Half Japanese: The Band That Would Be King (1993)

From their underground days recording songs in their bedroom to their rise as one of rock music's most alternative bands, this documentary chronicles Jad and David Fair's formation of Half Japanese.

Director:

Jeff Feuerzeig

Writer:

Jeff Feuerzeig

Stars:

Byron Coley, David Fair, Jad Fair

Cast

Credited cast:
Byron Coley	...	Himself
David Fair
Jad Fair	...	Himself
David Greenberger	...	Himself
Penn Jillette
Maureen Tucker

Storyline

A documentary covering the rise of extremely alternative band Half Japanese: from the early days when Jad and David Fair recorded loud music in their bedroom for distribution via mail order cassette tape, to their contemporary incarnation after David's departure for married life and Jad's increased stature among musicians and critics. Includes interviews with Jad, David, Mo Tucker of Velvet underground fame, and Penn Jillette, who produced an album of theirs.

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Plot Keywords:

independent film | 

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Genres:

Documentary

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

7 October 1993 (USA)

Company Credits

Technical Specs

Runtime:

90 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Connections

Featured in Visionado obligado: The Devil and Daniel Johnston (2012)

User Reviews

Superb documentary on a unique band

I missed this film when it played the Toronto International Film Festival and had found it extremely difficult to locate on video. I recently tracked down a copy on DVD and was floored by the content.

The film is sincere, informed, and very well put together all around. Filled with anecdotes and facts from HJ's history, featuring interviews with Jad and David, Don Fleming, G. Cosley, Maureen Tucker, J & D's Parents, and others.

If you like independent music--or aren't familiar with the genre outside of having heard it exists--check out this film. It will be well worth your time. The DVD also contains their "Live In Hell" video, which is a lot of fun.