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Envy2071
Reviews
Shuten Douji: Hyoki (1989)
Really cool anime that might not appeal to everyone.
I picked up the first DVD of this series without knowing anything about the original manga or the creator. The first half of this series is really impressive, however (I have yet to locate the second volume). The characters are deep and interesting and leaves one wishing that the producers had made this into a full-length series instead of a four-episode OVA. The plot, revolving around a 15 year old kid finding himself in the middle of a massive demonic conflict over the future of Earth, is cool and really keeps one's attention. Stick with the Japanese soundtrack with English subtitles, because the voice casting for the English soundtrack is rather mediocre at times. A word of warning about content, however. This isn't anime for kids. The violence isn't overly graphic (not up to the gory standard of the likes of Akira) but there is plentiful female nudity, especially in the first episode. I highly recommend this anime fans and anyone with a taste for the supernatural.
Kibakichi: Bakko-yokaiden (2004)
Incredibly weird, but awesome, movie!
I bought the DVD of Kibakichi, used from Blockbuster, simply on a whim. My friends and I were sifting through the racks when the unusual title caught my eye. As soon as I read the summary on the backcover I had to get it! Werewolf samurai? Demonic geishas? Come on, this had to be the most unique film ever created!
This film will definitely not appeal to everybody. I'm a hardcore fan of both samurai flicks and anime, so it probably appealed to me more than most people. The atmosphere of this film is perfect for the mysterious setting (the weather is almost always dark, overcast, and windy). Acting is subdued (you won't find William Shatner here), but strong and suitable for the type of characters involved. The special effects are laughably low-budget, which adds a nice, campy feel to the whole production. One can forgive the shoddy sfx, however, because they supply the only real laughs in the movie. The final battle scene alone is worth the money of buying or renting it. I guarantee that it is something that you have never seen before and never will again. Strangely enough, the werewolf samurai only transforms once, and not during a full-moon either. Only when he is unable to keep his emotions under control.
The bottom line is that this is a very cool, very interesting film that very few people on this side of the Pacific will see. If you like samurai flicks, the fantasy genre, Japanese period films, the supernatural, or are just feeling adventurous, check this one out. Even if you normally watch only conventional Hollywood fare you should give this a go. It'll give you something new to think about (or at least some pretty freakish dreams).
The Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005)
The Exorcist meets Law & Order
The Exorcism of Emily Rose is a courtroom drama/horror movie that was probably conceived with the notion of attracting viewers of both the Sci-Fi Channel and the ever-growing fanbase of crime/courtroom dramas fueled by CourtTV and TNT. The fact that it is a peculiar combination only succeeds in making it all the more riveting. For a movie based on the topic of exorcism, a genre torn apart by dozens of "Exorcist" rip-offs and parodies, TEOER somehow manages to maintain believability. It is supposedly based on a true story, and for once it seems that the filmmakers did not exploit it into an excuse to show explicit violence and buckets of blood and gore. Granted there are demons, and they make up for the majority of the movie's frightening moments. These demons , however, are only seen by Emily, and one never sees them physically attack her or anyone else. From the way Emily writhes and contorts her body, however, it is plain to be seen that the damage is being done on the inside. The acting is fine throughout, though it is a pity that Colm Feore was not given more screen time with his great acting skills. Most people still see him as Andre LiNoge from "Storm of the Century." All in all there is not much in the way scary stuff. The demons are kind of freaky, but the film usually relies on the fear of the unseen to strike fear into its audience. The movie makes the viewer wonder, more than anything else, and think about the probability and the truth to such things as demonic possession and exorcism. It's not a bad way to spent a couple hours, especially in comparison to the other stuff Hollywood's been shoveling out lately.