The Legend of the Stardust Brothers

Some Japanese films have a reputation for being OTT and this is no exception. The plot is fairly skinny. Two "brothers" form a band and what we see is the rise and fall after they become famous. Nothing extraordinary in terms of plot, what is extraordinary is how it is put together.

We are treated to a car chase scene that is like something out of a Richard Lester film. Coincidentally I'm guessing Beatlemania was an influence as we see a few scenes with hysterical fans. We see a girl in a wedding dress merge with the two brothers and form a giant white ball which bowls down the bad guys chasing them, almost like something out of the cult videogame Katamari Damacy. Early on their is also a weird zombie\monster dance scene reminiscent to Michael Jackson's Thriller, but also predating a lot of music videos I used to watch on MTV.

The film was described as Thriller meets Rocky Horror combined with Bill & Ted. Other than the aforementioned monster scene, the similarities end. That scene could equally be influenced by Japanese writer Rampo, but not many people have heard of him so it wasn't mentioned on the box. With regards Rocky Horror Picture Show, the director has stated he was inspired by the film. It shows in the campness with over-the-top acting and cross-dressing. Then we have Bill & Ted mentioned. Other than it being a buddy comedy and the 50s Rock and Roll throwback hairstyles the similarities end. There is a time travelling car in one scene. This film came out the same year as Back To The Future; probably more of a coincidence than anything else.

The film is camp, cult classic. It won't be for everybody, especially those that like their film a little more vanilla. For me and judging by the score most people it's a riot.