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Reviews
3-gatsu no raion zenpen (2017)
Excellent adaptation of Chica Umino's classic manga
Sangatsu no lion is a beautiful meditation on depression, grief and the healing power of family. We see our young protagonist Rei Kiriyama, who has been orphaned as a child, taken in by a family friend as a foster child. His foster father teaches Rei shogi (a Japanese game similar to chess). Rei, who is otherwise withdrawn and sometimes uncommunicative, particularly because of abuse from his older foster sister, has embarked on a career as a professional shogi player while still in middle school. The story shows Rei's growth and adjustment and how he finds his place in the world with a neighborhood family who becomes his surrogate family.
The cast does a fine job bringing the characters to life, particularly Ryunosuke Kamiki (Bakuman, Rurouni Kenshin) as Rei. The art direction is excellent and true to the original manga. I wish only that it was easier to find this film on streaming services. This is an excellent live action adaptation of a beloved manga.
Yami no matsuei (2000)
Those who live in darkness, wander aimlessly
Yoko Matsushita's wonderful, offbeat manga is turned into a short, but satisfying animated series. The premise is simple enough: In a bureaucratic underworld, a group of supernatural detectives called Shinigami make certain the dead get where they are supposed to go. These shinigami are themselves dead - having been granted the right to become shinigami due to their unsettled pasts. The series consists of four separate story arcs, in which seemingly mis-matched partners Asato Tsuzuki and Hisoka Kurosaki learn to rely on each other and battle the series' primary villain, the sadistic Dr. Muraki. The animation is quite good, very fluid. The character designs are true to the manga and are excellent. The Japanese voice actors are top-notch. It has been released in North America as Descendants of Darkness and is an enjoyable blend of supernatural action and drama with some comedic overtones to keep things from getting too heavy. If you are looking for anime that offers something outside of the norm, give this series a try. I only hope the producers decide to release a second series covering later books of the manga
Big Trouble (2002)
Big Trouble, Little Shorty
At just under ninety minutes, Big Trouble is short enough that it doesn't overstay it's welcome. Barely. Amusing performances, especially from Stanley Tucci and Dennis Farina, make up for a thin script and labored premise in this film.
Kundun (1997)
A beautiful movie
The story of the fourteenth Dalai Lama might seem an odd subject matter for Martin Scorsese to tackle, but Kundun is definitely not your typical Scorsese film. I have admired and enjoyed Scorsese's movies, but Kundun was so gentle and poetic a film that it is hard to believe that this movie was from the director of Taxi Driver,Raging Bull & GoodFellas. Beautiful cinematography and art direction, fine performances from a cast of(to me at least)unknowns and an apt and at the same time unobtrusive musical score from Philip Glass.
Cactus Flower (1969)
An unexpected delight
I knew next to nothing about this movie until I chanced to rent it. It was a very pleasant surprise. The cast is excellent including Matthau whom I do not normally care for. He makes a credible romantic lead. Hawn is a sweet kook and Bergman is touching as a woman coming out of her shell.
Shichinin no samurai (1954)
An outstanding movie...an absolute classic
This is Kurosawa's masterpiece. The fact that it is in Japanese should not deter people from seeing this movie. It is a wonderful movie that at 3 1/2 hours never overstays its welcome. It is full of energy and humor, beautifully photographed with an outstanding cast that convinces on every level. The subtitles are clear and very easy to follow. The story itself is very accessible and action scenes are some of the very best ever filmed. A must see!