For some, War movies are something to avoid, what with their rampant machismo and gleeful jingoism. It doesn’t matter where in the world said movies originate; this is unquestionably true. With history being unkind to the acts and crimes carried out in the heat of war, a wave of critical, […]
Japan
Toshiaki Toyoda (Blue Spring & Monsters Club)
We’ve had the fun of the annual review, it’s time to get back to business. Joining Rob are show-regular, Graham (Horrified & Pop Screen), and Robert Edwards (YouTube), to talk about cult-Japanese director Toshiaki Toyoda. We talk about his 2001 anti-delinquent movie, Blue Spring. Then, we follow that up by […]
In the Realm of the Senses (1976): legendary arthouse shocker returns, its power undimmed (Review)
2022’s home releases get off to a dynamite start with Criterion UK’s Blu-Ray of this legendary arthouse shocker by Nagisa Oshima, alternatively known as Ai no Corrida but not – despite the persistent mistake – known as In the Realm of the Senses. (The misunderstanding stems from the opening credits, […]
2021 Blow Out: Giants & Toys, Running Against the Wind, Menace II Society, The Millionaires’ Express (REVIEW)
Sailor Suit and Machine Gun (1981) The Cutest Yakuza Film in Town (Review)
Beyond The Infinite Two Minutes (2021) Complex, Thought-Provoking Sci-Fi (Review)
Beyond the Infinite Two Minutes really makes you think it will confuse, confound, and in places make you laugh. It’s billed as a Sci-Fi comedy, but honestly don’t expect laugh-out-loud moments, it’s not that kind of film, there is mild humour which makes it an easy light-hearted watch. Before I go on you need to […]
Toshiaki Toyoda (2005-2021/Part II) Kubozuko & filmmaking with conviction (Review)
Third Window Films released their second edition of boxsets collecting the work of unsung cult Japanese cinema icon, Toshiaki Toyoda, following their previous “early year’s” collection. I previously talked about the 2nd collection yesterday, specifically around the first three movies – Hanging Garden, Day of Destruction and Monster’s Club. The […]
Toshiaki Toyoda (2005-2021) (Part I) Unpredictable, Stylish Japanese Punk Fury (Review)
Snake Girl and the Silver-Haired Witch (1968) Scooby Doo for Adults! (Review)
Daimajin Trilogy (1966) A forgotten kaiju trilogy with a unique shintoist spin (Review)
There are two telling facts that need establishing first and foremost when discussing Arrow Video’s new release of the Daimajin trilogy. The studio landscape for the monster movie was divided between Toho and Daiei. Toho had the spoils with Godzilla and Mothra, whereas Daiei had Gamera and the Daimajin. Secondly, […]