Reviews

"Humans are beggars, they all want something"

Director Ozu made this film about two college buddies when he was 26 years old. Of his first eight films this is the oldest title to survive. Sadly, seventeen of his films before 1936 were lost and only fragments remain of a few others. Each of these extant films is a gift. With the exception of repeated use of architectural items in the intro and finale of the film, there would be little to suggest this was his film. Moving films were still in their infancy and young Ozu appeared to be experimenting with the medium.

Yamamoto and Watanabe are college buddies who don't take studying too seriously even with exams coming up. Yamamoto has met a girl, Chieko, who is knitting socks for him and later Watanabe meets her when he rents her his room. After exams many of the students and Chieko go to a ski resort. Under "I saw her first Bro" law, Yamamoto should have had first dibs on wooing her, but Watanabe uses every trick in the book, most at Yamamoto's expense to have time with her alone. In the end, the two boys fail at everything except maintaining their friendship and keeping their sense of humor about it all.

This was a challenging film to finish for me. The film was long for a silent film that didn't gain any traction until about 50 minutes into it. Watanabe was selfish, boorish, a moocher bordering on thief, and thoughtless to those around him. He acted like a rakish frat boy much of the time. Why Yamamoto stayed his friend was a mystery.

Nearly half of the film took place on a snowy mountain which had to be a record for outdoor scenery for the director. His later films felt more static and mostly took place in carefully composed rooms. This comedy involved pratfalls and movement walking up the mountain and skiing or falling down it. For the modern viewer it will make you more grateful for ski lifts. The later rigidity of the characters staring into the camera to say their lines was thankfully absent in this film. Though his scenes flitted by faster instead of the beautiful lingering shots he was known for, the movement was needed for the two energetic youth. The skiing scenes were well shot. The film was badly marred by salt and pepper pocking as well as some shadowing around the edges. I don't know if there is a restored version available somewhere but this film was definitely in need of some loving restoration.

Days of Youth was also in need of likeable characters to devote 100 minutes to, in the end the breathtaking views of the snow-covered mountain were the most interesting part of the film for me. Ozu would go on to develop a more polished film style and tighter and more meaningful writing. Everyone has to start somewhere and learn the ropes. For Ozu, I'm sure he found a deeper interest in the unorthodox friendship between oddballs, I just couldn't see it.

6/22/23

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So nice movie

The movie is so nice to watch as it's complete story from high school to matured life. It made me serious, smile and cry as it's a melodrama romance. I like it because it was more realistic as it involves family work and relationship. Great casting and settings. highly recommended for young at heart and for those into rediscovery of love since it was fun and worth to watch just the other compilation it had which i all watched. Great plot and screen playing as it doesn't drag so long and made more plot twist. It's more straightforward just like me who want to say what need to say and most of all the major casts didn't play so dumb and able to fight back just like in real life.

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This movie had a really good idea but didn't seem to write it out as well as it could've been. The story felt all over the place until it finally reached to the main focus of the movie. I felt it might've been better in a show format with all the information they wanted to fit in.

The characters themselves I found were annoying and I couldn't believe the choices they would make.. Now, I understand this is a horror movie and that's typical of the leads in them, but this was just another level of making silly decisions. It honestly started to make me root for the killer towards the end because of how easy everyone was making it for him. The acting is incredible though. Yim Si Wan is already a given, but Chun Woo Hee's acting was amazing. Especially towards the climax of the movie. She did an incredible job of portraying every emotion.

The "plot-twist" towards the end didn't even really get me and it didn't really fit, in my opinion. It just seemed like they needed another huge moment, but it really fell flat.

Overall, if you're looking for a silly horror movie to watch for entertainment and to laugh then this the pick. It wasn't great, but it was an okay watch.

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More complex storyline, but weaker fight sequences

Guy is back again after a year, whether it is an upgrade this time around, the answer is both yes and also no. The story building is more intensive in this third installment as they go for a more complex structure of a three way conflict that involves a lot more thought process, and the implementation of the characters are great along with the flow of the story. Now onto the weakness that this movie had, which sadly should be its main selling point, the action choreography. The franchise that was known for having masterclass martial arts sequences, somehow turns out not as powerful as the first and the second movie, fight scenes here were a little plain and dull, punches get simpler and battles get shorter, which feels like a rushed production. The previous two villains also fare so much better in terms of fighting skills and the pure charisma on screen, whereas the villain here is just not that intimidating and thrilling. It also has a weird tone that relies on too much humor to push the plot forward which almost becomes a full blown comedy. Well i guess sequels are just not that easy to preserve its excellence but I hope the next installment could really do better than this.

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Too short yet...

I love the way it is made, kept my attention.

Too short for any real development.

On the artsy side, this movie leaves a space for interpretation and allows individual to finish it in its own imagination. Loved the colors, and the frames are interesting. I am not entirely sure about some editing, but overall it was really good. I felt the melancholia and depression lingering in the air and water so it really made me feel something.

I was half asleep but stayed awake till the end. That is really important information because I can sleep standing in a public transportation. I am not easily kept awake. Also as a huge water and swimming fan this was pleasing, because I do fell sort of cleanse when I am in water.

I think this could be very good movie (at least an hour long). I would totally make one lol

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I was simple but cute

it was very short(cuz it's a short movie) but it was very fun, the story was definitely there, very easy to understand and interesting, and although we only got to see one quick kiss it's still worth the 16 minutes.

the charachter also had very obvious differences and where their own people I also like that it was a pretty serious topic in some parts but it still feels so easy going at the same time it's happy is ending and it's really all you need.

but I overall just really recommend it since it's so short and easy to watch.
you can watch it on bilibili and gagaoolala.

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What did I even watch?

I don't know what I expected when I watched this but I'm very disappointed. It even took me 3 days to finish this movie 'cause I ain't feel like watching it but somehow I know I need to finish it to move on.

There's a lot to unpack here. The story overall is messy. It kind of makes sense but not the most ideal way to present a story. When I read the plot I thought there was more to it but it was everything. Nothing more, nothing less. No twists and turns. Just the female lead getting her revenge. The end.

The only thing that I somewhat like about this movie is the classical music that was on the background. It's kind of relaxing after getting pissed by the movie itself.

Not something that I would really recommend to anyone. I was totally click-baited on Tiktok. Although, I should say if you want to watch it why not. Others seems to like it just fine. But definitely this is not my cup of tea.

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"What would you do?"

A Hen in the Wind was a difficult film to sit through. The film was set in occupied post WWII Japan when it was recovering from the damaging effects financially and emotionally from the war. In the homes, marriages had been tested as women struggled to maintain households with the men away for years. Ozu veered into melodrama and physical violence with one such marriage, something he did not often do, and which was troubling for these 21st century eyes.

Tokiko and her son are expectantly waiting for her husband to be repatriated after the war. She's sold nearly everything she had and is almost penniless. Her friend is also short on cash but helps her when she can. After selling her last kimono Tokiko has enough money to eat for awhile longer when disaster hits. Her son becomes dangerously ill and the hospital requires a cash payment up front for his life saving treatment. With no one else to turn to for such a large sum of money she sells herself for one night to save her child's life. After her husband comes home, she is unable to lie and tells him what she had done. Far from being grateful for saving his son's life, Shuichi becomes livid and interrogates her. He visits the brothel in order to find out if she had been a regular there. He meets a 21-year-old girl and sympathizes with her reason for having to prostitute herself and vows to find her employment. His boss agrees to hire her, but points out to Shuichi that hypocritically he had no problem forgiving and understanding a stranger but could not do so for his own wife. Shuichi acknowledges his wife had no choice. He just can't seem to let go of his anger. Later that night when Tokiko begs him to stay home, he "accidentally" pushes her down a tall flight of stairs. The "accident" seems to knock some sense into him and he tells Tokiko they need to forget the past, embrace, trust each other from here on out and live as they were supposed to.

The level of intimate violence in this film disturbed me greatly. It was heavily implied that Shuichi raped Tokiko. The poor woman had been victimized twice. Once by crushing poverty and a heartless medical system and a second time by her spouse. Shuichi manhandles her on several occasions, one of which causes her fall. The fall was filmed to show just how brutally her body slammed against the stairs over and over. Shuichi could not even be bothered to help her as she finally dragged her limping body back up to their room. When he declared that their estrangement was over and they would both forget what had happened it was hard to take him seriously. Nowhere in his self-righteous monologue did he tell her he was sorry for his behavior and make sure she was okay. Perhaps Ozu was using the marriage as a metaphor for Japan showing after its disgrace, it could all be put behind them in order to face a brighter future. Whatever the reason, it has been a long time since I've despised a character as much as I have Shuichi. He had every right to be taken aback and troubled, but his utter lack of empathy and physical rage toward Tokiko was disconcerting as he played the victim.

Ozu, as other directors had done, asked the question, "What would you do?" During times of financial crisis especially when a life is on the line, what would a person do? In this case a mother was willing to shame herself in order to save her child's life. It's easy to judge when money is available, but when it's not and there are few options, people will do what they must to survive and for their children to survive. And in this instance Tokiko was still the same truthful person she'd always been with her husband and told him what she'd done.

Even if I hadn't known this was a film by Ozu I would have recognized his work. The repeated use of architectural shots, especially of the gas storage units next to the slums where Tokiko lived were a dead giveaway as well as the precisely organized and decorated rooms the camera lingered over. He also showed the rusted-out remnants of sewer pipes several times usually in conjunction with Shuichi. I don't know what his meaning behind the sewer pipes meant, but I know how I viewed them in regards to the husband with the hurt male pride. If their marriage had been contaminated it was not by coerced infidelity but a cruel world that would let a child die and a husband who could not understand the cost to his wife. I found it interesting that the brothel was neater and cleaner looking than the heartless hospital. Finally, Ozu was already doing the directing style of actors looking straight into the camera to talk. This was his one technique that often disengaged me from the story because it didn't feel natural or intimate, more like breaking the fourth wall.

What I did find of great value in this film was Tanaka Kinuyo's emotionally honest performance. She conveyed a plethora of emotions that all rang true. Her devastated face and torn dress told you all you needed to know in one scene. Regardless of the situation, Tanaka gave her character great depth even when you might not agree with her actions. It rendered Shuichi's actions unforgiveable because Tanaka conveyed Tokiko's suffering so well that it made you wonder how anyone could not want to comfort her. In fact, it was the women of this film who tied it together. They had no choice but to keep moving and doing what they must without falling into despair. They were the ones who stood by each other, shared, and even as they joked about rising prices and rations gave the impression that hope was on the horizon.

If you can set aside the marital violence, which can be a tough assignment, A Hen in the Wind asked pertinent questions. The film also gave a glimpse into Japan's post war trauma in a way only Ozu could. Despite the destruction and shame, the resilience of the people, like in Tokiko's marriage would rise up and make a better day putting the past behind them and face the future with honor and courage.

6/21/23

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A trip through Hell

I'll keep this short and sweet.
Spoilers ahead:
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Question: How do you make an entire movie, quite literally, around the twitch of a hand?

Answer: You throw in some dinosaurs, a pack of hungry wolves, some battle scenes, a game of chess, a clay pot, a trip through hell, some fabulous CGI, and an amazing cast of actors!

I personally thought part 1 (Along With the Gods: The Two Worlds) was a better movie overall, but there are many who disagree. Regardless, both movies were very well done and deserve to be seen by those who occasionally enjoy a bit of the fantasy genre. I'd hope they would continue with the plans to make a part 3 and 4, but it doesn't look like that's going to happen, sadly.

Are you still reading? Why?? Go watch!!!

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good storyline projecting the life of certain group of people in 60s

Good one to try. You can expect critical storyline with in-depth meaning beyond sex.
The film follows a group of prostitutes living in post-World War II Tokyo who band together to survive in a world that is hostile to their existence.

The characters are complex and well-drawn, with each of the women having their own distinct personality and motivations. The film delves deep into the psyche of these women, exploring their desires, fears, and struggles.

The cinematography is stunning, with beautifully composed shots that capture the neon-lit streets of Tokyo. The use of color is particularly striking, with bold and vivid hues that give the film a dreamlike quality.

Despite its subject matter, "Gate of Flesh" is not without moments of humor and humanity. The film manages to find moments of tenderness and compassion amidst the harsh realities of life as a prostitute. The performances are uniformly excellent, with each actor bringing depth and nuance to their roles.

Overall, "Gate of Flesh" is a powerful and thought-provoking film that explores themes of sexuality, gender, and power in a way that is both raw and poetic. It is a must-see for fans of Japanese cinema and anyone interested in exploring the darker corners of the human experience.

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I Expected More

I expected more from this movie, but I wasn't bitterly disappointed. The summary tells you essentially all you need to know about the plot of this movie which is that it's about a girl who gets stalked by a man after losing her phone.

Lee Na mi is a young woman who loses her phone on the bus while drunk after a night out. The opening of the movie establishes that Na Mi is a woman who's dependent on her phone-her world essentially revolves around the device so when she loses it and it's picked up by an unknown party, he gains access into her world.

I don't watch movies often because I feel like a lot of the time, more could have been told of the story but due to the 1.30-2hr time limit, often gets omitted. I felt like that was the case with this movie.

There wasn't enough focus on what was meant to be the main focus of the movie-his access into her phone. The killer's M.O is to gain access into his victims' phone and using that access, isolate them from the people in their lives and then kill them. However, the movie spends the bulk of its time having him watch her and take note of her relationships and plot his move. This would've been fine except it put all the focus on the killer and when you watch a thriller, I feel like a driving force behind the emotions of the viewers comes from the fear and distress of the targets/victims-not the methods of the killers/perps. We didn't get enough of Na Mi in distress and living in fear-there wasn't enough build up to how his access into her phone impacted her life, so it was a bit lackluster and made the whole "phone" part of the story unnecessary to me. It could've been omitted, and he could've just been someone who followed her home off the bus, and we'd have had the same result. If they had taken their time to not only show how he used his access to her phone to methodically ruin her life and isolate her from her loved ones but also how that impacted her by making her restless and living in a constant state of fear, distress and distrust and the feeling of endlessly being watched but never knowing who until the final showdown in the house-it would have been much better. What we got, however, was that everything happened too quick, and the movie was over-he blew up her job in one go and her relationship with her best. Her father being removed was a non-factor because she didn't even realize he was missing until the final showdown, and she figured out who he was like the same day he cut out her job and friend from her life. This could've been done better to make it a better thriller, but it was otherwise a fairly good movie.

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How can a slice of life feel so empty?

Things happened but everything was meaningless, because nothing was established. There were so many things that did not work out.

They tried to tell us the main characters are struggling. With what? What was the focus of the story? Honestly, I don't know. Was it striving to achieve your dream no matter what? Was it changing your dream after finding out who you truly are? Was there something going on between the leads or not? Did any of the characters have any depth, personality, personal story? Everyone was so one dimensional, defined by one personality trait or personal story, it was hard to care for any of them…

It’s hard for me to comment about the acting, since the characters were rather shallow. There were few highlights from Shin Seung Ho and Irene did fine - the character had just nothing to offer, so she had nothing to show.

What’s good? The movie is rather pretty.

Overall, it’s not like there was something wrong with this movie… but there was not anything right about it either.

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the romance was so precious here!

What a beautiful way to tell a story about the precious time that passes between people that are in love.

I can totally understand why some would think the time logic is confusing but after exposition from the FL I pretty much understood it. The acting was good. Fukushi Sota was so cute as Minamiyamai. His performance from the beginning was so endearing and you could really feel his love for Fukuju through the screen and that was amazing. Komatsu Nana was also good tho I liked Fukushi’s acting more. At first I wondered why it seemed like Minamiyamai liked her more than she liked him, even one sided at times. After her secret was revealed her behavior made much more sense and you saw exactly how much Minamiyamai meant to her. That ending was so abrupt bc I really loved every moment the leads were together and wanted to see more of them but I am happy we got to see their timelines collide again as we know they do have a happy ending.

I def recommend this movie if you’re new to Japanese movies/shows and you're a big fan of romance or destiny-trope stuff. I was quite pleased with this and loved the romance aspect here. Am open to watching this again in the future.

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Why is this not a series?????

A short story that you’d wish to be a series…

It’s only 14 minutes but it felt like 3 hours long~ in a short period of time, it made me love their characters and their story already.

There are no kissing or intimate scenes, but the way they look at each other, and treat each other, the place, setting, and music — makes it SO ROMANTIC. This is such a perfect example that not having those kind of stereotype scenes could still make a drama beautiful.

I’d love to see the both of them work in another project again one day. Be it a sequel for this, or a totally new drama series this time.

They got big potential to top the dramas we have to this date. There’s really something about their chemistry.

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