shurayukihime: Urami Renga" / available through The Criterion Collection / Street Date January 5, 2016 / 39.95 Starring Meiko Kaji, Toshio Kurosawa, Noboru Nakaya, Eiji Okada; Meiko Kaji, Juzo Itami, Kazuko Yoshiyuki, Yoshio Harada. Cinematography Masaki Tamura; Tatsuo Suzuki Film Editor Osamu Inoue Original Music MasaaakiHirao; Kenjiro Hirose Written by Norio Osada, Kazuo Kamimura, Kazuo Koike Directed by Toshiya Fujita
Reviewed by Glenn Erickson
A worldwide revolution hit the movies in the late '60s, with the relaxing of censorship in the west and the collapse of foreign film industries with the rise of TV.
Reviewed by Glenn Erickson
A worldwide revolution hit the movies in the late '60s, with the relaxing of censorship in the west and the collapse of foreign film industries with the rise of TV.
- 1/9/2016
- by Glenn Erickson
- Trailers from Hell
Rushes collects news, articles, images, videos and more for a weekly roundup of essential items from the world of film.Vilmos ZsigmondNEWSVilmos Zsigmond, 1930 - 2016: In December we lost Haskell Wexler, and now another one of cinema's great photographers has passed. Zsigmond was paramount to such films as Altman's McCabe & Mrs. Miller, Spielberg's Close Encounter of the Third Kind, Cimino's Heaven's Gate, De Palma's Blow Out, and many more. Keyframe has a roundup.After many, many years under construction the new home of the Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive (Bampfa) will open in Berkeley, CA on January 31. "For the first time in sixteen years, Bampfa film screenings will take place under the same roof as the institution’s art galleries." Included in the announcement is the terrific news that the Pfa "will expand the number of film screenings it presents, hosting programs 52 weeks per year." Retrospectives devoted to Maurice Pialat,...
- 1/6/2016
- by Notebook
- MUBI
This week on Off The Shelf, Ryan is joined by Brian Saur to take a look at the new DVD and Blu-ray releases for the month of December 2015, and chat about some follow-up and home video news.
Subscribe in iTunes or RSS.
Follow-Up Black Friday / Holiday Disc Purchases Mystery Science Theater Kickstarter Star Wars: The Force Awakens DVD Beaver Blu-ray and DVD of the Year: 2015 News CES: Ultra HD Blu-ray News Disney: Snow White Signature Collection Warner Archive Blu-ray releases January 2016: The Ice Pirates, The Wrong Man, A Mighty Wind, Flicker Alley: L’inhumaine Thunderbean: Yuletide Flickers Arrow Video: Waking Life, Cult Cinema: An Arrow Video Companion Twilight Time: March/April titles. January pre-orders Olive Films: March Titles Disney Movie Club: Blackbeard’s Ghost Milestone: Martin Scorsese Presents Masterpieces of Polish Cinema, Volume 1 Episode Links & Notes
12/1
Downhill Racer Fear the Walking Dead: Season 1 Fort Massacre...
Subscribe in iTunes or RSS.
Follow-Up Black Friday / Holiday Disc Purchases Mystery Science Theater Kickstarter Star Wars: The Force Awakens DVD Beaver Blu-ray and DVD of the Year: 2015 News CES: Ultra HD Blu-ray News Disney: Snow White Signature Collection Warner Archive Blu-ray releases January 2016: The Ice Pirates, The Wrong Man, A Mighty Wind, Flicker Alley: L’inhumaine Thunderbean: Yuletide Flickers Arrow Video: Waking Life, Cult Cinema: An Arrow Video Companion Twilight Time: March/April titles. January pre-orders Olive Films: March Titles Disney Movie Club: Blackbeard’s Ghost Milestone: Martin Scorsese Presents Masterpieces of Polish Cinema, Volume 1 Episode Links & Notes
12/1
Downhill Racer Fear the Walking Dead: Season 1 Fort Massacre...
- 1/6/2016
- by Ryan Gallagher
- CriterionCast
Today the Criterion Collection released their first Blu-ray “box set” for 2016: Toshiya Fujita’s films, Lady Snowblood and Lady Snowblood: Love Song of Vengeance, collected as The Complete Lady Snowblood.
While not quite a box set in my eyes, it is still a fantastic collected edition of two influential films. The Lady Snowblood films were added to the Criterion Collection’s iTunes channel last year, and we’re all keeping our fingers crossed that the Lone Wolf and Cub films will join the collection in 2016.
A young woman (Meiko Kaji), trained from childhood as an assassin and hell-bent on revenge for the murders of her father and brother and the rape of her mother, hacks and slashes her way to gory satisfaction in turn-of-the-twentieth-century Japan. Rampant with inventive violence and spectacularly choreographed swordplay, Toshiya Fujita’s pair of influential cult classics Lady Snowblood and Lady Snowblood: Love Song of Vengeance are bloody,...
While not quite a box set in my eyes, it is still a fantastic collected edition of two influential films. The Lady Snowblood films were added to the Criterion Collection’s iTunes channel last year, and we’re all keeping our fingers crossed that the Lone Wolf and Cub films will join the collection in 2016.
A young woman (Meiko Kaji), trained from childhood as an assassin and hell-bent on revenge for the murders of her father and brother and the rape of her mother, hacks and slashes her way to gory satisfaction in turn-of-the-twentieth-century Japan. Rampant with inventive violence and spectacularly choreographed swordplay, Toshiya Fujita’s pair of influential cult classics Lady Snowblood and Lady Snowblood: Love Song of Vengeance are bloody,...
- 1/6/2016
- by Ryan Gallagher
- CriterionCast
Every week we dive into the cream of the crop when it comes to home releases, including Blu-ray and DVDs, as well as recommended deals of the week. Check out our rundown below and return every Tuesday for the best (or most interesting) films one can take home. Note that if you’re looking to support the site, every purchase you make through the links below helps us and is greatly appreciated.
The Complete Lady Snowblood (Toshiya Fujita)
A young woman (Meiko Kaji), trained from childhood as an assassin and hell-bent on revenge for the murders of her father and brother and the rape of her mother, hacks and slashes her way to gory satisfaction in turn-of-the-twentieth-century Japan. Rampant with inventive violence and spectacularly choreographed swordplay, Toshiya Fujita’s pair of influential cult classics Lady Snowblood and Lady Snowblood: Love Song of Vengeance are bloody, beautiful extravaganzas composed of...
The Complete Lady Snowblood (Toshiya Fujita)
A young woman (Meiko Kaji), trained from childhood as an assassin and hell-bent on revenge for the murders of her father and brother and the rape of her mother, hacks and slashes her way to gory satisfaction in turn-of-the-twentieth-century Japan. Rampant with inventive violence and spectacularly choreographed swordplay, Toshiya Fujita’s pair of influential cult classics Lady Snowblood and Lady Snowblood: Love Song of Vengeance are bloody, beautiful extravaganzas composed of...
- 1/5/2016
- by TFS Staff
- The Film Stage
Quentin Tarantino is possibly the most prolific writer/director working in film today. His first feature-length film, Reservoir Dogs, came out back in 1993, and yet the man still manages to surprise us with his hard-hitting dialogue, unconventional humor, and radical social and political commentary. This is a man who serves as a prime example of succeeding as a result of respecting one's elders, as he learns from those great filmmakers who came before him, while still managing to thread his own style through his intricately woven, homage-heavy film résumé.
While the rest of the world toned down its violence and opted for bigger box office, PG-13 sure-things, Tarantino stuck to his guns, consistently making movies for adults and constantly pushing the envelope as to what is allowed onscreen and how to go about displaying such graphic material. Tarantino doesn't give a damn what you think, and that's the reason why...
While the rest of the world toned down its violence and opted for bigger box office, PG-13 sure-things, Tarantino stuck to his guns, consistently making movies for adults and constantly pushing the envelope as to what is allowed onscreen and how to go about displaying such graphic material. Tarantino doesn't give a damn what you think, and that's the reason why...
- 12/30/2015
- by Kalyn Corrigan
- DailyDead
Miramax Films
Way way way back in 2007, a little site called ObsessedWithFilm brought you the story that Quentin Tarantino was weighing up the idea of making Kill Bill 3 and 4. The news back then was that the plots would revolve around the vengeance of a couple of mutilated Crazy 88 members and then the daughters of Vernita Green.
Ultimately, nothing came of that – just as it seems to happen every time Tarantino talks about doing a sequel or prequel or spin-off – but now the director has been talking in the run up to the release of The Hateful Eight and teasing that he might not be done with the Bride yet.
He teased some potential plans for Kill Bill 3 to What the Flick?!:
“There is definitely a possibility, stopped short of it being a probability. For one reason in particular: Uma and me would have a really good time working together again.
Way way way back in 2007, a little site called ObsessedWithFilm brought you the story that Quentin Tarantino was weighing up the idea of making Kill Bill 3 and 4. The news back then was that the plots would revolve around the vengeance of a couple of mutilated Crazy 88 members and then the daughters of Vernita Green.
Ultimately, nothing came of that – just as it seems to happen every time Tarantino talks about doing a sequel or prequel or spin-off – but now the director has been talking in the run up to the release of The Hateful Eight and teasing that he might not be done with the Bride yet.
He teased some potential plans for Kill Bill 3 to What the Flick?!:
“There is definitely a possibility, stopped short of it being a probability. For one reason in particular: Uma and me would have a really good time working together again.
- 12/8/2015
- by Simon Gallagher
- Obsessed with Film
This month on the Newsstand, Ryan is joined by David Blakeslee to discuss the January and February (2016) Criterion Collection line-ups, as well as the latest in Criterion rumors, news, packaging, and more.
Subscribe to The Newsstand in iTunes or via RSS
Contact us with any feedback.
Shownotes Topics January Line-up February Line-up Latest newsletter tease (Paris nous appartient, Only Angels Have Wings) Manchurian Candidate Clouds Of Sils Maria Chimes At Midnight (Wex Arts Cinema Revival) Kieslowski films on Fandor Barnes & Noble Sale Criterion Blogathon Liv Ullmann, Angela Landsbury, and John Waters spotted at Criterion on Instagram 4 Months, 3 Weeks, 2 Days tease Shanghai Express Episode Links The Complete Lady Snowblood Lady Snowblood (1973) Lady Snowblood: Love Song of Vengeance (1974) The American Friend (1977) Bitter Rice (1949) Inside Llewyn Davis (2013) Gilda (1946) The Emigrants/The New Land The New Land (1972) The Emigrants (1971) The Kid (1921) The Graduate (1967) I Knew Her Well (1965) Paris Belongs to Us Only Angels Have Wings Liv Ullmann 4 Months,...
Subscribe to The Newsstand in iTunes or via RSS
Contact us with any feedback.
Shownotes Topics January Line-up February Line-up Latest newsletter tease (Paris nous appartient, Only Angels Have Wings) Manchurian Candidate Clouds Of Sils Maria Chimes At Midnight (Wex Arts Cinema Revival) Kieslowski films on Fandor Barnes & Noble Sale Criterion Blogathon Liv Ullmann, Angela Landsbury, and John Waters spotted at Criterion on Instagram 4 Months, 3 Weeks, 2 Days tease Shanghai Express Episode Links The Complete Lady Snowblood Lady Snowblood (1973) Lady Snowblood: Love Song of Vengeance (1974) The American Friend (1977) Bitter Rice (1949) Inside Llewyn Davis (2013) Gilda (1946) The Emigrants/The New Land The New Land (1972) The Emigrants (1971) The Kid (1921) The Graduate (1967) I Knew Her Well (1965) Paris Belongs to Us Only Angels Have Wings Liv Ullmann 4 Months,...
- 11/19/2015
- by Ryan Gallagher
- CriterionCast
Since any New York City cinephile has a nearly suffocating wealth of theatrical options, we figured it’d be best to compile some of the more worthwhile repertory showings into one handy list. Displayed below are a few of the city’s most reliable theaters and links to screenings of their weekend offerings — films you’re not likely to see in a theater again anytime soon, and many of which are, also, on 35mm. If you have a chance to attend any of these, we’re of the mind that it’s time extremely well-spent.
BAMcinématek
Out 1, “the great cinematic happening of 2015,” is finally in theaters, with tickets for weekend-long marathon sessions (the ideal viewing method) available.
Museum of Modern Art
“To Save and Project” begins its 13th year of bringing audiences essential, under-the-radar cinema. The first highlight: Samuel Fuller‘s Dead Pigeon on Beethoven Street, the director’s cut...
BAMcinématek
Out 1, “the great cinematic happening of 2015,” is finally in theaters, with tickets for weekend-long marathon sessions (the ideal viewing method) available.
Museum of Modern Art
“To Save and Project” begins its 13th year of bringing audiences essential, under-the-radar cinema. The first highlight: Samuel Fuller‘s Dead Pigeon on Beethoven Street, the director’s cut...
- 11/6/2015
- by Nick Newman
- The Film Stage
The Criterion Collection will begin the new year by welcoming the Coen Brothers into the fold. Inside Llewyn Davis dove into the less glamorous side of the folk music scene, and showcased a sterling performance by Oscar Isaac. The Criterion home video version features an audio commentary by writers Robert Christgau, David Hajdu, and Sean Wilentz. In a new extra Gullermo del Toro sits down with the Coens to talk about their career. Both Lady Snowblood movies are included in The Complete Lady Snowblood; both are new 2K digital restorations. Wim Wenders' terrific The American Friend will also receive the Criterion treatment. I wrote about the movie here. January will also see the release of Giuseppe De Santis' neorealist Bitter Rice and Charles Vidor's spectacular...
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- 10/19/2015
- Screen Anarchy
Read More: What We Learned from Watching (Almost) the Entire Criterion Collection The latest round of new releases from Criterion have been announced for January, giving cinephiles five new DVDs to spend their Christmas money on. Among the additions is "Inside Llewyn Davis," which will be the first Coen Brothers film available from Criterion. All the films will be available on DVD and Blu-ray. Check out the films below, synopses courtesy of Criterion Collection. "The Complete Lady Snowblood" (1973-74) A young woman (Meiko Kaji), trained from childhood as an assassin and hell-bent on revenge for her father’s murder and her mother’s rape, hacks and slashes her way to gory satisfaction. Rampant with inventive violence and spectacularly choreographed swordplay, Toshiya Fujita’s pair of influential cult classics "Lady Snowblood" and "Lady Snowblood: Love Song of Vengeance" set in late 19th and early 20th century Japan, respectively, are...
- 10/19/2015
- by Wil Barlow
- Indiewire
30. Lady Snowblood Part 1 and Part 2
While American comic books have struggled for legitimacy as adult entertainment for decades, their Japanese counterparts have long enjoyed acceptance as legitimate elements of mainstream culture. So while the American comic book movie only properly took off in the last fifteen years, jidaigeki adaptations of popular manga have been a staple of Japanese pulp cinema since the early 1970s. The best of these remains Lady Snowblood, director Toshiya Fujita’s two part revenge opera of a woman checking off a kill list of the gangsters who killed her family and left her for dead. Any familiarity to Kill Bill is entirely intentional, with multiple visuals, soundtrack elements and plot points lifted whole cloth by Tarantino. But even for those only familiar with the update, Fujita’s films remain feats of hard edged efficiency, actress Meiko Kaji a goddess of death in a world of opposing colors and sudden violence.
While American comic books have struggled for legitimacy as adult entertainment for decades, their Japanese counterparts have long enjoyed acceptance as legitimate elements of mainstream culture. So while the American comic book movie only properly took off in the last fifteen years, jidaigeki adaptations of popular manga have been a staple of Japanese pulp cinema since the early 1970s. The best of these remains Lady Snowblood, director Toshiya Fujita’s two part revenge opera of a woman checking off a kill list of the gangsters who killed her family and left her for dead. Any familiarity to Kill Bill is entirely intentional, with multiple visuals, soundtrack elements and plot points lifted whole cloth by Tarantino. But even for those only familiar with the update, Fujita’s films remain feats of hard edged efficiency, actress Meiko Kaji a goddess of death in a world of opposing colors and sudden violence.
- 9/2/2015
- by Staff
- SoundOnSight
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