We Are X (2016) User Reviews (9)

One of the world's most fascinating bands

[kluseba · 8/10 · 7 February 2019]

X Japan is a band like no other. The band combined punk aesthetics with speed metal musicianship and unusually emotional lyrics which led to the existence of the so-called Visual Kei genre. After growing in the underground for several years, the band rose to stardom in Japan in the late eighties. The group went on to integrate more and more elements of classical music in its sound and gradually focused on writing epic ballads throughout the nineties. The band attempted to conquer the international market but didn't have the self-confidence to release an entirely anglophone record. They were however considered highly influential stars in their home country, similar to what bands like Queen achieved in the Western world.

What sets this band apart from many others is its share of tragic events. Band leader Yoshiki's father committed suicide without leaving any explanations behind when his son was only ten years old. This event would traumatize the brilluant but fragile band leader for the rest of his life. When the band reaches its peak of success, influential bassist Taiji was fired under vague but emotional circumstances. Singer Toshi started to be manipulated by a sect his wife was a member of that declared X Japan's music devilish work that would harm the Japanese society and the singer decided to exit the group, leading to a shocking disbandment in 1997. Charismatic guitarist hide died under mysterious circumstances less than a year later, hanging himself with a towel hanging from a doorknob. Experts consider it a suicide while fans believe it was an accident. This event came close to a national tragedy as several fans committed suicide in similar ways. Former bassist Taiji would also end up committing suicide with a bedsheet in a prison cell after having been arrested following inappropriate behaviour on a flight in Japan.

Despite all these hardships, the band reunited ten years after it had called it quits, willing to achieve international success this time. The band played numerous shows all around the world including a concert at legendary Madison Square Garden.

This last event is the leitmotiv of this documentary as we witness the media work, band practices and the concert itself. Band leader Yoshiki is the key figure in this documentary and tells us his story and the one of X Japan in numerous flashbacks. Singer Toshi also opens about the time when he was brainwashed by his former wife. The other members sadly don't have much to add. Local and international supporters of the band tell some anecdotes from Yoshiki's mother over Gene Simmons to Stan Lee.

The documentary manages to help X Japan rise to international acclaim. It captures the melodramatic essence of this innovative band. It's filled with amusing, curious and depressing anecdotes we won't forget.

The only negative elements are the facts that the documentary focuses too much on Yoshiki and not enough on the band X Japan and that the emotionally draining melodramatic anecdotes sometimes feel exhausting.

Still, any music fan should watch this documentary, no matter if you usually listen to classical music, pop music or heavy metal. X Japan certainly is one of the most fascinating bands in the planet.

More Like I Am Yoshiki, But Compelling Nonetheless

[sailor-mac-43282 · 8/10 · 30 April 2023]

Yoshiki sounds, on the surface, like a show business cliche - a man with enough power to have David Lynch direct his videos, enough influence to be commissioned to write a symphony for the Emperor of Japan, enough wealth to own a car straight outta Back to the Future . . . And yet, he lives with constant physical and emotional pain, haunted by his father's suicide and a litany of health issues that have dogged him since childhood. This film takes a microscope to his life and times and delves beneath the music-industry-soap-opera surface to deliver a portrait of the Godfather of Visual Kei, warts and all.

The title of the film is misleading - there isn't much about Yoshiki's X Japan bandmates, and that's a shame. Their late guitarist hide, the object of a Syd Barrett-like cult following, deserves his own companion documentary. But taken as the portrait of one very influential man, it's compelling stuff. Yoshiki allowed the cameras to follow him through some private moments - like visiting the graves of his father and late bandmates, and seeing a doctor about the chronic pains in his arms (trigger warning, there's some painful-looking injections involved). One of the most touching scenes is a reunion with his childhood friend and former bandmate, who quit the group to join a religious cult (you can't make this stuff up, folks) and is returning to the fold.

There's a couple of things I wish had been touched on more - like the question of whether racism kept X Japan from achieving international fame. But the filmmakers did a more than decent job. Special kudos for the eye-popping title sequences, which really manage to capture the spirit of visual kei.

Great film about a great band!

[elenag_ru · 10/10 · 29 June 2016]

It's a great film about X Japan - one of the most unusual and flamboyant rock bands of the 20th century. It chronicles their rise to superstardom. X-Japan blew up traditional rock music and became the founders of J-rock, a musical genre that is becoming increasingly popular all over the world. Their role in the musical world can be compared to such rock giants as The Rolling Stones.

Director Stephen Kijak was able to get into the spirit of this incredible story and created an amazing, brutally honest film. He used plenty of unique photos and videos from the group's personal archives, for example, a video by David Lynch.

The film mesmerizes by its brightness and dynamism. The narrative changes fast, moving from everyday life to Yoshiki Hayashi's (the leader of the band) thoughts about life and death, and it shows that the life of musicians includes a lot of hard work and taking things to the limit.

Backstage footage from rehearsals and concerts, as well as interviews with band members where they talk about their youth, personal tragedies, losses and moments of triumph. Footage from the archive chronicles other important moments such as the split of the band and their last concert, the death of one of the guitarists, vocalist who got under the influence of the sect and reunion of the band many years later, all these events are proved by archive footage.

There are also videos of the concert to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Emperor Akihito's ascension, from Tokyo Dome and Madison Square Garden concerts. Interviews with Gene Simmons, Marylin Manson and Stan Lee, who respect the art of the band and personally know Yoshiki Hayashi. And during the whole film, you can hear the fantastic music of X Japan.

It is a life story of the musicians who had they ups and downs, times of happiness and pain, story about overcoming and moving forward. The film is worth watching to find out about musicians from Japan who conquered the hearts of people all over the world.

We are.. X, We are.. X, We are.. X.

[Ramascreen · 9/10 · 22 September 2016]

Here's my review of #XJapan new documentary, #WeAreX which I think is a quintessential and revealing look at one of earth's biggest rock bands. With archival footage and in-depth interviews, WE ARE X basically gives the fans access into the personal lives of Yoshiki and his bandmates and their dramas.

Every band has their ups and downs, many still blame Yoko Ono for splitting the Beatles, for example, I'm just one of those who cherish them solely for their music. X JAPAN fans, however, are in a class all by their own. Their commitment to their idols can reach the point of suicide, literally. They're intense, unlike any other.

Now, I grew up in Asia, so I've heard about X Japan, though I didn't grow up a fan of theirs particularly. So when I did meet Yoshiki in person and interviewed him a few weeks ago at this film's press day, o yes, I was very much aware that I was in the presence of a rock icon. The question is how will American audiences receive this film? It's the same question of how will they receive X Japan, I'm guessing they'd be driven by curiosity more than anything else. That's why WE ARE X docu is helpful, it can introduce X Japan's music and story to a whole new region and a whole new generation who may not have been there on other parts of the world in the '80s and '90s.

I think director Stephen Kijak approaches this documentary in a very basic, very chronological way, which I think is a smart move if its goal is to embrace new audiences, you have to start at the beginning and that's what WE ARE X does. Mostly led by Yoshiki, the founder of the band, we get to see how they formed, when Sony signed them, we get to see the personalities of each member and why their vocalist decided to leave, so on and so forth. And all throughout, Kijak incorporates not only X Japan's music but also all sorts of visual that appropriately fits in the moment at hand, especially when dealing with someone like Yoshiki who is clearly philosophical. So what you get at times while watching this film is a series of what can be described as spiritual montage or music videos.

When other rock stars are too busy snorting cocaine and banging groupies, Yoshiki prefers facing existential questions. I lost count on how many times this film mentions the word 'death,' on top of the band going through tragedy after tragedy after tragedy. And because of that, there is something therapeutic and enlightening about watching WE ARE X, even if you are not necessarily a believer. Yoshiki is so deep in his thoughts and so articulate and profound in his speech, that I think he's just as charismatic as John Lennon was. Maybe that's the secret to great songwriting, which is to never stop questioning the mysteries of life and putting all those things down in music and lyrics.

When you watch WE ARE X, it's fun watching X Japan when they were younger with their big colorful hair and crazy lookin' clothes and now that they're older, they're more calmed in their presentation. There's still that visual rock that made them a phenomenon but the spectacle is much more controlled now, and perhaps that comes with age and wisdom.

-- Rama's Screen --

Story of a life time

[Ow3 · 9/10 · 8 March 2017]

A documentary about the Japanese cult heavy metal band X Japan. A band that came to influence a generation of Japanese teenagers and musicians but that struggled with internal dramas and tragic losses.

The documentary goes under the skin of band leader and drummer Yoshiki but fails to answer most of the questions that were raised during the bands mythological existence.

Why did they fire their first bass player in 1992? Yoshiki won't answer that.

Which cult brainwashed singer Toshi to the point where the band had to be disbanded, what did they do to him, and why?

Was Hides death a suicide, or just a a tragic accident?

The documentary is up close and personal, but fails to answer these questions which is largely part of why the band did what they did. We are X is still one of the most memorable music documentaries made in modern time, about a band whose whole life echo "We are X" within themselves and their millions of worldwide fans.

Foreign Prog Rock

[kirbylee70-599-526179 · 10/10 · 10 August 2017]

Once again I am blown away to learn of a fantastic sounding band that I'd never heard or even heard of before. How is it that bands like this are ignored by the mainstream companies here in the US? Rather than blame low sales on downloads and music sharing they should consider the fact that they tend to hang on to outdated acts while ignoring new ones. That this band could have been popular around the world since the 1980s and never made it big here in the states astounds me.

The band being discussed is X Japan, formed in 1982 by drummer/composer Yoshiki and vocalist Toshi. The film opens with their preparations to perform at Madison Square Garden in 2014. As they prepare for the show we are presented with interviews, mostly with Yoshiki, talking about his life and what drew him to perform and create music. Faced with the tragic news of his father's suicide as a child he talks of how that was the catalyst to change his life.

The band wasn't hugely successful the first year it was formed but a growing following developed and by 1989 they were a huge hit. Sales of their albums around the world was in the millions. But never here in the US. That didn't stop them from achieving the popularity they did worldwide. But they still dreamed of making it big here.

The story of the band is marked with tragedy as well as success. Where most documentaries about bands deal with the excess of success, the overabundance of drugs and women and loss of fortune due to spending, none of that is visible here. Instead we're presented with a story of the individuals in the band focusing mostly on its founders. The others are discussed as well but it is the things that happened in the lives of these two that mostly led the band to the path they traveled.

Yoshiki's life was filled with tragedy at various points. His health has always been an issue as well. Dealing with asthma he often collapses on stage his performances are so physically demanding. Oxygen tanks are kept on hand just to help him recover. He wears a neck brace for injuries sustained while performing. He has carpal tunnel and wears a wrist band. And yet he plays like a whirling dervish, amazing to witness.

Toshi had his own demons to deal with. A fantastic rock singer (who reminded me of Klaus Meine of Scorpion fame) there came a time in his life when Toshi met and fell in love with a woman he eventually married. What he didn't know was that she was part of a cult that slammed the music of X Japan and that they successfully pulled Toshi away from the band causing it to break up. This led to more tragedies I won't discuss, instead leaving them for those who choose to watch the film to learn of on their own.

The intersecting lives of these two men formed the basis for some amazing rock music, orchestral at times and pulsating as well. After watching the film I found myself wanting to do something I haven't done in years, visit a record store in search of music by this band. Knowing the story behind the scenes makes their music even more touching.

The film includes not just behind the scenes footage of the band and performances new and old but comments and discussions with others who enjoy the band. Fans fill the frame multiple times here. Stan Lee, who created a comic with Yoshiki is here as are Marilyn Manson and Gene Simmons who proclaims had they made it in the US they would have been the biggest band ever. It is a fascinating documentary on the biggest band you never heard of and well worth investing time in.

Extras on the blu-ray include deleted scenes, deleted interviews, Sugio Yoshiki on WE AR X, a performance of "Forever Love" from their last live performance (the original lineup), a performance of "Kurenai" from their last live performance (the original lineup) and "Born to be Free", a fan video.

This is a movie that you can enjoy more than once and one I know I'll add to my collection. I may have to add a few of their CDs to that collection as well.

We are X

[emilylee-93201 · 10/10 · 22 July 2019]

I could see story of X JAPAN. I miss HIDE and TAIJI.

Enjoyable but clearly a missed opportunity to be amazing.

[moviewatcher-32341 · 5/10 · 15 March 2017]

Review from a fan's point of view.

My expectations were somehow accurate when I first heard a long time ago that they were working on a documentary, made in USA. When I saw the first trailer, with the cool effects and images of Japanese swords and other Japanese cultural icons, I knew it would not be the documentary that says it all. But maybe the intention was not to be X Japan from A to Z. Not so sure if they jumped from A to Z or just went from A to B because there is a lot missing.

X Japan is an amazing band. The fans liked, like and will like this band not only for their music but also for their story and the charisma of its members. This band was Japan's Beattles and Elvis Presley during the 80s and 90s, when that country was loaded with money and later going down. This was an era in Japan when many similar bands emerged from that, which was still making the popular culture bloom extravagantly. Yoshiki, the leader of the band (aka almost the band by himself), creative and passionate as he was, was going straight into this, blind folded and probably not realizing the impact he had. Now he probably does.

This movie is pretty much like digging a gold mine only on the surface, while you have all the machinery to go deeper. Now don't get me wrong, it is a good movie, but not a good documentary. I thought that the overall editing was especially excellent, but sadly this is clearly not what you want to see when you watch a documentary. You want learn and leave the room with the feeling that you gained knowledge about the subject.

I went to see this movie in Japan and the crowd what obviously fans who knew about the band. The reactions after the movie were very silent but I did hear a few "it was OK" because obviously, they know much more about what it is said in the movie. I didn't need confirmation to think that this movie was made for the Western countries because clearly, it was, and it's OK like that. There was numerous documentaries made in Japan and also many books written on the subject. Non-Japanese fans deserve to get something too.

But my concern was more about those viewers who knew little to almost nothing about the band. The movie can't explain clearly, in a chronological order the history of the band. We get some bits and parts here and there but nothing that will make the viewer leave the room and understand X Japan and the position that the band had in Japan. I wish that they took this very first opportunity, with such a great coverage, to talk more about how the band was important, successful and how it impacted the rock scene in Japan. Although the fact that the movie does a great job on showing Yoshiki's story, emotions and passion (which is the obvious focus), it could have done the same with the other members and taught the public about how great these musicians are. For example, I think that Pata, the second guitarist since the band's early days, has about one minute of coverage. Nothing is said about how this guy joined the band and how he supported them during their struggling times at the beginning. That's just one example.

Overall, if you are a fan of X Japan and know the story well, you might be disappointed because the footage and the editing is great. It does bring some emotions, like any movies should, but the lack is really the depth, and it's a little bit frustrating, especially for the fans who can't understand Japanese enough to get their information in other media than this movie.

To the non-fan viewers who read this before watching, expect to have a good moment but you might not understand much about X Japan apart that it's a band coming from Japan with a leader named Yoshiki. So, if a viewer has no knowledge of the band, which also means no attachment to its charismatic leader Yoshiki, I don't know what can be expected from that. It's definitely better to listen to their music instead.

I Am X

[liammcindoe · 3/10 · 19 September 2018]

I love watching music documentaries that expose or expand an artist. I was really interested to see this as I had heard of X Japan but didnt really know anything about them. If you are a looking for the story of X Japan then you will be disappointed as this movie really should have been called I Am X or I Am Yoshiki. Vocalist Toshi gets some coverage in the film but it's mostly from Yoshiki's perspective or conversations between the two. The narrative of the film is sadly the suicide of Yoshiki's father and two former X Japan members but also Yoshiki's physical issues. There is a lot of footage if Yoshiki crawling around onstage where he is apparently on the edge of passing out or worse. But it's hard to believe that others in the band or management would stand by and let this happen. It really seems like acting or he's doing it for dramatic effect, looking at tge crowd as flicks his hair. There is a lot of this kind of thing in this film and that unfortunately makes the member, especially Yoshiki seem like a fake and that is one of its biggest failings. Also there is very little music in the film so even after watching it I'm not driven to buy their music or even explore it more. Maybe this is an accurate representation of X Japan if so then I'm not interested learning anymore or it's bad film making. Who knows.